The Land Evaluation Site Assessment model (LESA) has been around since the early 1980’s providing local governments a planning tool with the ability to define lands most suitable for agricultural preservation.  As agricultural preservation and the Smart Growth movement have gained in popularity, the LESA model has become one of the most highly utilized models in defining and prioritizing lands for agricultural preservation programs.  One inherent problem with the model has been the inordinate amount of time it takes to calculate a LESA score for a particular parcel or farm let alone for an entire region however; this problem no longer exists.  Recently, Bennett & Williams has developed a mechanized LESA model utilizing GIS technology, capable of providing LESA score calculations “on the fly” for individual parcels, farms, or watersheds; or by governmental units such as townships, counties, or even regions. 

          This new planning tool has been developed in support of three current planning projects in Ohio.  The proposed Fairfield County Development Plan utilizes outputs from the LESA model as the foundation of their Future Land Use Plan, having designated the top 50% of LESA scoring parcels located outside existing Urban Service Areas for agricultural preservation purposes.  Bennett & Williams has also developed a second model for use in counties where digital parcel coverages are not currently available.  Through the use of an artificial grid, superimposed over a geographic boundary such as a county, LESA mechanization is now available for jurisdictions throughout the country.

For additional information regarding LESA contact:

Tim DeWitt, Director of GIS Planning Services at 800-635-3810.   If you would like to request information online please use the request form