By Penn State News

The phased plan for how more than 350 acres of Penn State-owned land in the Musser Gap area in State College will be conserved for learning, stewardship, respite and connection was presented to the Centre Region Council of Governments during its general forum meeting on April 25.

The Musser Gap to Valleyland initiative will conserve 355 acres in the Centre Region for environmental protection and natural recreation.

The phased plan will protect the region’s precious water resources, provide a memorable and inspiring trail experience from State College to Rothrock State Forest, and create a safe and inclusive environment for the community.

The project also hopes to steward, celebrate and protect regionally unique natural resources, while also providing opportunities for a variety of passive recreation activities including birding, photography, research and citizen science.

“Our vision for this area is not only to help protect the local water supply, plant and animal species, but also make it a place where people can enjoy nature, learn about the environment and be inspired” said Penn State President Eric Barron, who has earmarked $700,000 through the Office of the President for the implementation of the first phase.

The priority of the first phase, which began early April and will take 1-2 years for completion, is to improve the safety of the at-grade crossing of Route 45 and complete the primary hiking trail alignment upgrades north of the crossing.

Click Here for a copy of the Musser Gap To Valleylands Implementation Plan.

(Reprinted from Penn State News.)

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[Posted: April 26, 2022]

5/2/2022