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Events

Property Review: Selection Standards and Criteria

This presentation will review LTA Accreditation Standard #08 and demonstrate how two organizations approach new property inquiries differently through an established review process.

Property Review: Selection Standards & Criteria

This presentation will review LTA Accreditation Standard #08 and demonstrate how two organizations approach new property inquiries differently through an established review process.

Review and Discussion of DCNR Draft E-bike Policy

Protecting Parks and Open Space in Perpetuity

Many communities assume the permanence of their parks and other public open spaces. While numerous Pennsylvania laws and doctrines favor the permanence of these special places, the effectiveness of legal protections often depends on the actions of members of the public and their elected officials. In this session, we will review the statutes, doctrines, and legal tools that safeguard our parks and open spaces and consider some problematic gray areas where special care is advised.

Declarations of Public Trust: Clear Intentions and Strong Protection

Pennsylvania law favors the protection of public parks, open spaces, and natural resources. But leaving things to the operation of law invites serious (and sometimes surprising) risks. This session will begin with a short overview of applicable legal doctrines, followed by an in-depth review of the Model Declaration of Public Trust; a legal tool that enables local governments to clarify intentions and enhance protection.

Land Protection Group Meeting

Join dozens of your conservation colleagues for an in-person gathering of those involved in acquiring and stewarding land and conservation easements on Thursday, July 11, 9 am to noon.

Land Protection and Stewardship Roundtable: Conservation Easement Recordkeeping

Living with Logistics: PennFuture’s Model Zoning Ordinance for Logistics Facilities

The Model Logistics Use Zoning Ordinance is based on the information and experience that PennFuture’s staff has gained through our engagement with community members and municipalities in the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania, the logistics hub of the East Coast. Join this conversation with the author of this model ordinance to learn more about the model ordinance and what you can do to advocate for it in your municipality.

WeConservePA Member Meeting

Member organizations are requested to attend WeConservePA’s annual meeting of members to elect WeConservePA board members and meet WeConservePA officers and staff.

Part 2: Lawn Conversion and Green Infrastructure–Why and How?

Drones and Conservation

Join WeConservePA for first an update on advances in drone technology and then a roundtable conversation around their utility in conservation work.
Blog

Model Trail License Agreement Available for Public Review

A landowner may be sympathetic to a trail organization wanting to maintain a trail running through the landowner’s property. However, the landowner may rightfully have qualms about making any long-term commitment to public use. The Model Trail License Agreement is a tool that gives landowners the flexibility to allow a trail while explicitly ensuring that no long-term obligation is being established and providing for easy termination of the permission if the trail use is not working out to the owner’s satisfaction.

WeConservePA has published the model and accompanying commentary for public review and feedback before finalizing the first edition. Please respond with comments to [email protected] by September 30, 2022 with the subject heading Model Comments. Although the guidance is labeled “DRAFT,” it is in an advanced form and suitable for use in trail projects now.

PEDF Statement on 5OTH Anniversary of Article I Section 27: A Review of Where We Are Today

The purpose of the PEDF 2012 Petition was and still is to use Article I Section 27  to stop further leasing of our State Forests.

Conservation Easements in Court: A Review of Easement Violation and Enforcement Litigation in Pennsylvania

WeConservePA has published a new 11-page report: Conservation Easements in Court: A Review of Easement Violation and Enforcement Litigation in Pennsylvania.

New PALTA Tool for Review: Find a Trail Group

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA) has published for public review and feedback the beta version of a tool for finding trail groups across Pennsylvania.

New PALTA Tool for Review: Find a Trail Group

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has published for public review and feedback the beta version of a tool for finding trail groups across Pennsylvania.

Northampton County Council to Review Plans for New 35-Mile Trail

The Northampton County Council is reviewing plans for a 35-mile trail from Portland to Walnutport.

PALTA Comments on Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association submitted comments to the Environmental Quality Board regarding the consideration of conservation easements in Pennsylvania stream redesignations.

6.04 of Model Conservation Easement Finalized

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has finalized the change to section 6.04 of the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants.

Muncy Heritage Park and Nature Trail

Willistown Conservation Trust, Chester Co. Commissioners, PA DCNR, and Willistown Twp. Celebrate 12-Acre Addition to Kirkwood Preserve

Willistown, PA — Willistown Conservation Trust welcomed the Chester County Commissioners, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Willistown Township to Kirkwood Preserve  to commemorate an additional 12 acres added to the 83-acre Nature Preserve owned and maintained by Willistown Conservation Trust.  

