About the Agricultural Land Preservation Board (ALPB)

The ALPB was established in 1989 by the Chester County Board of Commissioners to administer the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, as created through PA Act 43, P.L. 128, No. 43, the Agricultural Security Area Law, as amended.

The ALPB is a nine-member board appointed by the Chester County Board of Commissioners. Current board members are: Melba Matthews, Chairman; Don Cairns, Vice Chairman; Duane Hershey, Secretary; John Diament; Richard Abbott; Amy McKenna; Mark Dunphy; Bill Covaleski; and Eli Silberman. Thomas Abrahamsen is the solicitor for the board.

If interested in serving on the ALPB, please send a resume and letter of interest to Chester County Department of Open Space Preservation Director, Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, Suite 390, West Chester, PA 19380.

The ALPB meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except for November and December, when they meet on the 3rd Tuesday) at 2 p.m. at the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester. The public is invited to attend and has the opportunity to be heard in the public comment section of the meeting.

ALPB Mission Statement


The Agricultural Land Preservation Board administers the Commonwealth Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program. The easement programs assure preservation of viable agricultural lands in order to protect the agricultural economy and resources of the County.

ALPB 2019 Meeting Schedule


Government Services Center
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA
2 p.m.

Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month unless otherwise noted.
January 22 - Room 250 July 23 - Room 175
February 26 - Room 175 August 27 - Room 175
March 26 - Room 175 September 24 - Room 175
April 23 - Room 175 October 22 - Room 175
May 28 - Room 175 November 19 (third Tuesday) - Room 175
June 25 - Room 175 December 17 (third Tuesday) - Room 175

ALPB Meeting Minutes


2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014