Press launch printed in Occasions Chief on 21 Might 2025
The Huntsville Reservoir in Dallas Borough and Lehman Twp. Courtesy of Fred Valentine through North Department Land Belief
The North Department Land Belief, collaborating with Pennsylvania American Water, accomplished a conservation easement on roughly 220 acres on the Huntsville Reservoir in Dallas Borough and Lehman Township in Luzerne County.
The easement gives a buffer, protects habitat and preserves the pure fantastic thing about the realm, whereas offering restricted enhancements of nature trails for public entry for strolling and mountain climbing.
The mission has been creating since 2022 when North Department Land Belief acquired funding to buy the conservation easement by means of a grant from the Neighborhood Conservation Partnership Program below the administration of the Pennsylvania Division of Conservation and Pure Assets, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
“The Huntsville Reservoir easement is a spectacular addition to present conserved lands within the area,” mentioned Government Director Ellen Ferretti. “Conserving the conifer forest and wetland alongside the northern, upstream portion of the Huntsville Reservoir protects this land that acts as a buffer across the reservoir, enhances the standard of the contemporary water we drink and reduces the dangers of soil erosion, runoff air pollution, and regional flooding. The neighborhood values the wonder and significance of the reservoir and North Department Land Belief is thrilled to preserve this useful resource. We thank Pennsylvania American Water for his or her partnership and contributions to make this conservation mission a actuality.”
The easement aligns with North Department Land Belief’s mission of partnering with landowners, communities and stakeholders to preserve and look after Northeastern Pennsylvania’s lands and waters.
“Pennsylvania American Water is dedicated to being a steward of our surroundings and defending our watersheds,” mentioned Justin Ladner, president, Pennsylvania American Water. “Preserving this land by means of our partnership with North Department Land Belief not solely helps our firm’s mission to supply secure, clear consuming water, but in addition ensures that future generations will proceed to learn from entry to and conservation of the pure fantastic thing about this native greenspace.”
A public entry space, situated off Reservoir Street, will present restricted entry to the northwest part of the Huntsville Reservoir, for out of doors recreation and environmental schooling. The pure trails is not going to be seen from public roads or personal properties.
The Pennsylvania Division of Conservation and Pure Assets, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation offered monetary help for this mission with funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
“The North Department Land Belief is a pacesetter in preserving essential land and water assets,” mentioned state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township. “I’ve at all times considered this type of mission as bettering the standard of life and according to the founding ideas of Penn’s Woods. Defending this property from future improvement will enormously improve regional recreation alternatives and guarantee secure and clear consuming water for Wyoming Valley residents for generations to return.”
State Rep. Jamie Walsh, whose 117th Legislative District contains each Dallas Borough and Lehman Township supplied this assertion: “North Department Land Belief’s easement mission has been a crucial endeavor that may protect about 220 acres of buffer land, which serves as a high-quality water supply for 14 municipalities. I appreciated the chance to help this mission, which can hold the Huntsville Reservoir clear, whereas sustaining the huge pure fantastic thing about the realm for present and future generations of residents and nature fanatics alike.”
About North Department Land Belief
The mission of North Department Land Belief is to preserve the pure, working, and scenic landscapes in Northeastern Pennsylvania that enrich our lives.
We’re a non-public not for revenue land conservation group targeted on figuring out and conserving essential watershed lands, agricultural lands, woodlands, scenic lands, and demanding habitat for vegetation and animals in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Land Belief at the moment operates in eight Northeastern Pennsylvania counties and focuses on the watersheds of the North Department of the Susquehanna River.
Our conservation efforts are for charitable and academic intentions solely. We imagine it’s critical to be skilled, truthful, and accountable in all our actions as a non-profit neighborhood group. We’re dedicated to construct and maintain a corporation that may present conservation alternatives and stewardship in perpetuity.
We’re a regional group with a regional perspective. We imagine that pristine pure belongings present essential ecological, financial, instructional, leisure, and religious advantages to the residents of our area. We work pro-actively and collaboratively to preserve these assets all through Northeastern Pennsylvania.