 

Partners in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony included Willistown Conservation Trust Executive Director Kate Etherington and Director of Land Protection Erik Hetzel; Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Josh Maxwell (County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz joined WCT before the ceremony); PA DCNR Grants Coordinator Drew Gilchrist; Willistown Township’s Parks & Recreation Director Mary Hundt, Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Shoemaker, Supervisor Molly Perrin, Open Space Review Board Chair Ted Leisenring and Open Space Review Board Member Brook Gardner; and Chester County Preservation Programs Coordinator Judy Thomas. 

 

This ceremony honored the partnering funders who were vital in the acquisition and permanent protection of this additional 12 acres of public open space. The project was financed and made possible by a grant from the PA DCNR through the Keystone Act of 1993 to WCT; grant funds provided by the Chester County Commissioners through the Chester County Landscapes 21st Century Fund; and the Willistown Township Open Space Fund. 

 

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline note, “The beauty of Chester County’s open space program is found not only in thousands of acres preserved, but also in the partnerships that make it happen. We are admired by communities across the commonwealth and the nation, and this is because all preservation partners — be they the State, the County, our municipalities, and conservancies like Willistown Conservation Trust — always make smart, well-planned investments in open space.” 

 

“Kirkwood Preserve is a special place,” says WCT Executive Director Kate Etherington. “Nestled among privately conserved lands, its protection preserves an important greenway, scenic vistas, important habitat for grassland birds and other species, meadows abundant with pollinators, and a prime section of Crum Creek. Additionally, Kirkwood provides ample recreational activities for the community with miles of pedestrian and equestrian trails.” 

 

With the additional 12 acres comes a new trail within the Preserve — one that will provide access to many more miles of trails on adjacent conserved lands throughout the Willistown Countryside.  

Amending Grants of Conservation Easement: WeConservePA Refreshes Its Analysis, Expands and Updates Guidance

WeConservePA has expanded and refreshed the guidance it maintains in the Conservation Easement Amendment collection at the WeConservePA Library.

WeConservePA Refreshes and Updates Three More Guides

WeConservePA recently refreshed and updated three of its guides:

Conservation Easements in Court: A Review of Easement Violation and Enforcement Litigation in Pennsylvania

The guide Conservation Easements in Court: A Review of Easement Violation and Enforcement Litigation in Pennsylvania provides a review of Pennsylvania judicial decisions reveals that conservation easement holders and the conservation values they uphold prevail when a dispute leads to litigation. Courts respect the text of easement documents and their conservation purposes. The guide reviews eleven cases where the interpretation or enforcement of a conservation easement was at the center of litigation.

Seller Take Back Financing

In Seller Take Back Financing, close examination is given to the scenario whereby a seller wants to close a sale of real estate but the buyer is not yet in a position to fully fund the purchase. The parties involved can close the sale with the seller taking from the buyer a purchase money note and mortgage in lieu of an all-cash payment.

Installment Agreement

Installment Agreement details how the seller of real estate may finance the buyer’s purchase of a property. An installment agreement requires the buyer to pay the seller the purchase price in installments over time. Both the buyer and the seller may benefit from such an agreement. Payment amounts and timing can be structured in an infinite variety of ways and tailored to best meet the needs of both parties.

WeConservePA Updates, Renames Model CE Guide

Using the Model Conservation Easement

WeConservePA has updated its guide, The Model Conservation Easement, renaming it Using the Model Conservation Easement to create a bit more clarity and distinction between the guide (which offers insights into how to best utilize the model) and the model itself.

The Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants provides users with a state-of-the-art legal document. Built on a foundation of research that identified working (and failing) easement practices around the country and fine-tuned in response to user experiences and feedback over many years, no easement document has received more peer review. The expansive commentary explains the reasoning behind every provision, instructs on use of the model, and provides a wealth of alternative and optional provisions.

U.S. Forest Service Community Forest Program Applications Open for 2024

From:

U.S. Forest Service
Eastern Region
State, Private, and Tribal Forestry

The Request for Applications (RFA) for the Community Forest Program (CFP) has been posted on the CFP Website for Fiscal Year 2024 CFP project consideration.

