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DCNR Awards Recreation Grants For Johnstown, Northampton County, Lehigh Nature Center
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Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis this week said the state will invest $750,000 to increase outdoor recreational activities in the Johnstown area, provide a $283,000 grant for recreation programs in Northampton County and a $200,000 grant for the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.
Johnstown Redevelopment Authority
The money will be awarded to the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority for the Tech Park Riverwalk and the Cambria Somerset Authority for a release valve to provide whitewater in the Stonycreek River.
"We make these investments in outdoor recreation because we know the chance to hike a trail and enjoy the greenway in an urban area, and to run whitewater, brings so much value to communities hoping to improve the quality of life and attract visitors," Secretary DiBerardinis said at the Tech Park Riverwalk. "These projects increase water- and land-based recreational opportunities in the region: the first will make the tech park a great place to work; the second will attract whitewater enthusiasts from throughout the East Coast. And, they should give the area a terrific economic boost."
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants administered through DCNR will be awarded to:
-- Johnstown Redevelopment Authority, $250,000 for an inner-city riverwalk along the perimeter of the -
-- Greater Johnstown Technology Park that will include a paved walkway, planting of native species designed for efficient stormwater management, seating, lighting and other infrastructure improvements; and
-- Cambria Somerset Authority, $500,000, to construct a custom water release mechanism at the Quemahoning reservoir water intake tower in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County, to release water to support whitewater boating on the Stonycreek River below the reservoir. The releases also will support a cold water fishery in Que Creek.
The grants are supported by the Keystone Fund, a DCNR account generated from a portion of the state's realty transfer tax.
"These strategic investments further the Laurel Highlands' effort to position this region for sustainable growth – growth that ensures economic vitality as well as increased quality of life for communities and residents," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "This is a special landscape, and we are happy to help our partners in this region meet their vision for their communities."
Northampton County
Northampton County will be able to increase outdoor recreational activities and protect open space with the help of a $283,000 investment by the Commonwealth.
The money will be awarded to Palmer Township for the Palmer Township Bike Path and The Nature Conservancy, which will protect two parcels totaling approximately 12 acres in the Minsi Lake Corridor in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
"These are very strategic investments that will position this large Lehigh Valley landscape for sustainable growth, economic vitality and improvement in the quality of life for communities and residents," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "The first grant will complete the last mile of the bike path along the Bushkill Creek to provide hiking and biking opportunities and conserve open space in a township seeing tremendous growth.
"The second grant protects two parcels of nearly 6 acres each that contain critical wetlands, waterways and vernal pools and connect to adjoining protected and recreation areas, increasing the conservation of unique habitats in the area and providing additional opportunities for nature walking, birding and hunting," Secretary DiBerardinis said.
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants, administered through DCNR, will be awarded to:
-- Palmer Township, $200,000, to include the construction and installation of a paved trail, new decking on three bridges, signage and landscaping. This a part of a much larger system of greenways trails planned in Northampton County stretching from the Appalachian Trail to the Delaware River Trail; and
-- The Nature Conservancy, $82,600, to acquire woodlands on Institute Road and south of Institute Road and Blue Mountain Road near land already owned by the conservancy and Northampton County. The properties are part of one of the largest communities of vernal ponds in the state. Vernal ponds are temporary pools of water in the spring, and provide critical breeding areas for salamanders, frogs, insects and other species.
The grants are supported by the Keystone Fund, a DCNR account generated from a portion of the state's realty transfer tax.
"We don't think of this area in terms of county lines, but rather as a landscape with unique ecosystems, ridgelines, trails, opportunities for outdoor adventures and a citizenry that is engaged and interested in protecting what makes this area special," Secretary DiBerardinis said. "We are happy to help our partners in this region meet their vision for their communities."
Lehigh Gap Nature Center
Environmental education programs and new opportunities for outdoor recreation will be supported with a $200,000 investment in the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.
"Lehigh Gap Nature Center's location along the Kittatinny Ridge and the Lehigh River make it a perfect spot for watching wildlife, including otters, beavers and 150 species of birds, and for great access to kayaking, rafting and fly fishing along the river," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis of the state's support for Lehigh and Carbon counties facility.
"Our investment will better prepare the center to teach people about the natural world, connect them to it through experiences along trails and the river, and help them understand the important role we all play in protecting and conserving our natural resources," he said.
The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant administered through DCNR will be used to improve trails, access, parking, interpretive signs and exhibits and for a visitor and education center planned for the site.
The grant is supported by Growing Greener 1, a fund generated from landfill tipping fees.
SecretaryDiBerardinis said this is a strategic investment in the Lehigh Valley Greenway effort to position the region for sustainable growth that ensures economic vitality and improves the quality of life for communities and residents.
"This will make the Lehigh Gap Nature Center a real destination for outdoor recreational activities and environmental learning, while at the same time enhancing the economic potential of the region," Secretary DiBerardinis said.
A portion of the 730-acre Lehigh Gap Nature Center is in the boundaries of the Palmerton Zinc Superfund site and has been the subject of a nationally recognized ecological restoration effort. The center also sits at the intersection of the D&L and Appalachian trails.
For more information about DCNR's grant program, visit the Recreation and Conservation webpage. NewsClip: Tech Park Riverwalk Gets State Funding
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10/31/2008 |
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