The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced today the permanent protection of a 22-acre property in Cook Township, Westmoreland County through a donated conservation easement from property owners Michael Blehar and Beth Evans. The Ligonier Valley property includes 1,000 feet of frontage on Fourmile Run, a tributary to Loyalhanna Creek – a popular 50-mile trout fishery read more
3
February
24
January
DCNR Seeking Comment on Draft ATV Trail Policy
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) this week will outline proposed changes to its internal policy on ATV trails on state forest lands to the Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council for public comment. Pennsylvania currently has more than 260 miles of ATV trails in state forests. The department is reviewing its policy to respond to read more
24
January
DCNR Grants Available for Parks, Recreation, and Conservation
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn is reminding local governments and recreation and conservation organizations that grant applications are now being accepted for recreation and conservation projects. “Outdoor recreation and healthier living close to home are just two of the many benefits to be funded through these grants for local read more
13
January
Pennsylvania Names the Ghost Town Trail as 2020 Trail of the Year
On January 13, 2020, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the Ghost Town Trail has been named Pennsylvania’s 2020 Trail of the Year. “Rich with the history of railroading and former coal mining towns along its 46-mile route, the Ghost Town Trail, like so many rail trails throughout Pennsylvania, captures the spirit of an read more
6
January
Heritage Conservancy Helps Preserve 55-Acre Farm
Working in partnership with Richland Township in Bucks County, Heritage Conservancy facilitated the preservation of 55 acres of land in the Quakertown area owned by Kathy and Lee Clymer. The Clymer Farm contains agricultural fields, pastures, a portion of the Tohickon Creek, forested areas, and a pond, and it is currently being utilized as an equestrian farm. Located read more
3
January
Lancaster Farmland Trust Preserves Two Farms
On January 3, staff from Lancaster Farmland Trust met with the Stoltzfoos family to sign paperwork and add the family's two farms—42 acres and 22 acres—to the growing list of preserved farms in Lancaster County. The Stoltzfoos homestead is found on the smaller property, bordered by their 42-acre farm to the north. The house and barns are home to the family, their small herd read more
20
December
Lancaster Farmland Trust Preserves 72-Acre Fisher Farm
Salisbury Township, along Lancaster County’s eastern border, is home to the newest preserved farm in the county. On December 20, staff from Lancaster Farmland Trust (LFT) met at the Fisher family farm to sign paperwork and add their 72-acre farm to the growing list of preserved farms in Lancaster County. Bisected by a small tributary to Pequea Creek, the Fisher farm is a read more
19
December
General Assembly Honors Lancaster Conservancy
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate recognized the Lancaster Conservancy in honor of its 50th anniversary with a citation from both chambers. The citations were presented to the Conservancy's executive committee by representatives David Zimmerman, Michael Sturla, and Brett Miller, and senator Scott Martin. “Land protection requires strong partnerships read more
19
December
Penn State–ClearWater Conservancy Partnership Takes Shape
Almost exactly a year after Penn State University President Eric Barron announced the university’s plan to investigate ways to conserve land it owns in the Musser Gap area in State College near University Park campus, Barron said on December 18 that Penn State is moving forward with conserving 355 acres for environmental protection and natural recreation. The plan was read more
16
December
Lancaster Farmland Trust Preserves Two Family Farms
On December 16, staff from Lancaster Farmland Trust (LFT) met at the Stoltzfus family farm to sign paperwork and add their two farms—59 acres and 11 acres—to the growing list of preserved farms in Lancaster County. In quiet, picturesque southern Lancaster County, you’ll find these two farms along an unassuming country road. The larger farm is home to a small dairy herd, some read more
16
December
NFWF Announces Nearly $1 Million in Stewardship Grants in Pennsylvania
On December 10, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced more than $1.5 million in Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program grants to restore forest and freshwater habitat in central Appalachia, including Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The grants will generate more than $1.8 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of more read more
13
December
Lancaster Farmland Trust Preserves 57-Acre Farm
Martic Township, in the river hills of southern Lancaster County, is home to the newest preserved farm in the county. This afternoon, staff from Lancaster Farmland Trust (LFT) met at the Norton farm to sign paperwork and add their 57-acres to the growing list of preserved farms in Lancaster County. Nestled at the end of a long driveway, the farm is home to horses, read more
13
December
Pennsylvania Preserves 30 Farms, 2,763 Acres
On December 12, Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board safeguarded 2,763 additional acres on 30 farms in 16 counties through the state’s nation-leading farmland preservation program. The state board, in partnership with county boards, ended the year by preserving 210 farms (17,817 acres)–the highest number of farms in a decade. “This collaboration of state, read more
12
December
Wildlands Conservancy Protects Nine Acres Along Lehigh River
In early December 2019, Wildlands Conservancy announced the permanent protection of 9.2 acres of property along the Lehigh River in the Lehigh Valley. Situated in Washington Township, Lehigh County, the riverfront property straddles the D&L Trail. Wildlands purchased the property with cooperation from Edwin L. Berger for immediate transfer to Lehigh read more
3
December
DHC and Partners Protect 3,600 Acres
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce that 3,683 acres of forestland have now been permanently protected in Pike County. Three hunt clubs—Mink Pond Club, Maskenozha Rod and Gun Club, and Lehman Lake Rod and Gun Club—together form the Northeast Connection: thousands of contiguous, unfragmented acres of forests, lakes, and wetlands along the Little Bushkill read more
