Shared by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, March 28, 2024
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy introduced at present the donation of a conservation easement from The Conservation Fund on greater than 19,800 acres of forestland alongside the Clarion River in Elk County and Kinzua Creek in McKean County.
This conservation venture, referred to as the Clarion Junction Conservation Easement, supplies long-term safety of forested lands in Elk and McKean counties, whereas preserving them in non-public possession and permitting public entry. These lands embody sweeping ridges and scenic hardwood forests of purple and sugar maple, black cherry, yellow and black birch, purple oak and japanese hemlock. There are forested riparian areas alongside the West Department Clarion River, East Department Clarion River, the principle department of the Clarion River, and lots of high-quality tributaries that help wild trout.
The easement protects the conservation values of property that’s surrounded by and in addition an essential connection between state forest lands, state recreation lands and the Allegheny Nationwide Forest. Together with the close by public lands, these lands supply residents and guests alternatives for fishing, mountain climbing, looking and wildlife watching on this pure and picturesque PA Wilds area that pulls 1000’s of vacationers yearly.
The Conservancy’s conservation easement will present public entry to this privately owned working forest, whereas limiting future improvement and making certain the property’s conservation values are protected in perpetuity. The easement permits the continuation of sustainable forestry operations on the property. This forest supplies a gentle supply of wooden for the native forest product business, together with a papermill in downtown Johnsonburg. The Conservancy’s stewardship workers shall be answerable for monitoring the property making certain it stays in accordance with the easement provisions.
Defending giant acreage and offering connectivity to different close by, giant protected public lands is essential for wildlife species’ survival, says Conservancy President and CEO Thomas Saunders.
“We admire The Conservation Fund’s donation of this essential conservation easement that additional protects open area and this massive working forest, stunning pure space and essential habitat,” says Saunders. “We’re glad to steward these streamside forestlands to make sure they continue to be thriving ecosystems for generations to come back,” he provides.
Matt Marusiak, the Conservancy’s land safety supervisor in its Allegheny Regional Workplace in Ridgway, may be very aware of this forest. He lives and works close to the lands in Elk County, and has regularly fished the native mountain streams.
“This forestland has lengthy been managed effectively and supplies nice alternatives for looking, fishing and mountain climbing. The Conservancy’s position will guarantee this neighborhood treasure will proceed being open for public recreation and contributing to the native financial system and high quality of life,” says Marusiak.
For the reason that Seventies, the Conservancy has completely protected 1000’s of acres of land throughout the area by conservation easements. For extra details about conservation choices to guard land, please contact the Conservancy at 412-288-2777 or [email protected].
