Pennsylvanians Vote For Conservation

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A portion of the funds generated from Adams County’s first ever conservation ballot initiative is expected to be used toward the protection the Tree Farm #1 property

November 6, 2008

Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809

Adams County, PA – The Conservation Fund expresses its deep gratitude to voters in Adam County, Pennsylvania, for their support for the Water & Land Protection Bond. On Tuesday, the ballot measure overwhelmingly passed with more than 75 percent of the vote, showing that even in difficult economic times Adams County residents recognize the value of protecting the country’s rich natural heritage.

The passage of this measure allows Adams County to issue a bond for $10 million to fund land conservation efforts to protect drinking water sources, stream water quality, wildlife habitat, farmland, open space and recreation lands.

It is likely that the county will contribute a portion of the funds from this initiative toward the purchase of 2,500 acres of Hamiltonban Township forestland known as Tree Farm #1. Located adjacent to Michaux State Forest, the property serves as a buffer to the popular Appalachian Trail corridor. It also lies within the viewshed of Gettysburg National Park and abuts Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve.

In March 2008, The Conservation Fund provided “bridge” financing for the $12.5 million purchase of the Tree Farm. The Conservation Fund is holding the property until other public and private funding can be raised to transfer the land to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to become part of the Michaux State Forest, at which time it will be permanently open to the public. To date, $6 million has been raised through grants from the state and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

“This is a great day for Adams County,” said Todd McNew, Pennsylvania representative of The Conservation Fund. “Conservation is a smart investment that will benefit future generations. We thank the voters for approving the county’s first-ever conservation ballot measure and the many groups for their support, including The Nature Conservancy, the Land Conservancy of Adams County, The Watershed Alliance of Adams County, Adams County Conservation District, the Trust for Public Land, Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve and the Adams County Farm Bureau.”

About The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America’s land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We're a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient.

http://www.conservationfund.org

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