The Forest Service will host informational webinars about the Fiscal Year 2024 Request for Applications on September 20, 2023 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET and on October 11, 2023 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm ET.  Additional details, including registration, will be provided on the CFP website soon.

DCNR Cancels All Organized In-Person Events, Programs in State Parks, Forests in Response to Rising COVID-19 Cases

Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy Preserves Avis Canoe Launch

Sometimes you have to buy a property people think is already public and actually make it public.

6.04(a) of Model Conservation Easement Updated…Again

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association added six words to §6.04(a) of the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants to clarify the provision’s intent.

Committee Votes Out HB 2468! Push Now for Floor Vote

We need an amendment-free vote this week to stop irresponsible eminent domain.

Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award Winners

Urge Legislature to Protect Wildlife

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association joined several conservation and environmental organizations in urging the legislature to oppose House Bill 1576 and Senate Bill 1047.

Fiscal Year 2025 Forest Legacy Program Inflation Reduction Act Funding Opportunities

The window is now open for projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 for the Forest Legacy Program Inflation Reduction Act funding opportunities.

Heritage Conservancy’s Watershed Connections Program Educates Students on Stream Health and Watershed Ecology

The Watershed Connections Program, a Heritage Conservancy educational initiative run in cooperation with the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, helps teach environmental science and watershed empathy to students in grades 3-5.

Proposed Change to §1.07B of Model Conservation Easement

WeConservePA has completed a review of the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants in light of recent court decisions regarding grants of easement involving a federal tax deduction.

WeConservePA Invites Public Comment on New and Updated Model Documents

WeConservePA now offers for public review a draft of the second edition of the Model Declaration of Public Trust and the first edition of companion, Model Declaration of Public Trust for Conservation Easements.

RTC Promotes Accessibility Guidance and Funding Opportunities for Trails

PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Grants Now Open

… And the Rest is History

Pennsylvanians are fortunate to live in a state with a remarkably interesting, long, and diverse history. You’d never think it, but our history is etched into some of the most remote state forest wildernesses in the commonwealth. Please read on for examples.

Protect the Keystone and Environmental Stewardship Fund – 11/17/2020

The Keystone and Environmental Stewardship Funds are proven, highly acclaimed vehicles for keeping Pennsylvania communities strong.

Brandywine Conservancy Earns Renewed Accreditation

PALTA Letter to Senators (6/21)

PALTA’s request to Support HB 2468.

Act Now: Stop Irresponsible Eminent Domain

House Bill 2468, which the Pennsylvania House of Representatives may amend today (Monday, 6/18) and vote on tomorrow, requires court approval of conservation easement condemnations.

PALTA Letter to Legislators Re: HB 2468

Support HB 2468 and stop irresponsible eminent domain.

Loza Observations, Part 2

Two Pennsylvania Land Trusts Earn Renewed Accreditation

Tinicum Conservancy implements Strategy to Extinguish Oil & Gas Leases

Stroud Water Research Center: Science, not politics, should guide Clean Water Act clarification

Fresh water is our most precious natural resource, as essential to life as the air we breathe.

The Who, What, When, Where, Why and How About Going Native in the Backyard

DCNR Releases Trail Managers Survey

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) seeks your input to help shape the recommendations and actions steps in the 2025-2029 PA Land and Water Trail Network Strategic Plan.

US Department of Transportation Requests Applications for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Discretionary Grant Program

The United Stated States Department of Transportation (USDOT) is requesting applications for the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) discretionary grant program through the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). 

WeConservePA Expands and Refreshes Guidance Related to Reducing Personal Injury Liability

WeConservePA recently published new guidance on protection from liability related to public access as well as released new editions of several additional guides and model documents on reducing liability related to personal injury.

Rails to Trails Conservancy Trail Grants Program Now Open for 2024

Rails to Trails Conservancy has opened applications for this year’s RTC Trail Grants Program! This year, RTC will award grants between $5,000 and $25,000 to support organizations working to create a more inclusive trail experience nationwide.

Public Invited to Weigh in on Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today encouraged Pennsylvanians to share their outdoor interests and activities in a 10-minute, online survey that will assist with developing the state’s next outdoor recreation plan.

NFWF Releases Request for Proposals for Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program will award grants to voluntarily restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers and streams that provide habitat for diverse native bird and aquatic species populations. Approximately $3.5 million is available this year. Major funding is provided by the Richard King Mellon Foundation, USDA’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This year, additional funding is provided by Altria Group and Cleveland-Cliffs.

