The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy has obtained a purchase option on 30 acres on the LeTort headwaters in Cumberland County, including the watercress farm and adjoining property. The total cost of the acquisition will be $315,000. 

The funding will come primarily from grants, but CPC must come up with $65,000 towards a match and other costs associated with the transaction.  The Conservancy has already paid $10,000 for the purchase option, which will be applied to the purchase.

Permanently protecting a 30-acre buffer around this waterway will mitigate impacts from agriculture and development, restore the natural wetlands, improve the in-stream habitat for wild brown trout, secure access to this prominent destination for fishermen and hikers, provide opportunities for environmental education, and preserve the history of the site as a former Shawnee village and homestead of James Le Tort, Carlisle’s first European settler.

The LeTort Spring Run is perhaps one of the most historic trout streams in America. It was on the LeTort where Vince Marinaro, Charlie Fox, Ed Shenk, and others pioneered terrestrial trout fishing, matching the Trico hatch and various other techniques that modern fly anglers take for granted.

The CPC is spearheading a fall fundraiser with the theme, "Support the LeTort— Preserving Carlisle’s Conservation Legacy," on October 11, 4-7:30 p.m. 

The event will be held at the Ironmaster's Mansion at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Gardners, Adams County and will include a farm to table harvest dinner, entertainment, a student display, and a silent auction.  Click Here for online registration form and more information.     

Look for additional details about the LeTort in upcoming issues of Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide.

8/24/2015