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Allegheny Land Trust Permanently Protects Over 40 Acres Of Woodlands In Allegheny County
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On February 10, Allegheny Land Trust announced it will finalize the acquisition of 40.5 acres of woodlands in Bethel Park in Allegheny County before March 31. The permanent protection of this rare remaining green space along Route 88 near its intersection with Valley Drive has been ensured by ALT after working for almost a year in cooperation with the Municipality of Bethel Park, the local community, two state agencies and other supporting partners. “We’re proud to conserve one of the largest remaining green spaces in Bethel Park for the health, well-being, and enjoyment of current residents and future generations,” said Tom Dougherty, ALT Vice President of External Affairs. “It took a real team effort, and ALT is extremely grateful for the support of local residents, Bethel Municipal Council, Senator Pam Iovino, and Representative Nathalie Mihalek.” Over the past year, ALT worked to arrange funding for the acquisition through a successful community fundraising campaign, a contribution from the Municipality of Bethel Park, and grants from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County, the departments of Community and Economic Development, and Conservation and Natural Resources. “The permanent protection of this land is well-aligned with the Keep Bethel Green imperative as outlined in our recently completed strategic plan,” said Bethel Park Municipal Council President Tim Moury. “It will be a true asset to our community in so many ways.” Bethel Green is within walking distance of several thousand neighbors, and features an informal network of hiking trails, remnants of the area’s mining history, and a variety of resilient plant and animal species that have recently reclaimed it as a natural space. Its protection will preserve scenic beauty, provide a close to home place for healthy exercise, absorb thousands of gallons of rainwater at the head of the flood-prone Saw Mill Run watershed, enhance local property values, and provide opportunities for historical and environmental education. The new conservation area will be owned and managed by ALT with volunteer support from interested community members and civic organizations. “The creation of this permanently protected green space took a collaborative effort, and we look forward to working together on an ongoing basis with friends and neighbors to make it the best it can be,” said Dougherty. Long-time Bethel Park Ward 5 Council member Don Harrison expressed his excitement about the success of this conservation effort. “There have been many different proposals for the use of that land over the years,” he said, “but this one will provide a lasting benefit to Bethel Park.” Celebration ALT will host a public event on March 11 to celebrate the acquisition of the property and discuss 2020 plans and opportunities for volunteer participation at the Cool Springs Sports Complex at 3001 Cool Springs Drive in Bethel Park from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here to RSVP. For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming educational programs and other events, visit the Allegheny Land Trust website. Click Here to read the Trust’s most recent newsletter. Click Here to add your email to their mailing list. Click Here to support their work. Related Article: Interns Wanted: Allegheny Land Trust Hamm Conservation & Stewardship Intern Positions NewsClips: Click Here To Support Local Journalism: Read PA Environment & Energy NewsClips Related Articles: DCNR Announces More State Park Campsites Allowing Pets In 2021 Pennsylvania Wilds Successes Showcased In New DCNR Conservation Landscape Report Penn’s Stewards: Climate Change: Managing Pennsylvania's Greatest Environmental Crisis Feb. 14 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation Spring Penn’s Stewards Newsletter Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Settlers Hospitality Raises Over $14,800 For Conservation Register Now! Central PA Conservancy Ironmasters Challenge April 26, Cumberland County Gov. Wolf Announces $23.8 Million In Funding To Help Fix 10 Fish & Boat Commission High-Hazard Dams Fellow Wanted: Heritage Conservancy 2020 Delaware River Watershed Fellowship [Posted: February 10, 2020] |
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2/17/2020 |
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