Pennsylvania Audubon Council Announces Call for Nominations, Walt Pomeroy Conservation Award

In 2022, the Pennsylvania Audubon Council reestablished the Walt Pomeroy Conservation Award. It is a fitting tribute to honor the memory and legacy of Walt Pomeroy. Walt was a great friend of Audubon here in Pennsylvania as well as throughout the former six-state Audubon MidAtlantic Region. Walt served Audubon for seventeen years in the 1980s and 1990s. Walt was responsible for the establishment of many of our chapters here in Pennsylvania as well as Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Walt Pomeroy provided immeasurable support to chapters and chapter leaders. Walt established Audubon Councils in each of these states.  Regular Council meetings were used to help coordinate the chapter network. Walt was integral to the formal incorporation of the Audubon Council of Pennsylvania and the reestablishment of the Pennsylvania Audubon Council.

The Nominations Form for the Pennsylvania Audubon Council Walt Pomeroy Conservation Award is now open. The Nomination Form is available on the Pennsylvania Audubon Council website via the link below. The nomination window will be open through June 15, 2024.

 

WeConservePA Announces EAC Technical Assistance Program for Spatial Analysis

Through this technical assistance program, WeConservePA GIS Analyst, Irina Beal, will work with EACs to set project parameters and list desired deliverables; determine feasibility based on current available data; identify appropriate tools; and provide guidance and documentation throughout the process.

That’s a Wrap! Highlights from the 2024 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference

A record-breaking 426 individuals came together for the 2024 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference held in Bethlehem from April 3 to 5. The conference provided 75 hours of instruction with 38 classroom sessions, six mobile seminars, and 90 presenters. People rated the overall event a 4.8 out of 5 on average.

WeConservePA extends sincere thanks to the hosts, planning committee members, sponsors, presenters, exhibitors, and attendees who all contributed to the event’s success.

Susquehanna Riverlands Mini-Grants

The Susquehanna Riverlands Mini-Grant Program provides targeted funding opportunities in the form of small competitive grants, ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, towards projects that advance the mission of the Susquehanna Riverlands Conservation Landscape and focus on the following areas: (1) habitat and trail connectivity, (2) sustainable public access to the Susquehanna River and its surrounding natural lands, (3) community partnership and collaboration, and (4) ecosystem health. Projects that can demonstrate the greatest benefit and overlap between two or more of these areas are more likely to be funded.

Library and Guidance Updates: Making Restricted Gifts, Land Trust Accreditation, Open Space Plans and Ordinances

WeConservePA added and updated the following guides recently:

  • Making Restricted Gifts: Donors of land, cash, or other property may desire to place restrictions on a gift to ensure it is used only for specific purposes. To what extent might such restrictions limit or disallow a charitable tax deduction? What should a donor consider before making a restricted gift?
  • Land Trust Accreditation: The Land Trust Accreditation Commission offers outside verification that a land trust conforms with a key set of practices within Land Trust Standards and Practices. Accreditation is voluntary. A land trust should weigh the advantages of rigorous, external review against the opportunity costs of obtaining and maintaining accredited status.

Additionally, WeConservePA is collecting open space and outdoor related civic planning documents and income tax credit open space referendum ordinances under the library categories Municipal Open Space, Park, and Recreation Plans and County and Regional Recreation, Park and Open Space Plans. Feel free to explore these growing resource collections which will soon bolster new and updated guidance on the topics. If you know of similar plans and ordinances from Pennsylvania municipalities or counties and do not see them listed, feel free to send them to Communications Specialist Robert Campbell at [email protected].

WeConservePA Board Elections a Highlight of Annual Member Meeting

Board Elections

Board member Kyle Shenk’s (The Conservation Fund Pennsylvania) term of office expired, so he rolled off the board with thanks and appreciation for his time and service to WeConservePA.

Returning board members ReneĂŠ Carey (Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, also current WeConservePA board president) and Kim Murphy (Berks Nature) were re-elected for an additionally eligible consecutive term.

Newly elected board members Tom Saunders (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy), Ellen Ferretti (North Branch Land Trust), and Chris Kocher (Wildlands Conservancy) return to the WeConservePA board of directors after all having previously served terms before.

