BIGLERSVILLE, Pa. (April 19, 2013) -- The E.P.A. and American Rivers today announced that the Land Conservancy of Adams Co. will permanently preserve 135 acres of forest through a conservation easement on lands owned by Boyer Nurseries and Orchards in Biglersville, Pa.
This land preservation was made possible through a $250,000 E.P.A. grant with matching funds coming from the Adams Co. Green Space Program.
E.P.A. Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin and American Rivers Senior Vice President for Conservation Chris Williams were joined by U.S. Representative Scott Perry, Adams Co. Commissioners' Chairman Randy Phiel, and Land Conservancy President Norma Calhoun. The announcement was made at the Boyer Nurseries and Orchards.
"EPA is pleased to play a part in the permanent preservation of 135 acres that include the headwaters of Marsh Creek," said E.P.A. Regional Administration Shawn M. Garvin. "Headwater streams trap floodwaters, recharge groundwater supplies, remove pollution, and provide fish and wildlife habitat. This vast network of unknown, unnamed and underappreciated streams, make up the very foundation of our nation's great rivers."
Under a cooperative arrangement with EPA, American Rivers is implementing the environmental grant plan which supports local economies and quality of life enhancements in the Potomac Highlands. The plan also supports efforts to protect the Highlands' valuable ecosystems, some of which host the most diverse and globally important resources on Earth.
"We congratulate the Land Conservancy of Adams Co. on their hard work protecting the headwaters of Marsh Creek. The impact of their efforts will reach far and wide, from restoring wildlife to improving Gettysburg's drinking water supply to reviving the health of the Potomac River downstream," said Chris Williams, Senior Vice President for Conservation at American Rivers. "We hope this plan inspires other communities and can be replicated across the region and the nation."
The 135 acres in Adams Co. is located in the Marsh Creek Watershed which drains into the Monocacy River and flows into the Potomac River through the nation's capitol and into the Chesapeake Bay. The region's streams and forests are a rich habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants, many being rare and unique. The appeal of the region's beauty and character makes the Highlands an increasingly popular recreation and tourism destination.
American Rivers is a leading organization working to protect and restore the nation's rivers and streams. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Since 1973, American Rivers has fought to preserve these connections, helping protect and restore in excess of 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the yearly release of America's Most Endangered Rivers ®. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., American Rivers has offices across the country.
Since 1994, the Land Conservancy of Adams Co. has worked to preserve land for agricultural, open space, historical, scenic, recreational, wildlife habitat, hydrologic, and ecological purposes. It currently holds 120 easements covering in excess of 7,000 acres.
Property owners do not give up ownership of their land. A conservation easement, which is permanent, is recorded in the Office of Recorder of Deeds and is attached to the property's deed so that all future owners will be aware of the conditions of land use when they gain a title report.
For more information on EPA's strategy for restoration and protection of E.P.A. Highlands Action Program, go to www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/highlands-plan.html
For more information about the grant recipients, go to www.americanrivers.org/potomachighlands.
