DECEMBER 2019 CPC ENEWS
SEASONS GREETINGS and warm wishes for joyous, peaceful, and memorable holiday!
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Above and Right (below):
Drone Photos by James Shope, Clarks Valley resident
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CPC Awarded DCNR grant to Acquire 404-acre, Peter's Mountain Tract on the Appalachian Trail in Dauphin County
CPC is working closely with landowner, Flemish Down, to purchase a 404-acre, mountain parcel on Peter's Mountain via bargain sale acquisition. This is an incredibly scenic section of the Appalachian Trail featuring Table Rock View, the Peter's Mountain shelter and nearby natural spring, the historic Victoria Trail, and connections to DCNR's Joe Ibberson Conservation Area and State Game Lands #211. DCNR recently announced the grant award that will enable CPC to complete the acquisition at a 50% bargain sale price in 2020, agreed to by Flemish Down landowner, Mike Blum, who remarks:
These 404 acres comprise the majority of a parcel purchased by my wife’s great-grandfather, William E. Bailey, of Harrisburg, in about 1916, and the family has been proud owners of it ever since.
It is wonderful to get all of the historic Victoria Trail under public ownership.
This Trail saw buggy and wagon traffic within distant memory, and driving traffic within the memory of many living in and near the valley now.
We love this beautiful land, and we are happy to see it go for public use.
CPC worked with Flemish Down landowner Mike Blum and land manager Josh First on a previous, successful project--a 20-acre riparian buffer acquisition along nearby Clark's Creek, which was acquired by CPC and conveyed over to PA Fish & Boat Commission in 2010-11.
Josh First, who is president of Appalachian Land & Conservation Services LLC, Flemish Down’s land manager and representative in the transaction, notes:
This project adds up to an especially high return for the public. Joe Ibberson was a friend of mine, and long ago we had talked about adding this part of Flemish Down to his own public lands conservation legacy. Well, we did it, Joe, thanks to Flemish Down, DCNR, and CPC.
This property provides critical connections for publicly-protected land on the Kittatinny Ridge on an especially scenic section of the Appalachian Trail. CPC looks forward to providing additional detail on this exciting project in the coming months as it unfolds. In the meantime, we express our gratitude for Flemish Down's very generous donation and conservation ethic. As always, we couldn't pursue projects like this without the consistent support from DCNR's Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key 93) and its Community Conservation Partnerships Program (CPC's lead grant source for acquisitions and easement projects).
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APRIL 26, 2020
Ironmaster's Challenge
50k Ultra and 15k Trail Runs~
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To register,
click here. Or,
Learn More about this festive, springtime trail event that benefits CPC.
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CPC Easement Property in Juniata County up for Auction
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A Juniata County tract of 177 acres and subject to a conservation easement held by CPC, will be auctioned next month. It's comprised of quality oak and pine forest, small fields/foodplots, and a stream running through the center. A secluded location ten minutes from boat access on the Susquehanna River, State Game Lands #258, stores in Liverpool, and Route 15, the property is likely to be a great deal for a large tract, perfect for hunting.
Construction of a 1,000-sq ft. cabin or residence, or facilities to support an RV, are permitted inside a one-acre Minimal Protection Area off of Chubb Hollow Road. Holder can assist in implementing sustainable forestry for game habitat and long-term return.
Click here
for the auction flyer. Please be in contact with
Ben Mummert
on the CPC staff for further detail about the conservation easement.
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See Our 2019 Annual Report! Make Your Year End Gift to Support CPC Today!
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Last month, CPC mailed its annual report of accomplishments for 2019 to members and partners. If you did not receive,
click here to view the report.
Don't miss the highlights from our strategic plan, the recap of CPC's work at the Ironmaster's Mansion, an update on the Letort Spring Garden Preserve, and easement and acquisition highlights this year. We recently closed our first conservation easement in Franklin County, with additional properties prioritized there for protection in the years to come. In 2019, CPC completed 3 conservation easements and one fee simple transfer acquisition, in addition to completing our stewardship obligations on already-protected land, advancing goals for the Letort Spring Garden Preserve, and completing a strategic plan for future organizational growth.
Thank you to members who responded with their year end support, and if you haven't, please consider a donation to a great cause! You may complete and mail-in the attached
donation form, or
donate online. We rely on our member support to continue advancing our key mission to acquire, preserve, and protect local land and natural resources in South Central PA. Thank you for your support of strategic, local land conservation efforts!
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Master Watershed Steward Program Seeks Participants--A Great Service and Learning Opportunity!
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The Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward (MWS) Program in Cumberland County will be training its first class in spring 2020. To learn more, attend 1 of the informational sessions!
Prospective Stewards will learn about the program costs, commitment, curriculum and structure.
Dates/Times:
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 7:00 pm
Dates/Times
: Tuesday, January 28, 2020 7:00 pm
Location:
Cumberland Services Center — Allen Road Campus 310 Allen Road, Carlisle, Pa. 17013, Room PS3
Master Watershed Stewards volunteer in their community to improve the health of our streams, rivers and other natural resources by:
- Teaching adults and children about water quality, wildlife habitat and the environment
- Developing educational material
- Organizing and conducting educational events, stream clean-ups, and invasive plant removal projects
- Designing and maintaining demonstration gardens
- Conducting stream monitoring projects and research
- Researching and writing newsletter and online articles
- Partnering with municipal officials on projects, such as bioswales, raingardens, native meadows and other green stormwater management
For more information, review the
informational flier
and
a tri-fold
. Please share with family and friends that may be interested becoming a Master Watershed Steward.
For more information and to register please contact Holly Smith at 717.240.6505 or
[email protected]
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