Current WeConservePA board members whose terms continue in 2024 are: Jeff Swinehart (Lancaster Farmland Trust, also current board vice president), John Conner (current board treasurer), Oliver Bass (Natural Lands, also current board secretary), Stephanie Armpriester (Brandywine Conservancy), Chris Beichner (Allegheny Land Trust), Gail Farmer (Wissahickon Trails), and Fritz Schroeder (Lancaster Conservancy).

U.S. Forest Service Accepting Public Comment on Allegheny National Forest Trail Project Plans

The U.S. Forest Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service) is accepting public review and comment on the Morrison and Powerhouse Trail Systems improvements project, in the Bradford Ranger District of the Allegheny National Forest.

DCNR and WeConservePA Publish 2022 Pennsylvania Trails Annual Report

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee (PTAC), and WeConservePA have published the 2022 Pennsylvania Trails Annual Report.

The report documents many of the major accomplishments and milestones in the trails community in Pennsylvania during 2022. The documentation points to a robust and growing trails community in the commonwealth, with miles upon miles of trails added and important connections being made, including the closures of several major trail gaps. Additionally, the report points to major advancements in accessibility, inclusion, research, and professional development opportunities within the Pennsylvania trails community.

WeConservePA Updates Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants

Trails at Jakes Rocks Draft Decision on Class 1 E-Bikes

The USDA Forest Service announced that Bradford District Ranger Rich Hatfield has determined that the Class 1 E-Bikes on the Trails at Jakes Rocks Project poses no significant environmental impact. This project would authorize the use of Class 1 E-Bikes on the Jakes Rocks Trail System in the Allegheny National Forest. Class 1 E-Bikes are equipped with an electric motor that assists only when the rider pedals. Assistance ceases when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. District Ranger Rich Hatfield said that “My staff and I reviewed relevant research and the public comments submitted on the proposal. I believe that we can fold Class 1 E-Bike use into the Jakes Rocks Trail System without adversely impacting existing user groups or natural resources in the area.”

NRCS-PA Accepting Applications For Funding Easements in Kittatinny Ridge

EACs in Action: Rose Valley EAC Celebrates Borough Centennial by Planning for Sustainability in the “Next 100”

Rose Valley Borough is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. We started as an Arts and Crafts workshop and social experiment by the architect William Lightfoot Price and incorporated as a Borough in 1923. Organizations across the Borough are hosting events this year to celebrate our unique heritage and the strong community that exists here today.

The Rose Valley EAC is commemorating the centennial by sponsoring a series of community conversations and educational events to focus on our next 100 years. We are calling it Rose Valley Next 100: Crafting our Sustainable Future. (https://www.rosevalleyborough.org/rvnext100)

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Highlights Upcoming Federal Funding Options for Trails, Transportation, and Communities

Open Space Institute and Land Trust Alliance Offering Land and Climate Catalyst Planning Grants

The Open Space Institute (OSI) announced the availability of Land and Climate Catalyst Planning Grants through a collaboration with the Land Trust Alliance. The Land and Climate Grant Program ($300,000 is available in the 2023 grant round) will offer funding and technical support to land trusts, other not-for-profit organizations, and state and federally recognized Tribes, to integrate climate science into strategic land protection or forest stewardship plans.

Land trusts may also apply for climate-informed land conservation planning or communications technical support from the Land Trust Alliance. Qualified applicants can apply for grants between $5,000 – $15,000 and/or for one-on-one technical support. All projects must be completed within twelve months.

Applications will be accepted through June 8, 2023. To learn more, please register for an applicant information session on May 2nd from 2 – 3:15 pm Eastern.

WeConservePA Updates Land Trust Accreditation Guide

WeConservePA Updates Two Guides: Donation by Will and Donation Agreements

2023 EAC Network Conference an Educational Success

Event Summary

The 2023 EAC Network Conference was held virtually on Saturday, February 25 from 9am – 3:30pm.

