2004 Land Conservation Work
More Than 1,800 Acres Preserved for Habitat, Recreation and Scenic Enjoyment
In 2004 Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) added more than 1,800 acres to its long list of ecologically valuable landscapes that have been permanently preserved to protect habitats and to be open to the public for recreation and enjoyment. This past year our major land conservation efforts were concentrated in several western Pennsylvania counties, including Allegheny, Bedford, Cambria, Elk, Erie, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland.
Our ability to identify property with special ecological, scenic or recreational value and act expeditiously to acquire the land is the first step in realizing our land conservation successes. It is our partnership with state resource management agencies, such as the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, that enables these special places to be available to the public. These agencies are entrusted with the responsibility of managing public land for wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation and open space.
Since 1932 WPC has helped preserve more than 260,000 acres. Most of this land is now publicly owned and makes up some of our state’s premier parks, forests, gamelands and natural areas. These lands are enjoyed by millions of residents and tourists to Pennsylvania. The funds that WPC receives when land is transferred to the state are applied to future conservation projects.
