Michaux State Forest: Bridge Financing Brings Appalachian Trail Buffer One Step Closer to Becoming a Public Legacy

Send to a Friend

In March 2008, The Conservation Fund purchased 2,500 acres of forestland – known as the Tree Farm #1, or Mount Hope, property – from Glatfelter Pulp Wood Company for addition to the Michaux State Forest in Hamiltonban Township, Adams County.

“Adding this piece of Pennsylvania’s great outdoors to our state forest system will mean we are able to conserve the headwaters of two high quality cold-water streams, and permanently secure the site for the public in a region of the state facing high growth pressure from the south.”

- Michael DiBerardinis, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary

For years, Tree Farm #1 was Glatfelter’s flagship property among thousands of acres of land holdings in the mid-Atlantic region. The land is adjacent to Michaux State Forest and serves as a buffer to the popular Appalachian Trail corridor. It also lies within the viewshed of Gettysburg National Park and abuts Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve.

Challenge

When Tree Farm #1 was marketed in late 2007, strong interest from potential buyers led to concern that it would sell quickly. Current zoning would have allowed for the construction of approximately 500 homes on-site. Many felt that the property’s watershed, plant and animal habitat and recreational value made it unsuitable for development. The loss of forestland for source water protection and the potential cost of having to provide services for development on-site caused concern among Hamiltonban and neighboring municipal officials.

Solution

At the request of local, regional and state partners, the Fund provided critical “bridge” financing for the $12.5 million purchase, and has agreed to hold the property until other public and private funding can be raised to transfer the land to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania for public stewardship. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry will manage and patrol the site during the Fund’s interim ownership.

Results

The Fund built a coalition including federal partners, DCNR, Adams County, townships and boroughs throughout the region, nonprofits such as the Land Conservancy of Adams County and The Nature Conservancy, and local citizens to raise the purchase price and project costs. The Fund will own the property until money can be raised for its transfer to DCNR as an addition to Michaux State Forest.

View the news release »