The event kicked off with a plenary program from 9AM – 10:30AM, the EACs and Environmental Justice Panel. Panelists included:

  • Justin Dula, Director of PA DEP’s Office of Environmental justice who gave an overview of environmental justice areas (why are they important and what tools are available to municipalities at the state and federal level)
  • Jeff Smith of Citizens for a Healthy Jessup and Rashida Lovely, landowner and member of DEP’s Environmental Justice Advisory Board, who spoke about some of the gatekeeping practices that prohibit people of color from having access to/enjoying the land
  • Rafiyqa Muhammad, Harrisburg EAC member and community organizer who shared insights on why can there be community distrust of environmental organizations, and how can you go about overcoming it
  • Carol Grayshaw, Director of Education and Robert Campbell, Communications Specialist, both with WeConservePA, shared best practices for EAC relationship building (both with municipal officials and community members)

The morning plenary was followed by six additional sessions across three breakouts:

  • Meadow Management, presented by Gary Gimbert, VP for Stewardship, Natural Lands
  • Tredyffrin Taskforce on Stormwater, presented by Ray Clarke, Board Vice President, Open Land Conservancy (Chester County), and Anne Murphy, Treddyfrin Citizens Advisory Stormwater Task Force
  • Redefining Beautiful: Making the Case for Pollinator Friendly Ordinances, presented by Heather Andrews, Garden Thoughtfully
  • Act 101 and Delco’s 10-Year Plan for Zero Waste, presented by Francine Lock, Chief Sustainability Officer, Delaware County
  • Basin Naturalization, presented by Jeff Kellar, Habitat by Design
  • Energy Transition Funding Panel, featuring Britte Earp, Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator, PA DCED, Katherine Stainken (VP Policy) and Nick Miller (Policy Analyst) of the Electrification Coalition, and John Costlow of the Sustainable Energy Fund.

Chesapeake WILD Grant Program Application Focuses On Water Quality, Fish and Wildlife Projects and More

Survey: Cycling on Rural Highways

DCNR Finalizes E-Bike Policy for State Parks and Forests

WeConservePA Publishes Model Trail License

A landowner may be sympathetic to a trail organization wanting to maintain a trail running through the landowner’s property. However, the landowner may rightfully have qualms about making any long-term commitment to public use. The Model Trail License Agreement is a tool that gives landowners the flexibility to allow a trail while explicitly ensuring that no long-term obligation is being established and providing for easy termination of the permission if the trail use is not working out to the owner’s satisfaction.

WeConservePA has published the model and accompanying commentary after both public and internal review and revision.

WeConserve PA Refreshes and Updates Five Guides

WeConservePA has developed more than 150 guides, most featuring wholly original content. Keeping them accurate, relevant, and helpful requires regular review of their content and updates to address changes in the law, developments in the field, and newly understood needs. WeConservePA refreshed 3 guides recently:

USDA Awards Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Up to $55 Million to Advance Climate-Smart Farming

Allegheny Land Trust Earns National Recognition

The Land Trust Alliance’s Land Trust Accreditation Commission granted Sewickley-based land conservation nonprofit Allegheny Land Trust (ALT) with its second renewal as a nationally accredited land trust. ALT is one of fewer than ten percent of land trusts across the country to receive a second accreditation renewal.

Make it Snappy!

The month of July begins Pennsylvania’s annual snapping turtle season, which usually lasts until the end of October.

Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy Purchases Blossburg Property

The acquisition of a 216-acre property in the Borough of Blossburg (Tioga County) is allowing a project to treat Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) to move ahead.

WeConservePA Updates Model Conservation Easement

WeConservePA has modified two provisions of the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants.

Natural Lands Preserves New Garden Farm

Natural Lands announced the protection of nearly 42 acres of land in northern New Garden Township in Chester County.

10 WalkWorks Grants Awarded to Increase Community Physical Activity

The Wolf Administration announced WalkWorks grants to 10 communities totaling $160,000 to assist with the development of active transportation plans and policies to increase physical activity options.

French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Earns Renewed Accreditation

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, the national accrediting body for land trusts, has announced that French & Pickering’s accredited status has been renewed.

New Guide: Eminent Domain and Conserved Land in Pennsylvania

A basic review of the eminent domain law of Pennsylvania and the United States as it applies to conserved land and conservation easements.

Mysterious Songbird Deaths Investigated

Wildlife health experts are investigating more than 70 general public reports of songbirds that are sick or dying due to an emerging health condition that is presently unknown.

WalkWorks Grants Available

WalkWorks is accepting grant applications from municipalities and other governmental bodies.

Open Land Conservancy to Apply for Accreditation

Open Land Conservancy of Chester County (OLC) has announced that it is applying for accreditation in May 2021.

DCNR Grants Available to Assist Communities with Parks, Recreation, and Conservation

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that grant applications are now being accepted for recreation and conservation projects in communities across Pennsylvania.

