Members of Rockingham County’s Cross Keys Agricultural and Forestal District (AFD) are currently being given the opportunity to renew, add, or withdraw parcels of land from the district. During this review for renewal process, adjacent landowners are also invited to join the district to take advantage of the benefits that Agricultural and Forestal Districts offer. These rural conservation areas reserve land for the production of agricultural products and timber, maintain open space land as an important economic and environmental resource, and contribute to the rural character and appeal of Rockingham County.
The Cross Keys AFD is generally located at the intersection of Cross Keys Road and Pleasant Valley Road and is one of eight Agricultural and Forestal Districts in the County. Originally established as two Districts (North Cross Keys and South Cross Keys) in 2001, the Cross Keys AFD includes 78 parcels totaling 2,060 acres. Agricultural and Forestal Districts are established by a landowner or group of landowners--as a mutual undertaking with the local government--and continue with the land if sold. Landowners agree not to convert their farm, forestal land, and other open space lands to commercial, industrial, or residential uses while the District is in effect. In return, the County and Commonwealth agree not to take actions or make infrastructure investments that would lead to the conversation of land to more intense land uses.
Contact the County’s Department of Community Development by April 15 for more information on how to add and withdraw land. The district can be viewed on the County’s GIS Mapping System.