The Allegheny Land Trust announced the protection of the 14-acre Sycamore Island located in the Allegheny River near Blawnox. The Colcom Foundation provided full funding for the conservation of the island.

The last remaining privately owned undeveloped island in Allegheny County, Sycamore Island hosts a unique floodplain hardwood forest – among the most rare plant community types globally.

The Allegheny County Natural Heritage Inventory included Sycamore Island as part of the “Allegheny River Biological Diversity Area” which has a ranking of “High Significance.”

“The conservation of Sycamore Island through the generous support of the Colcom Foundation ensures that this undeveloped island and its ecological, educational and recreational benefits will be forever protected,” said Roy Kraynyk, Executive Director of the Allegheny Land Trust, a local nonprofit land conservation organization that successfully negotiated the purchase.

“This is an extremely exciting project,” said Colcom Program Director Carol Zagrocki. “Sycamore Island is truly a rare conservation opportunity in the county.”

Recreational boaters frequently visit Sycamore Island, which has been proposed as a docking location for the Allegheny River Trail project of the Friends of the Riverfront. Conservation of the island will create a unique opportunity for the public to visit and experience a wild and natural island within an urban county.

Additionally, Allegheny Land Trust hopes to use Sycamore Island as a demonstration site for education about invasive species removal and water quality improvements along rivers, creating a special model for future study.

“We will face some stewardship challenges such as removing debris that has collected on the island over the years from floods,” said ALT’s Project Committee Chair, Tim Stanny, “but we are committed to fulfilling our mission of caring for the local lands we protect.”

One of Sycamore Island’s most unique characteristics is that the 14-acre island is actually growing in size due to its location on the inside of a river bend where silt and sediment are deposited.

Allegheny Land Trust is celebrating its 15th year protecting land in Allegheny and Washington Counties. Since incorporating in 1993, Allegheny Land Trust has protected more than 1,350 acres in 18 municipalities.

To learn more, visit the Allegheny Land Trust website or call 412-741-2750.

1/11/2008