On April 16, 2020, Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) celebrated a milestone - the organization turned 30 years old. It was on this date in 1990 that NPC was officially incorporated. A lot went on behind the scenes building up to this founding, including a chance encounter between two founding members on a paddling trip gone awry down Pine Creek; a public read more
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May
2
May
DCNR Announces Plan for Reopening Some State Park, Forest Facilities
On May 2, 2020, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced a phased reopening of state park and forest facilities in keeping with Governor Wolf’s direction to ensure that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to safely enjoy outdoor recreation as a way to maintain positive physical and mental health. “As the weather read more
1
May
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Remains Closed
On April 30, 2020, the world-famous and privately-owned Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been and remains closed, Sanctuary officials stated, and will remain so until data shows the spread of COVID-19 has reached safer levels. “We don’t have an exact date, but the staff meets frequently, coordinates with the board, and makes science-based, data-driven decisions. We intend to be read more
1
May
Photography Contest for the Upper Delaware River Region
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce its third annual juried photo contest for the Upper Delaware River region, open to professional and amateur photographers. “Nature Heals: Restore, Renew, Reconnect” invites photographers to capture striking nature-inspired photos in five categories: landscape, wildlife, macro, water, and, new this year, a youth category read more
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April
The Virtual Outdoors
Virtual Wildflower Walk - Manada Conservancy https://vimeo.com/411827312 Lunch & Learn: The Value of Our Parks and Forests - Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKs2o3NTgrw read more
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April
PPP Loan Forgiveness
Article from the Walz Group. As we continue to work through the various aspects of the CARES Act and related PPP loans, many of you have been asking about the forgiveness components of the Act. We are here to help you plan for the coming weeks by offering our assistance and some tools for navigating the forgiveness portion of the PPP Loans. We know that you will be balancing read more
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April
Changes Posted to Model Grant of Conservation Easement
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has finalized changes to four provisions in the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants. PALTA also has made various updates and improvements to the commentary including two new supplemental provisions: “Providing for Alternative Minimal Protection Areas” and “Explicitly Addressing Changes in Conditions.” The read more
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April
Model Grant of Conservation Easement: How It Works and Can Work For You
New webinar series featuring Pat Pregmon of Pregmon Law Offices You can register for any or all of the following webinars. May 13: Recording - The Roadmap to Conservation and Tax Deductibility (focus on article 1) May 20: Recording - Planning for the Future (focus on article 2 and stewardship funding arrangements) May 27: Recording - Preserving Natural Habitat and read more
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April
Amazon Commits $10 Million to Restore and Conserve 4 Million Acres of Forest in the Appalachians and other U.S. Regions in Partnership with The Nature Conservancy
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- On April 21, 2020, Amazon announced a $10 million grant to conserve, restore, and support sustainable forestry, wildlife and nature-based solutions across the Appalachian Mountains, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy. Nature-based solutions refer to the sustainable management and use of nature for tackling challenges such as removing carbon read more
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April
The Nature Conservancy Protects 232 Acres Along Pennsylvania’s Kittatinny Ridge
The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware announced on April 23, 2020 that it has acquired 232 acres of forest in Letterkenny Township, with financial assistance from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. The property will be transferred to the Bureau of Forestry and become read more
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April
WPC Protects Westmoreland County Farmland on Earth Day to Lease to Local Farmers
On April 22, 2020 the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced the purchase of 27 acres of farmland in South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, near New Stanton, that will soon be available for lease to local farmers as part of the Conservancy’s Farmland Access Initiative. The initiative connects farmers seeking to grow crops or raise livestock with affordable read more
22
April
50 Ways of Action and Celebration for the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
While we can't get together to celebrate the earth on this Earth Day, there are still many ways in which we can celebrate and take action for the planet. That's why for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we've compiled a list of 50 activities, actions, challenges, and tips that will help you to celebrate and take care of the earth today and every day. Go zero waste! Cut read more
22
April
Shannon Gority named Executive Director of PA Office of CBF
Shannon Gority has been named Executive Director of the Pennsylvania office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). CBF, founded in 1967, is the largest independent conservation organization dedicated to reducing pollution and restoring waterways for the benefit of local communities and the Chesapeake Bay. For almost 35 years, CBF has been working in Pennsylvania to clean and read more
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April
French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Preserves 31 Acre Farm
On April 17, 2020, French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust announced that a 31 acre farm in East Coventry Township has been permanently preserved. Thanks to the DiBono family and funding from East Coventry Township, this scenic viewshed and keeping the rural nature of the area intact, the farm will provide benefits to the entire region. The DiBonos have established a read more
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April
French Creek Valley Conservancy Receives Scarlett Property Donation
In April 2020, it was announced that Ted and Sally Scarlett of Edinboro donated 110 acres in Washington Township, Erie County to French Creek Valley Conservancy through a Life Estate. The Scarletts purchased a portion of the property to prevent its development as a gravel mine, protecting this unique habitat along the north end of Edinboro Lake. At great personal read more
