March 27, 2008
Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809, vvaughan@conservationfund.org
Harrisburg, PA – The people of Pennsylvania are one step closer to enjoying a large addition to the Michaux State Forest in Hamiltonban Township, Adams County. The Conservation Fund announced today that it has purchased 2,500 acres of forestland – known as the Tree Farm #1, or Mount Hope, property – from Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company. The land is adjacent to Michaux State Forest and serves as a buffer to the popular Appalachian Trail corridor. It also lies within the viewshed of Gettysburg National Park and abuts Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve.
At the request of local, regional and state partners, the Fund provided critical “bridge” financing for the $12.5 million 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 will manage and patrol the site during the Fund’s interim ownership; however, the property must remain closed to the public until it is transferred.
The Fund will be building a coalition including federal partners, DCNR, Adams County, townships and boroughs throughout the region, nonprofits such as the Land Conservancy of Adams County and The Nature Conservancy, and local citizens to raise the purchase price and project costs by the end of 2008.
When Tree Farm #1 was marketed in late 2007, strong interest from potential buyers lead to concern that it would sell quickly. Many felt that the property’s watershed, plant and animal habitat and recreational value made it unsuitable for development. Current zoning would allow for the construction of approximately 500 homes on-site. “This property has high conservation value, and many people in Adams County want to see it conserved for hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation,” said Todd McNew, Pennsylvania representative for the Fund. “Folks expressed interest in purchasing the property for conservation; however, they were unable to quickly raise sufficient funds to submit a bid for the property – we felt compelled to act.”
McNew indicated that the Fund’s initial acquisition is just the first step to ensure the land is protected for the long-term. “The Fund borrowed money for this purchase – now we must work to recoup the cost of the project so that we have the ability to quickly purchase the next critically-endangered property, wherever it may be.”
The Fund will own the property until money can be raised for its transfer to DCNR as an addition to Michaux State Forest. “This acquisition will help us enhance what we treasure in Pennsylvania – our beautiful forests, streams and natural areas,” DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. “Adding this piece of Pennsylvania’s great outdoors to our state forest system will mean we are able to conserve the headwaters of two high quality cold-water streams, and permanently secure the site for the public in a region of the state facing high growth pressure from the south.” DiBerardinis added that these lands constitute a visible face for South Mountain for those approaching the 400,000-acre mountain range.
The coalition of partners has begun to raise awareness and support for the project and secure funds. Dick Mountfort, president of the Land Conservancy of Adams County, stated: “We support conservation of the Glatfelter Tree Farm and plan to provide assistance where able. In our 11 years, we have never heard more concern from citizens about the protection of a specific property than we have for these 2,500 acres.”
County Commissioner George Weikert echoed this concern. “The Glatfelter tract is a valuable resource to all the residents of Adams County. It is at the headwaters of Adams County’s pristine water supply and it helps provide clean air and outdoor recreation resources to many county residents. The Commissioners are very pleased that The Conservation Fund has stepped forward to take the lead in the preservation of this large parcel of County open greenspace. The County Commissioners look forward to working with The Fund to promote land conservation in Adams County.”
The loss of forestland for source water protection and the potential cost of having to provide services for development on-site has caused concern among Hamiltonban and neighboring municipal officials. “Hamiltonban Township is extremely pleased to hear that the property may be conserved,” said Township Supervisor Coleen N. Reamer. “We recognize the importance of this land as a water and ecological resource for our township, our neighboring townships and boroughs and also Adams County.”
Other conservation partners shared Supervisor Reamer’s concerns. “This is exactly the type of project that interests The Nature Conservancy,” explained Bill Kunze, Pennsylvania state director for the Conservancy. “This is a large parcel with high conservation value due to its diversity of species and its proximity to the central Appalachian mountains, a region that is one of our top global conservation priorities. It is also an opportunity for local organizations to join together with The Conservation Fund to buy land from a willing seller for the benefit of the community and long-term conservation.”
For years, Tree Farm #1 has been Glatfelter’s flagship property among thousands of acres of land holdings in the mid-Atlantic region. Thomas V. Bosley, vice president and general manager of Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company, stressed the company’s satisfaction in working with the Fund to conserve the property. “Recognized for responsible forestry management for many years, Glatfelter is pleased to collaborate with the Fund for the benefit of future generations. Environmental responsibility is a core value at Glatfelter and a key element of our sustainability philosophy,” said Bosley. “We share a common approach with The Conservation Fund to balance environmental and economic goals and objectives and we appreciate their efforts.”
Dubbed the "biological crossroads of North America," Big Thicket attracts hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy its lush forests, cypress swamps, creeks and bayous. We now have the opportunity to protect the forests of Big Thicket and celebrate the cultural and historic treasures of the Texas Pineywoods region.
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