On February 19, the ClearWater Conservancy announced the conservation of a significant 100-acre parcel of land along the Beaver Branch watershed in Ferguson and Franklin Townships, finalized on December 16, 2024.

This conservation easement, made possible with grant funding from the Open Space Institute’s Appalachian Landscapes Protection Fund and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, marks a major milestone in the organization’s Scotia Barrens to Ridgelines Initiative and an ongoing commitment to preserving the natural landscapes and water resources of central Pennsylvania.

The addition of the Beaver Branch property highlights ClearWater’s mission to conserve and restore central Pennsylvania’s natural resources for future generations.

The Beaver Branch property, located in Ferguson Township, Centre County, and Franklin Township, Huntingdon County, is home to several significant ecological features.

The eastern portion of the property includes the Beaver Branch Gorge Biological Diversity Area, a Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Area.

Beaver Branch itself is designated as a High-Quality Cold Water Fishery by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is critical for sustaining habitat for wild trout and other important native species, flows through the eastern border of the property, directly providing essential water resources to this biologically significant area.

In addition to the valuable aquatic habitats, the property also contains 95 acres of forestland and significant wetlands and floodplain areas with high potential to support, or that currently support, the threatened Eastern Spadefoot Toad and Marsh Bedstraw, a species of special concern.

The property provides a protected corridor for migratory species, helping to mitigate the impact of future fragmentation and conversion of forestland to non-forest uses.

This area is vital for promoting the restoration of habitat for native species, supporting the function of forest ecosystems, and encouraging sound forest stewardship and forestry practices.

Beaver Branch ultimately flows into Spruce Creek at Pennsylvania Furnace. Spruce Creek is a Class A Wild Trout stream and haven for fly fishing enthusiasts.

It eventually joins the Juniata River, which feeds into the Susquehanna River and ultimately drains into the Chesapeake Bay, making this property vital for maintaining the ecological health of the broader watershed.

This grant of conservation easement seeks to limit future fragmentation of the forest, promote the restoration of native habitats, and improve both surface and groundwater quality.

In addition, the easement aims to prevent the loss and degradation of soil, enhance carbon storage capacity, and contribute to a healthy, resilient ecosystem, thereby ensuring the long-term health of the landscape and the broader environmental benefits it can provide.

Diane Albright, the landowner of the Beaver Branch property, has long been a dedicated conservationist, deeply committed to the preservation and stewardship of her land.

Through her efforts, she has ensured that this ecologically important property will be protected and preserved for generations to come.

 Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy, expressed her appreciation for Diane's passion for conservation and responsible land management. “The care and attention she has dedicated to the land has been integral to the success of the project.”

Ryan Hamilton, Land Conservation Manager at ClearWater Conservancy, added, “ClearWater is so fortunate to work with people like Diane who truly care for and steward their land, and conserving her 100 acres of woods ensures it will be protected forever.”

“It was truly gratifying to see ClearWater Conservancy embrace climate science as a tool for prioritizing protection projects,” said Bill Rawlyk, OSI’s Mid-Atlantic Senior Project Manager. “This project stands out due to its landscape complexity, which will facilitate the migration of various plant and animal species in response to climate change. Its significance is further underscored by the presence of limestone geology, which supports exceptional biodiversity, including numerous rare and sensitive terrestrial and aquatic species. Moreover, the landowner's commitment to protecting the property’s intact, mature forest makes this project all the more impactful.”

The Beaver Branch property conservation easement is part of ClearWater Conservancy’s broader efforts to collaborate with landowners, stakeholders, and local communities in conservation initiatives that benefit the environment and quality of life.

With this conservation easement, ClearWater Conservancy continues to build on its legacy of land protection, habitat restoration, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach across central Pennsylvania.

The organization relies on the support of individual donors, foundations, grant opportunities, and local partners to fund its conservation projects and ensure the continued protection of vital natural spaces.

The ALPF is made possible with a lead grant from the Doris Duke Foundation and with significant support from the Lyndhurst Foundation, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, William Penn Foundation, Riverview Foundation, Tucker Foundation, Lookout Foundation, Footprint Foundation, Anonymous Foundation (2), as well as other foundations and individuals who understand the critical role that land protection plays in addressing the threats of climate change.

For more information about the Beaver Branch property or to learn how you can support Conservancy’s mission, visit the ClearWater Conservancy website.

ClearWater Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and locally formed conservation organization nestled in the heart of central Pennsylvania.

Since 1980, ClearWater has worked to improve and protect the natural resources of central Pennsylvania for all, through land conservation, water resource protection, and environmental outreach to the community.

Related Articles:

-- WeConservePA: Buck Hill Conservation Foundation Protects 687.5 Acres With Metzgars Conservation Easement In Monroe County  [PaEN]

-- ClearWater Conservancy Preserves 100 Acres Of Beaver Branch Property To Enhance Conservation Efforts In Centre County  [PaEN]

-- Western PA Conservancy Protects 97 Acres To Expand Popular Outdoor Recreation Areas In Fayette County  [PaEN]

-- WeConservePA: Lebanon Valley Conservancy Partnered With Brehm Family To Safeguard 78 Acre Farm In Union Twp., Lebanon County  [PaEN]

-- WeConservePA: Heritage Conservancy Preserves 60 Acres Of Land In Bucks County  [PaEN] 

-- Lancaster Conservancy Partners With Graham Family To Protect 56 Acres In York County  [PaEN]

-- French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust Partnered With Alleva Family To Preserve 20 Acres In Chester County  [PaEN]

[Posted: February 20, 2025]

2/24/2025