News and Notes

PFPA visits Blair County for the Spring Conference!

Participants were invited on the 8th to enjoy a picnic dinner and explore the Blair County Conservation District's newly opened NatureWorksPark.  The business meeting was held on May 9th at the US Hotel - Liberty Hall in Hollidaysburg. Representative Jim Gregory, welcomed the group to the 80th District. Those that planned an extended stay had a tour Blair County preserved farms in Sinking Valley the evening of the 9th followed by a guided tour of Fort Roberdeau, a revolutionary war era site. The festivities wrapped up on the 10th with a visit to the Railroader's Memorial Museum and the World Famous Horseshoe Curve in Altoona.

Above: PFPA members ride the Funicular at the World Famous Horseshoe Curve

Below: Members catch a photo of a westbound Norfolk Southern train at the Horseshoe Curve

Local Hero Award Given to

  Commissioner Terry Tomassetti - Blair County

Pictured (L to R): Matt Knepper, PFPA President; Caroline Wade, AFT MidAtlantic Region Director; Blair County Commissioner Terry Tomassetti; Donna Fisher, Blair County Ag Land Coordinator; Rich Huether, Blair County Ag Specialist

May 2019 - The Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation Association presented Commissioner Terry Tomassetti, enthusiastic supporter of Blair County Farmland Preservation efforts, with the Local Hero Award at the Spring Conference.   This award is given annually to individuals who have provided outstanding leadership in the preservation of farmland across Pennsylvania.

Commissioner Tomassetti was recognized for his funding commitments to the program over his 12 years serving as a County Commissioner and the County representative to the local Ag Land Preservation Board. Annual allocations nearly doubled in his tenure on the board and the most recent allocations averaged over $90,000.  Act 13 funds have allowed for the increases.  Blair County leads the region in Farmland Preservation Efforts and it is due in part to the increased County funding and strong local leadership.

Thank you Commissioner Tomassetti for supporting Blair County’s Number 1 Industry - Agriculture and protecting our agricultural resources. 

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