The Pennsylvania Game Commissioners this week approved five proposals that will increase the State Game Lands system by more than 418 acres. They include two land purchase agreements, one donation and two land exchanges.

The purchases and exchanges include—

Centre County: a 223.7-acre parcel of land in Ferguson and Halfmoon townships, which is an indenture into SGL 176 for $974,000. Acquiring this large indenture will ensure greater protection for the Barrens, as it is known locally.

The Barrens area has been identified as an Important Bird Area by Pennsylvania Audubon, as an Important Mammal Area by the Mammal Technical Committee of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey and as a Biological Diversity Area in the "Centre County Heritage Inventory" prepared by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Centre County: a 100-acre parcel of land and a right-of-way in Marion Township, which adjoins SGL 323 for $176,336, with a plus or minus five percent allowance based on appraisal. This tract will provide additional access to this portion of SGL 323 along Bald Eagle Mountain from the south off Route 26.

McKean County: a donation of two parcels in Eldred Township that adjoin SGL 301. The tracts are being purchased by Dominion Transmission Inc., as required compensatory mitigation by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for wetland impacts associated with constructing a pipeline and will be deeded directly to the Game Commission.

The two tracts, comprised of 35.82 acres and 37.56 acres, include 50 acres of wetlands: 35 acres of forested wetlands; 10 acres of emergent wetlands; and five acres of scrubshrub wetlands. In adding to the existing wetlands on SGL 301, the new parcel consists of a rare stand of trees comprised of balsam fir, swamp white oak and black ash.

Huntingdon County: In the Carbon Township a land exchange involving a 22-acre tract adjacent to SGL 67 for a six-acre portion of the existing game lands.

Adams County:In the Huntingdon Township a land exchange involving a 30.8-acre tract that will help protect an important wetlands restoration project on State Game Lands 249 in exchange for two portions of the existing game lands totaling 18.2 acres.

To make donations toward purchasing future State Game Lands, visit the Wildlife Donations area of the Game Commission website.

NewsClip: Purchases Add Game Lands in Centre County

1/27/2006