December 6, 2007
Contact:
Michael Cianfrone, mcianfrone@stargroup1.com, 215.875.4361
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, vvaughan@conservationfund.org, 703.908.5809
Dover, DE — The State of Delaware today announced the acquisition of 1,100 acres of forest habitat in Sussex County, Delaware, as part of a three-year, multi-phased project that has protected more than 5,000 acres of forest habitat to date. The property, which was previously owned by Glatfelter Pulpwood Company, was purchased with the support of The Conservation Fund and grants from Mt. Cuba Center, the State of Delaware, the Delaware Congressional delegation and the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program.
“This purchase helps fulfill one of the major pillars of my Livable Delaware agenda by preserving forestland and open space,” said Governor Ruth Ann Minner. “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.
The property, which was purchased for $12.8 million, consists of some of the last intact forest areas in Delaware and provides critical wildlife habitat as well as water quality protection. The newly protected land is also vital to both the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay watersheds.
“This landmark endeavor by The Conservation Fund, Mt. Cuba Center, the State of Delaware, the Delaware Congressional delegation and U.S. Forest Service represents the largest forest protection effort in the state’s history,” said Blaine T. Phillips, Jr., Mid-Atlantic Director of The Conservation Fund. “Our partners were able to rally for this cause which will preserve several key pieces of land for future generations to enjoy. We look forward to continuing to work with them to further conservation efforts throughout Delaware.”
In support of this initiative, the Mt. Cuba Center, located in Hockessin, Delaware, contributed a grant of more than $10 million to help acquire the property.
“The Mt. Cuba Center has committed itself to preserving open space, and we wanted to get behind a cause that would make a real impact in Delaware,” said Charlie Copeland, Vice President of the Board for the Mt. Cuba Center. “Clearly this project required a tremendous effort by all parties involved and we are very happy with the outcome. We believe this growing partnership has tremendous potential for the future.”
Earlier this year, the United States Congress approved funding legislation that included critical federal appropriations for the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program. As a result of the Delaware delegation’s support for the bill, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) was able to provide approximately $2 million toward the purchase of the property through its Forest Legacy Program. “With less than 1/3 of Delaware’s land area in forests and much of those forests becoming increasingly fragmented, it is vital for the U.S. Forest Service to help Delaware promote forest management on the large blocks of forestland that remain,” said Larry Mastic, Deputy Area Director for the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Legacy Program supports State efforts to protect environmentally sensitive forest lands. Since 2004, the USFS has provided more than $8.9 million to help Delaware protect over 2,000 acres of forest habitat.
“Sussex County is now the fastest-growing county on the eastern seaboard,” noted E. Austin Short III, Delaware State Forester. “Every acre is critical for maintaining a balance between economic development and protecting what little open space we have left.”
The property will be managed for timber production, wildlife habitat and recreational activities. Of the 1,100 acres, 753 acres will be managed by the Department of Natural Resources’ Fish and Wildlife Division with the remaining 347 acres becoming part of the Redden State Forest.
The Mt. Cuba Center is a 650-acre, non-profit horticultural institution set in the rolling hills of northern Delaware. Our spectacular woodland wildflower gardens are recognized as the regions finest and are the inspiration for all of Mt. Cuba Center’s horticultural, education, research and conservation initiatives. The Mt. Cuba Center is dedicated to the study, conservation, and appreciation of plants native to the Appalachian Piedmont region through garden display, education, and research.
The U.S. Forest Service, through the Forest Legacy Program (FLP), recognizes that intact forest lands supply timber products, wildlife habitat, soil and watershed protection, aesthetics, and recreational opportunities. FLP is a Federal program which supports State efforts to protect environmentally-sensitive forest lands through conservation easements and property acquisition. FLP is an entirely voluntary program that administers grants in partnership with states, local governments and land trusts, communities and private organizations to carry out conservation efforts.
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