Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan recently visited the former Pittsburgh Cut Flower property in Richland Township that will be conserved as open space with a state conservation and recreation grant.

The secretary highlighted $509,500 grant to the Allegheny Land Trust for the protection of 146-acres of undeveloped land.

“This particular project is a perfect example of tying the environment to the economy, with the transformation of a former commercial property into protected open space, with the most disturbed areas being dedicated to new economic development,” Allan said. “We are always pleased when our investment leverages local and private dollars to accomplish these goals.”

Allan was joined at the property by Allegheny Land Trust Executive Director Chris Beichner and Rep. Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny).

The grant is one of 198 projects across Pennsylvania receiving a total of $26.5 million to create new recreational opportunities and conserve natural resources through DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.

The 146-acres covered by the grant to Allegheny Land Trust are part of a 180-acre property that housed the Pittsburgh Cut Flower Co. from 1910 to the 1990s. The entire property consists of approximately 150 acres of meadows, ponds and woodlands which will be open space and support hiking, biking and fishing.

Nearly 30 acres of abandoned buildings and greenhouses that are currently being demolished to make the property safe will be available to be recycled for an economic development use.

(Reprinted from DCNR’s March 6 Resource newsletter.)

3/11/2013