Public Notice

Public Notice Department of Agriculture Aglands Preservation and Planning Statutory Authority: 3 Delaware Code, Sections 931-941 (3 Del. C. §§ 931-941) 3 DE Admin. Code 702 PROPOSED PUBLIC NOTICE 702 Regulations Governing the Delaware Agricultural Forestlands Preservation Program SUMMARY In compliance with the State's Administrative Procedures Act (APA – Title 29, Chapter 101 of the Delaware Code) and under the authority of Title 3 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 9, Sections 901-949 (3 Del.C. §§901-949), the Agricultural Lands Preservation Foundation (the "Foundation") is proposing amendments to regulations governing the Delaware Agricultural Forestlands Preservation Program. The regulations are being revised to clarify and update provisions allowing the State Forester to extend forest management plans where no changes are needed and explicitly authorize the State Forester to delegate decision-making responsibilities to staff. The amendments also refine and clarify restrictions on the use of lands within Forestland Preservation Areas to ensure consistency with statutory requirements and conservation goals. In addition, the regulations simplify and streamline the process for submitting and reviewing alternative appraisals as part of the Easement purchase process. Other changes are typographical. COMMENTS A copy of the proposed regulations is being published in the December 1, 2025, edition of the Delaware Register of Regulations. A copy is also on file in the office of the Department of Agriculture, 2320 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, Delaware 19901, and is available for inspection during regular office hours. Copies are also published online at the Register of Regulations website: http://regulations.delaware.gov/services/current_issues.html. A public hearing will be held on December 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the conference room of the Department of Agriculture, 2320 S Dupont Hwy, Dover, Delaware 19901. Persons wishing to submit written comments may forward these to the Foundation at the above address. In accordance with 29 Del.C. §10118(a), written comments will be accepted until January 15, 2025. The Board will deliberate on all the public comments at its regularly scheduled meeting. December 10 2025 LDOV0419401