Carbon County wants the voters’ input on whether or not to borrow $10 million to create a program to preserve agricultural and open lands.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners adopted a resolution authorizing a ballot referendum be put on the November general election seeking public input on issuing a $10 million general obligation bond to support the preservation initiative by the Carbon County Agricultural Land Preservation Board. Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein was absent.

The resolution states that the commissioners “deem it to be in the best interest and general welfare of county residents and future generations to acquire land to protect drinking water sources and the water quality of rivers, lakes and streams; to preserve agricultural lands and working farms to help ensure Carbon County has safe, healthy and affordable local food; to protect wildlife habitat, natural area, scenic views and areas like Lehigh Gorge and Blue Mountain for future generations to enjoy; and to provide places for nature education for children.”

The county also recognizes the need to preserve the area since many businesses focus on the natural beauty of the region to support local economies and create jobs.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that if the taxpayers support this bond issue, they would see approximately a $22 increase in their annual county taxes.

Prior to the vote, support came from Dennis DeMara, a lifelong resident of Carbon County who has been instrumental in the conservation and preservation of various natural resources, including developing Mauch Chunk Lake, the Environmental Center and the D&L Trail.

“The need is great and the benefits will last for generations to come,” DeMara said of the bond request. “This is a long-term investment … that could have an amazing positive impact for the county’s future.”

He said that while there are still many steps that must be completed before this unique program would continue the work the preservation board has been doing, this action is a big step in seeing if it is realistic.

DeMara pointed out that Carbon County is known for the Lehigh River, parks, Christmas tree farms and other natural resources, and this initiative would allow that to be better preserved, while allowing for economic growth.

The process to get to this point started over two years ago. Then, Richard Fedor of the Carbon County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, said 24 farms were preserved, but there are still 930 acres of family farms who want to be put on the preservation list. The preservation board did not have funds to do it.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said the board needs the help of the public for this.

“Do they want this?” he asked, adding that he comes from a small farm and is in favor of land preservation.

Lukasevich pointed out that in addition to the commissioners and the Carbon County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, the Carbon Chamber has been a big partner in this initiative.

“It all ties into this ballot measure and ensuring that we maintain a quality of life not only for ourselves, but for our visitors,” he said.

In October, the chamber announced a partnership with The Wildlands Conservancy, Audubon PA, and Natural Lands has created a new committee within the CCEDC entitled the Nature and Commerce Committee as a result of the Return on Environment report that was completed for the county in 2018.

The report focused on how open space greatly contributed to the health of the local economy as well as to a lower cost of living and improved quality of life for Carbon County.

It also expanded a partnership with Kathy Henderson of CCEDC; Dave Bodnar, director of Carbon County Planning and Development; and representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Penn State Cooperative Extension.