The Board of Game Commissioners this week approved four options that could increase the State Game Lands system by more than 340 acres.

In Cool Spring Township, Mercer County, the Board approved providing $43,000 toward the purchase of 195 acres adjoining SGL 294, which currently contains three separate tracts totaling 417 acres. The ultimate acquisition of the parcel is subject to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy securing the property from the current landowner through ongoing negotiations. Should the WPC be successful, the full 195 acres will be transferred to the Game Commission. The property, which will fill in gaps between the three tracts of SGL 294, is subject to the reservation of oil, gas and mineral rights.

The property is mostly wetlands, which the Game Commission considers critical and unique habitat. Of the 195 acres, nearly 130 acres are emergent, scrub-shrub and forested wetlands; 60 acres of forest are comprised of oak, maple, cherry and ash; and five acres are reverting farmland. Otter Creek and an unnamed tributary flow through this fairly flat property, and a railroad right-of-way just east of Route 19 is adjacent to the property. This property contains excellent waterfowl and other wildlife habitat associated with a wetland ecosystem.

In Burrell Township, Indiana County, the Board approved the purchase of a 16-acre interior holding of SGL 153, which currently contains 2,927 acres. The purchase price is $43,773, and is to be paid from the Game Fund.

Reserved are all coal and all reasonable rights and easements necessary for the exploration for and removal of coal. Lumbering and coal removal operations currently are being conducted on the parcel as part of a post-mining reclamation and revegetation plan. The reclamation project is removing an abandoned high wall and mine spoils and will replant the area as forestland and wildlife habitat. All oil and gas on, in and under the property, together with all reasonable rights and easements necessary to access the oil and gas deposits are reserved for a period of 10 years from the date of the deed.

Acquisition of this parcel will allow the Game Commission to eliminate an interior holding, resulting in less boundary line maintenance and preventing anyone from developing the parcel and impacting SGL 153 with safety zone concerns.

In Plainfield and Bushkill townships, Northampton County, the Board approved the purchase of 110 acres of land adjoining SGL 168, which currently contains 5,893 acres. The purchase price is $15,000, which is to be paid from the Game Fund. This acquisition is made possible through partnerships with Wildlands Conservancy and Northampton County Board of Commissioners, including grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A requirement of both funding sources is that any change of use from State Game Land or transfers of any parts of the property shall require their consent.

The property is mostly forested and comprised of mixed hardwoods, such as oaks, birch, maples and black gum. An abandoned railroad grade passes through the property, running east and west.

Acquiring this property will provide hunters and trappers with access to a large portion of SGL 168, and straighten out boundary issues. The purchase agreement reserves a strip of land 30 feet wide crossing the property for a trail to link Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center with the Appalachian Trail. However, the Game Commission will retain the right to use the reserved strip of land for administrative access and access for hunters, trappers and anglers, provided any damage done, including damage by logging equipment, will be repaired by the Game Commission.

The Board approved a donation, from Boyd L. Sponaugle Jr., of 20 acres of land in Upper Tulpehocken Township, Berks County, adjoining SGL 110, which currently contains 10,145 acres. The tract is mostly rock talus slope with five acres of mixed oaks species in pole stage timber. This donation is made possible through the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation.

"The Game Commission's ability to purchase and preserve lands for wildlife and for public hunting and trapping has always been limited by rising property values and the availability of funds," said Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. "The agency's last license fee increase was in 1999. Since that time, we have made considerable cuts in the agency's budget to keep pace with inflation and to offset reduced revenues. Consequently, for the foreseeable future, it seems likely that most of this agency's land acquisitions will be tempered by the availability of escrowed funds, assistance from conservation partners and property donations. We'd like to do more, but it's a financial impossibility."

In addition to relying on the agency's land purchase escrow funds, Roe noted that the agency has maximized land acquisition efforts by working closely with conservation partners, such as land conservancies.

"Conservation-minded individuals and organizations are helping the Game Commission leave a legacy for all Pennsylvanians to admire," Roe said.

Visit the Game Commission website for more information on its activities.

6/29/2007