Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence) today announced that the Erie County Legislature has approved the 8-year review of the Alden, Clarence, Newstead (EC#1) and the Clarence, Newstead (EC#14) Agricultural Districts. Erie County's agricultural districts must be reviewed and re-certified every eight years, and the Legislature's recent action now starts the process.

      "For the past eight years, these two agricultural district have protected our precious farmland and vast natural resources," said Ranzenhofer. "It is important that we monitor the success of the agricultural protection to ensure that we get optimal results."

     Ranzenhofer noted that the total territory of farmland protected in the boundaries of these two districts is 46,426 acres. Any municipality whose territory encompasses these districts may propose a modification under the review. In addition, any landowner who owns at least ten percent (10%) of the land in the proposed modification of a district - either a proposal to include or delete land in a district - may propose modification.

      "This type of agricultural protection will ensure the dynamic scope and natural beauty that our rural areas provide to residents," added Ranzenhofer. "It is important that this review take place and that all affected parties have the opportunity to be a part of the process."

     A copy of an Agricultural District map containing both districts is on file for public viewing in the Erie County Clerks' office, as well as the Alden, Clarence and Newstead Town Halls. Any proposed modifications must be filed with the Erie County Clerk and the Clerk of the Erie County Legislature within 30 days. After the 30-day review, the Agricultural Districts will be referred to the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning and the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board for a report and recommendations.

     For more information regarding the review of the two Agricultural Districts, please contact Legislator Ranzenhofer's District Office at 631-8695.