DEP Chapter 105 Permit Regulation Revisions

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is in the process of updating its Chapter 105 (Dam Safety and Waterway Management) permit regulations and are seeking input.

Writing a Letter to the Editor

Letters to the editor are a public way to share your opinion with your elected officials and help inform the newspaper’s readership of your opinion.

Hosting Legislators

Wilderness First Responder Course – Jan 2021 at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

SOLO’s Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is the recognized industry standard and the perfect course for anyone working in a position of outdoor leadership or who wants a high level of wilderness medical training.

Department of Environmental Protection’s 2020 Small Business Advantage Grant Accepting Applications

The Department of Environmental Protection’s 2020 Small Business Advantage Grant is now accepting applications.

Permanent Protection for North Coventry Farm that is Home to 400-Year-Old “Penn Oak”

Natural Lands announced the preservation of Great Oak Farm, a 10-acre property in North Coventry Township, Chester County.

2020 September Trails Celebration Mini Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are accepting applications for a mini-grant opportunity to help communities or trail group celebrate PA Trails Month.

Re. Oppose HB 2004

A vote for HB 2004 is a vote to essentially end the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund in all but name.

DCNR Seeks Public Comment on $1 million Pymatuning State Park Trail Project

PA DCNR invites the public to review information on the Pymatuning State Park Spillway Trail (Phase I) Project by May 8, 2020.

Better Climate Future Virtual Workshops

Haverford EAC has announced virtual workshops on solar and renewable power.

Pennsylvania Trout Fishing Season Now Open

This measure allows properly licensed anglers and youth to begin fishing for and harvesting trout.

Paycheck Protection Program Application Assistance

Time is of the essence, as non-profits and business owners across the U.S. get ready to tap into the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Brandywine Creek Water Trail Feasibility Study

The Brandywine Conservancy announced that the Draft Brandywine Creek Water Trail Feasibility Study is now available for public review and comment.

Comments on New Model Amendment Due March 4

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has completed the first round of public review of the draft Model Amendment of Grant of Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants.

PALTA Finalizes Trail Group Finder

Following two months of public review of the beta version, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association finalized its tool for finding trail groups across Pennsylvania.

Nicole Faraguna to Serve as DCNR Director of Policy

After more than 14 years at the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA), Nicole Faraguna has accepted the position of director of policy at the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

New Pennsylvania Farm Bill Proposal Includes $6 Million for Farm Conservation Practices

PA Supreme Court Orders Rehearing Based on Environmental Rights Amendment

Pennsylvania General Assembly Protects Conservation Easements from Irresponsible Exercise of Eminent Domain

HB 2468 Is on Governor’s Desk

This landmark, bipartisan legislation provides a crucial safeguard for conservation easements from the unnecessary exercise of eminent domain by school districts and other local units of government.

DCNR Highlights Plan to Mitigate and Adapt to Climate Change on Public Lands

County-Level Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Planning Pilot Progarm

Land Trusts and Others Receive Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award

Spruce Plantings on Game Lands Will Help Northern Flying Squirrel

Stop threat to future AND past grants

A group of House Republicans have proposed taking “unused” account balances from the the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener), and farmland preservation, their selling point being that they can do this without actually hurting projects.

Trail Sessions at Upcoming Conference

Number of Accredited Land Trusts Reaches Milestone

NPC Acquires 132 Acres Along Pine Creek Trail

Historic Icon Receives Permanent Protection

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Applying for Accreditation Renewal; Public Comment Period Open

NLT: Upper Salford Township wins the 2016 Growing Greener Communities Award

Congratulations to French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust on Achieving Accreditation

Lancaster Farmland Trust is a National Fish and Wildlife Technical Service Provider

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Purchases Long Eddy River Access Property

Comments Still Welcome on PALTA Strategic Plan (Deadline: 10/30)

East Bradford Township Lauded for its Open Space Initiatives

Land Conservancy of Adams County Achieves Accreditation

Alert for districts served by Appropriation Committee members

Tell Legislators: Don’t Let Our Parks be Sold for Quick Cash – Oppose HB 2224

Tell your Senator and Representative to oppose HB 2224.

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee Reports on Growing Greener 2

As required by Pennsylvania House Resolution 2009-17, the nonpartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee reviewed Growing Greener 2.
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Property Review: Selection Standards and Criteria – Registration

Register for the WeConservePA webinar, Property Review: Selection Standards and Criteria, scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, at 1PM.