Tree Farm #1, a wild, 2500-acre tract in Adams County which could have been replaced by 500 houses, will be protected for the public. Glatfelter Paper Company placed the largest private tract in the County for sale in late 2007. Soon after, developers began to express interest. In March 2008, The Conservation Fund purchased the property and served as a temporary owner while more than $13 million was raised to transfer it to the Commonwealth. Today, the Conservation Fund announced the property's transfer to DCNR as an addition to Michaux State Forest. This completes an intense, two year project that involved numerous organizations, citizens, and Federal, State, and local governments. The County provided a critical $3.7 million from the Water & Land Protection Bond, which overwhelmingly passed in 2008 but which other counties have not adopted.The success defends and demonstrates commitment to wildlife habitat, water resources, sustainable forestry, recreational amenities, heritage viewsheds, public access, and local character. Preservation of Tree Farm #1 represents an important accomplishment for the South Mountain Conservation Landscape Initiative and a step in the direction of the Partnership's vision.
see the Conservation Fund's press release
