Land Conservancy Gets Funds to Buy Land

By P.J. Reilly

The Lancaster County Conservancy has identified the Octoraro Creek watershed as one of its target areas for land preservation. The nonprofit organization already has three preserves in that southern Lancaster County area. Soon, it will add to those holdings. Wednesday, Gov. Ed Rendell announced the awarding of $21 million to organizations in 38 counties for protecting open space. The funding, which will come through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, will go to 82 projects and preserve 10,800 acres. Three Lancaster County organizations, including the conservancy, were among those to win grants. The conservancy was awarded $391,000 to put toward the acquisition of 150 acres along the Octoraro Creek in Fulton and Little Britain townships, and in West Nottingham Township, across the creek in Chester County. Ralph Goodno, executive director of the conservancy, said his organization is interested in the Octoraro Creek area “because it’s a high-quality watershed with a nice mix of woodlands and farms. “We believe there is a lot of opportunity for protecting land in that area.” Goodno said the 150 acres eyed by the conservancy are not contiguous. He declined to say exactly where the parcels are located because negotiations with the owners are not yet completed. He said he expects to close the deals for the 150 acres before the end of the year. In the Octoraro watershed, the conservancy already owns the 24- acre Alexander-King Nature Preserve in Little Britain Township, the 176-acre Rock Springs Nature Preserve in Fulton Township and the 10- acre Bell’s Run Nature Preserve in Colerain Township. Also awarded grants Wednesday: t Brecknock Township will receive $250,000 for acquisition of 32 acres on Long Lane and Pleasant Valley Road adjacent to the 56-acre Brubaker Park. t Columbia Borough will receive $30,000 for acquisition of 7 acres adjacent to River Park and along the Susquehanna River. “Across the state, we are investing in headwaters and watersheds, wildlife habitats, expanding and enhancing existing parks and open space and creating new opportunities for people to get outside and enjoy nature,” Rendell said Wednesday in a press release.

(c) 2007 Intelligencer Journal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.