Glatfelter Forest, DE

Pines and freshwater streams of the Glatfelter Forest, which encompasses the headwaters of the Nanticoke River and straddles the Delaware and Chesapeake Bay watersheds, have for centuries safeguarded wildlife habitat, enhanced water quality, and provided jobs for local residents.

“This purchase helps fulfill one of the major pillars of my Livable Delaware agenda by preserving forestland and open space. With this generous donation and statewide cooperation to preserve our precious land resources, Delaware residents can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these forestlands for many years to come."

- Ruth Ann Minner, Governor, State of Delaware

Summary

Beginning in 2004, The Conservation Fund came together with the State of Delaware and many other partners as part of a three-year, multi-phased project that has protected more than 5,000 acres of forest habitat in Delaware to date.

Challenge

Today thousands of acres of privately owned forestland across Delaware are for sale, jeopardizing the state’s unique character and way of life. With so much at stake, protection of key forestland is one of the region’s most important land conservation priorities.

Solution

With support from Governor Minner’s Livable Delaware Initiative, The Conservation Fund joined with the state of Delaware, and many other partners to secure some of the most environmentally sensitive areas within the forest. Delaware's congressional delegation helped secure vital funds through the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program and the Mt. Cuba Center provided a grant of more than $10 million to protect a portion of these lands.

Results

In late 2007, the State of Delaware announced the acquisition of an additional 1,100 acres of forest habitat in Sussex County, Delaware, bringing the total acres protected over 3 years to more than 5,000. The visionary project preserves a portion of the forests as managed timberland and creates new opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing in conjunction with the Redden State Forest and the Department of Natural Resources’ Fish and Wildlife Division.