The Game Commission this week approved the acquisition of more than 1,100 acres in Clearfield, Cambria and Somerset counties.

In Covington Township, Clearfield County, the Board approved the purchase of 926 acres adjoining State Game land 100 for $926,000. The monies for this purchase will be paid from the Penn State escrowed funds, and will require approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. About 20 percent of the property is grasslands and reverting fields with the remaining portions consisting of woodlands.

In Karthaus Township, Clearfield County, the Board approved the purchase of 68 acres also adjoining SGL 100 for $136,000. The monies also will be paid from the Penn State escrowed funds, and will require approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The majority of the property is forested.

In Blacklick Township, Cambria County, the Board approved the purchase of 41.5 acres adjoining SGL 79 for $31,000. The amount to be paid from the Game Fund will be $15,592, being part of a $30,000 donation from Stephen Szabados for purchase of lands in the Southwest Region. The remainder will be paid from an escrow account set up by TJS Coal with regard to mining taking place on SGL 153. Gas has been reserved for 15 years from the date of conveyance. The property is mostly forested with cherry, oak, maple and birch. About seven acres of the property have been previously mined and reclaimed to Department of Environmental Protection standards.

In Shade Township, Somerset County, the Board approved accepting the donation of 100 acres near to SGL 93. This is a donation from Consol Coal Company, which was made possible through The Conservation Fund. A township road bisects the property and provides good public access to the tract. The entire property is forested with young pole-size cherry, red oak, maple and aspen. Only five percent of the tree species are in a mature saw timber class.

10/5/2007