Wildlands Conservancy Transfers 12 Acres Of Protected Land To Game Commission

The Board of Game Commissioners approved the transfer of three tracts of land, totaling 12 acres, in Bushkill Township, Northampton County from Wildlands Conservancy. The action was taken in an effort to connect State Game Land holdings in Northampton County.

 

The wooded tracts, listed as part of a Natural Area Inventory Site due to the special plant and animal habitat, are located on the southern slope of Blue Mountain and contain the headwaters of the Bushkill Creek.

 

The transfer of land has been a vision of Wildlands Conservancy for over 18 years. Beginning in 1991, Wildlands Conservancy purchased four acres through its Wildlands Preservation Fund started by the late sportsman and conservationist Charles H. Nehf, Sr.

 

Wildlands then purchased the adjoining eight acres in 2009 with the intention to someday connect all 12 acres with State Game Land 168 for the purpose of protecting natural habitat and expanding opportunities for sportsmen in the area.

 

“The transfer of the tracts to the Pennsylvania Game Commission continues the legacy of Charles H. Nehf, Sr. in his vision of protecting natural habitat,” explains Christopher M. Kocher, president, Wildlands Conservancy, “It also helps our organization carry out part of its mission to protect land with high conservation and recreational value.”

 

Since 1973, Wildlands Conservancy has secured over 34,000 acres of land in eastern Pennsylvania that was then transferred to the  Game Commission or DCNR Bureau of Forestry.

 

“The Pennsylvania Game Commission appreciates the opportunity to continue to work with Wildlands Conservancy to meet our mutual conservation and preservation goals,” remarks Bill Capouillez, Pennsylvania Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management director, “This additional purchase will aid in squaring off State Game Land 168 for hunting, trapping and wildlife-viewing activities.”

 

For more information please contact Christopher M. Kocher, president, at 610-965-4397, ext. 23 or send email to: ckocher@wildlandspa.org.