On February 24, the Lebanon Valley Conservancy announced they recently partnered with Brett and Janice Balmer to establish a conservation easement on their 34-acre property in West Cornwall Township.

A conservation easement is a legal agreement between the landowner and the land trust to protect the conservation values of the landscape and prevent future development.

The landowners continue to own and manage their land.

“The dedicated conservationists from the Lebanon Valley Conservancy will hold and defend their conservation easement,” shared Chuck Wertz, TLVC emeritus board member. “The Balmers made a commitment to their family, the Mount Gretna area, and residents of Lebanon County by permanently protecting their land and important plant and animal habitat.”

The Balmer family’s newly preserved property extends the forest habitat of the adjacent 1,105-acre Clarence Schock Memorial Park at Governor Dick and State Game Lands 145, providing critical, uninterrupted habitat for local wildlife.

“The property has several unique features, including a clear stream originating in Governor Dick Park that flows into Chickies Creek in Lancaster County,” explained Courtney Reimann, TLVC land protection director. “It also has areas of wetlands, mature trees, large boulders, meadows, and natural seeps and springs.”

Brett, Janice, and their two sons enjoy hiking and mountain biking throughout their property.

“When I was a kid, I used to explore Governor Dick and the land we currently own. I was always drawn to this area,” added Brett.

The Balmer easement contributes to the Conservancy’s broader preservation success in the Mt. Gretna area, where nearly 200 acres have been permanently protected.

To date, TLVC has conserved more than 1,200 acres of land in the Lebanon Valley.

Additional information on easements and a list of preserved properties can be found at: Preserved Properties – The Lebanon Valley Conservancy.

25th Anniversary

The Conservancy is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and holding several special community and conservation events.

Save the date for their scholarship event on April 10 and 25th Anniversary Community Fair on May 31.

More details on these upcoming events will soon be available on the Lebanon Valley Conservancy website.

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-- National Park Service To Hold Public Meetings For Start Of White-Tailed Deer Management Planning For Select National Parks In Western PA

-- Inquirer: President Freezes National Park Money For Valley Forge Forest Management 

-- PennLive: Fmr DCNR, National Heritage Area Director Brenda Barrett Protests Cuts To National Parks: They Are ‘Endangering Our Crown Jewels’

-- PennLive Guest Essay: If You Care About National Parks, Forests, Tell Congress To Stop President’s Cuts Now - By Douglas Austen, Fmr Fish & Boat Commission Executive Director

-- Warren Times Editorial: Not A Big Fan Of Celebrating President’s Cuts: People Receiving Pink Slips In Our Region Work Each Day To Earn A Paycheck To Support Their Families, It’s Just Adding To The Unemployment Rolls

[Posted: February 24, 2025]

3/3/2025