PUBLICATIONS
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Is there a "Green Lining" to the Economic Downturn?
As tough economic times turn real estate into a buyer's market, land conservation organizations see a "green lining in dark economic clouds" (TPL Updates). Although funding can be difficult to find, the undeveloped properties coveted by land trusts are more often affordable, and a dearth of buyers has made real estate companies and developers more amenable to negotiating with conservationists. At the same time, the current situation highlights the need for sustained investment in conservation: although opportunities for preserving open space are more frequent, adequate funding must be found to take advantage of these opportunities before land values rise beyond reach once gain.
Read the full story about the green lining of the economic downturn
Studies show benefits to keeping land undeveloped
Few meetings of the township commissioners pass without someone in the audience questioning the benefit of preserving more than 200 acres of open space. Why, people ask, when the economy is bad and money is tight, should tax money be spent to keep land from being developed? While that's true, what is often missing from that discussion is the fact that numerous studies have also proven that developed land costs more.
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Funds ready for open space
Thanks to a federal grant, the county will now have more money on hand to purchase open space in Upper Bucks. As part of the Highlands Conservation Act Amendment, $700,000 will go to protecting farmland surrounding the Cooks Creek Watershed.
Read the full article about open space funding
County spends $1 million to buffer bird habitat from encroaching development
If they listen closely along the banks of the Upper Crum Creek in Willistown, Chester County commissioners might detect the winged tweet of thanks from a Louisiana waterthrush. And from a Kentucky warbler, a hooded warbler, a prairie warbler, a blue-winged warbler, and a meadowlark as well. These six species make their homes in the Upper Ridley Creek Important Bird Area, and last week the commissioners dedicated $1 million in county tax dollars to preserving a portion of it.
Read the full article about bird habitat protection
Erdenheim Farm Preserved: 450-acre Farm Saved in Landmark Conservation Agreement
Officials from Natural Lands Trust and the Whitemarsh Foundation have announced that the multi-year effort to preserve Erdenheim Farm, the 450 acre estate of the late Fitz Eugene Dixon, Jr. located in Whitemarsh and Springfield Townships, Montgomery County, was completed today. The project, described as one of the most significant conservation transactions in the region’s history, is the result of a collaboration between the Dixon family and Estate, Mr. and Mrs. Peter McCausland, the Whitemarsh Foundation and Natural Lands Trust, as well as state and local government agencies and many private citizens and organizations.
Read the full article about the Erdenheim Farm preservation effort
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