Michaux State Forest

In 2010, the Fund completed the transfer of the 2,500-acre Tree Farm #1 property in Hamiltonban Township, Adams County, to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), completing a two-year partnership involving federal, state, and local governments, private organizations and the citizens of Adams County. In March 2008, The Conservation Fund had purchased 2,500 acres of forestland–known as the Tree Farm #1, or Mount Hope, property–from Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company. The goal was to add it to the Michaux State Forest in Hamiltonban Township, Adams County.

“The 85,000-acre Michaux State Forest is one of the largest intact forests between Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. We are thrilled to add the Tree Farm property to our system, particularly in an area that faces great pressure from development.”

- John Quigley, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary

For years, Tree Farm #1 was Glatfelter’s flagship property among thousands of acres of land holdings in the mid-Atlantic region. It abuts the Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, serves as a buffer to the popular Appalachian Trail corridor and lies within the viewshed of Gettysburg National Park. It sits at the headwaters of much of western Adams County’s water supply and its protection will help provide clean air and water to county residents. Increased opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing and other forms of recreation, combined with on-site sustainable forest management by DCNR, will provide a long-term boost to the local economy.

Challenge

When Tree Farm #1 was marketed in late 2007, strong interest from potential buyers led to concern that it would sell quickly. Current zoning would have allowed for the construction of approximately 500 homes on-site. Many felt that the property’s watershed, plant and animal habitat and recreational value made it unsuitable for development. The loss of forestland for source water protection and the potential cost of having to provide services for development on-site caused concern among Hamiltonban and neighboring municipal officials.

Solution

At the request of local, regional and state partners, the Fund provided critical “bridge” financing for the purchase, and has agreed to hold the property until other public and private funding can be raised to transfer the land to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania for public stewardship. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry managed and patrolled the site during the Fund’s interim ownership. Sen. Specter, along with Sen. Bob Casey and Rep. Todd Platts, supported this project in Congress and secured $3.5 million through the federal Forest Legacy program. Adams County provided $3.7 million from the Water & Land Protection Bond, which Adams County voters overwhelmingly passed in 2008. The commonwealth contributed $4 million through the Growing Greener II program and the Pittsburg-based Richard King Mellon Foundation provided $2 million. Contributions from local municipalities and private donations secured by the Land Conservancy of Adams County and The Nature Conservancy totaled more than $130,000.

Results

With the transfer of the property to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by the Fund in 2010, the property is now part of the Michaux State Forest. The forest provides clean water and air as well as opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreational activities that will improve the quality of life and provide significant economic benefits in the region.