What is a Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) System?

The Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) system is an analytical tool to help decision makers systematically assess and identify prime agricultural lands through the use of a consistent rating scheme. Land classification systems have been in use since the 1930s in the United States. The current model LESA system was developed in 1971. Nationally, over 200 LESA systems are in use by various state and local governments. Locally, Lewis and Clark County and Flathead County have each developed a localized LESA system.

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