|
Hopewell Big Woods
Hopewell Big Woods offers a tremendous opportunity to preserve what has become a rarity in our region--a continuous, expansive stretch of open space (the last remaining intact large-scale forest in Southeastern Pennsylvania).
One of Southeastern Pennsylvania's most important natural areas, Hopewell Big Woods encompasses over 100 square miles of unfragmented land extending from northern Chester County into Berks County. Hopewell Big Woods is even bigger than its name implies. More than just forest, it's home to a rich variety of woodlands, wetlands and rocky terrain--all of which offer vistors abundant recreational opportunities.
With over 70,000 acres in its Chester County portion--only 13,000 of which are protected--Hopewell Big Woods boasts state game lands as well as French Creek State Park and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. French Creek provides opportunities for camping, swimming, orienteering, hiking, and passive enjoyment uses, while Hopewell Furnace offers a vivid glimpse into the past, showcasing the region's heritage in 19th Century iron-making.
Preserving Hopewell Big Woods is critical to the region for a host of reasons. Not only is it a destination point for outdoor enthusiasts, Hopewell Big Woods is a significant water resource for Chester County. The streams that drain the area are among the cleanest in all of southeastern Pennsylvania, and the PA Department of Environmental Protection has designated the entire upper reaches of French Creek as resources with "Exceptional Value."
WE NEED TO ACT
Hopewell Big Woods is a tremendous natural resource, and by realizing its importance to our region, we have the opportunity to protect and ensure the preservation of one of the southeastern Pennsylvania's most vital landscapes. With less than 20% of the land protected, we risk fragmenting this singular example of contiguous open space. Given its proximity to major transportation route and population centers, development pressure is building on the southern edge of Hopewell Big Woods. Because of this, we must act now.
FACTS & FIGURES
Total Acres: 71,000
High Value Acres: 62,000
Developed Acres: 14,000
ProtectedAcres: 13,000
Additional Protected Acres Goal: 22,000
Data current as of July 2006
RESOURCE FEATURES
- Richly diverse forest habitat
- Exceptional and high value streams and agricultural lands
- Unique wetlands with more than 200 plant and 150 bird species
- Access to national parks and interconnected regional trails
- Boating destinations along the Schuylkill River
SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS
TREASURES
MUNICIPALITIES (all or part)
East Nantmeal, East Vincent, Elverson, North Coventry, South Coventry, Warwick, West Nantmeal, West Vincent, New Morgan, Robeson, Birdsboro, Union, Caernarvon
MULTI-MUNICIPAL ORGANIZATION(S)
Northern Federation of Chester County Municipalities
WATERSHEDS/SUB-AREAS
French Creek, Pigeon Creek, Stony Run, Hay Creek, Sixpenny Creek, Schuylkill River
GROWING LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN THE AREA
The public-private Hopewell-Big Woods Partnership includes: PA DCNR’s Bureaus of State Parks, Recreation and Conservation and Forestry; PA Game Commission, National Park Service, County of Berks, County of Chester, North Coventry Township, West Vincent Township, Warwick Township, East Nantmeal Township, West Nantmeal Township, South Coventry Township, Birdsboro Borough, Robeson Township, Caernarvon Township, Elverson Borough, Highlands Coalition, GreenSpace Alliance, Keystone Conservation Trust, Natural Lands Trust, Berks County Conservancy, French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, Hay Creek Watershed Association, Green Valleys Association, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Pennsylvania , Brandywine Conservancy, Schuylkill River Greenways Association, The Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation, Samuel W. Morris Trust, Horseshoe Trail Club, Hay Creek Valley Historical Association, Mrs. Eleanor Morris, Mrs. Kathie Whitlock, Ms. Leslie Rebmann, and Mr. Bill Sanders
|
.jpg) .jpg)
|
Print Preview