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The Nature Conservancy-PA, DCNR Partner To Add 1,068 Acres To Delaware State Forest In Monroe County

On January 28, The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania announced the transfer of 373 acres of land in Canadensis, Monroe County to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

That land, along with two previous transfers -- of 376 and 319 acres – totals 1,068 acres The Nature Conservancy and DCNR have collaboratively protected since 2017 to expand the Delaware State Forest in the Pocono Mountains.

“It’s a great day when more than 1,000 acres of wild, forested land are permanently protected,” said Ellen Lott, Conservation Lands Project Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware. “We’re thrilled to transfer these properties to DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry, which manages Pennsylvania’s forests. These additions will provide new recreational opportunities while protecting wildlife habitat, sensitive wetlands and healthy waterways.”

The newly transferred plot of land contains a pristine stream-- Stony Run-- that flows into Brodhead Creek and eventually the Delaware River.

Stony Run has been designated as an “exceptional value” stream by the Department of Environmental Protection and is home to native trout and other important species. These forested acres protect water quality both in Stony Run and further downstream.

The land will also provide DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry and wildfire fighters with additional access points to help better control wildfires that occur in the State Forest.

“Working in partnership with The Nature Conservancy has always been a pleasure and over the past few years we have been able to protect several beautiful and valuable properties,” said Tim Dugan, District Forester with the DCNR Bureau of Forestry. “Strong leadership and the commitment of their staff to conserve and protect important lands is paramount. The addition of these lands to the state forest will protect key natural resources and provide countless benefits for current and future generations to admire and enjoy. I look forward to partnering again with TNC as we work together to conserve Pennsylvania’s forests and natural resources.”

Local forestry staff will work to improve access to the site over the next year. The previous land transfers were located near the Bureau of Forestry’s Snow Hill and Thunder Swamp areas in the Delaware State Forest and can be accessed through public parking or existing trails.

Visit the Delaware State Forest webpage for more information, maps and updates.

The Bureau of Forestry provided funds for all three projects, as did the Open Space Institute through its Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund, made possible with funding from the William Penn Foundation.

OSI also provided funds for the property near Thunder Swamp through its Resilient Landscapes Initiative, made possible through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provided funding for the Stony Run and Thunder Swamp properties.

For more information on programs, initiatives and other special events, visit the PA & DE Chapter of The Nature Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for updates from TNC, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter and Join them on Instagram. Click Here to become a member.

The Nature Conservancy has 31,000 members in Pennsylvania.

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