DCNR Invests $1.4 Million to Help Protect Forested Bear Creek Camp in Luzerne County

Conservation Easement on Nearly 1,900 Acres Adds to the more than 130,000 Acres Already Preserved under Rendell Administration

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 1,900 acres of forested land in northeastern Pennsylvania will be spared from development and preserved for the benefit of the public and the environment under a conservation easement made possible, in part, by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The easement, purchased by the North Branch Land Trust with the help of a $1.4 million DCNR grant, protects land known as the Bear Creek Camp in Luzerne County. The 1,880-acre tract surrounds Little Bear Creek and is nestled between state game lands.

DNCR's acting Secretary John Quigley said preserving this land protects recreational opportunities in the area and adds to the more than 130,000 acres of forest and open space the commonwealth has conserved under Governor Edward G. Rendell.

"The Bear Creek Camp is a welcome addition to our existing network of large, forested public land tracts in this region," Quigley said. "In addition to protecting critical habitat and open space, the property has significant recreational value with its fishing, hiking, wildlife watching and cross country skiing opportunities—all of which will remain available to the public thanks to this preservation work.

"These opportunities complement and add to those already available in the region on State Game Lands 91 and the connecting Lackawanna State Forest," Quigley added.

DCNR invested approximately $1.4 million in 2007 through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund to help the North Branch Land Trust acquire the conservation easement.

Under Governor Rendell, Pennsylvania has conserved more than 130,000 acres of forest and open space, either by acquiring public lands directly or by partnering with lands trusts and local governments to protect lands all across the state.

"Northeastern Pennsylvania is under intense pressure from development, including many lands that had previously been hunting clubs, camps and water company lands," said Rick Koval, land protection specialist for the North Branch Land Trust. "Connecting trails, greenways and large tracts of public lands is becoming increasingly more important. That's why we are so pleased to be able to protect the Bear Creek Camp to keep it accessible to the public and as part of a large block of open space."

The Bear Creek Camp property contains the headwaters for Little Bear Creek and Bear Creek, tributaries of the Lehigh River.  

Luzerne County is included in the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape effort. The Poconos landscape houses the greatest concentration of wetlands in the state and large tracts of public and private forested lands that protect clean air and water, retain stormwater, provide recreational activities to support the region's vibrant tourism industry, and contribute to the area's sense of community.

For information on the North Branch Lands Trust, visit www.nblt.org. For information on DCNR grants and landscape efforts, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us or call (717) 772-9101.

Media contact: Christina Novak, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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