Conservation Easements
Allison Easement (Phase 1 and 2)- Menno Twp, Mifflin County
Joe and Carol Allison donated a conservation easement on their 113 acre woodland property to CPC in 2001. In 2005, the Allison’s donated an additional conservation easement on 93 acres of adjacent property. The area is located on Stone Mountain and is entirely forested including a large stand of virgin timber. Rothrock State Forest is adjacent to the property to the north. The protection of this property ensures contiguous habitat for wildlife and is an important flyway for migratory birds. Amazing scenic vistas of the Kishacoquillas Valley can be appreciated from the property, and likewise of Stone Mountain and the property from the valley. There is a bear den site on the property which is frequently visited by bears. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Fitzpatrick Easement - Penn Twp, Perry County
Jerry and Ann Fitzpatrick donated an agricultural conservation easement to CPC on their 79 acre farmland in 2001. The property is both agricultural and wooded, with pastures and several streams that are tributaries to Little Juniata Creek running through the area. The preservation of this easement ensures protection of agricultural soils, wildlife habitat, and open space in Perry County. The farm is registered in an Agricultural Security Area. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Baker Easement - Turbett Twp, Juniata County
Robert Mikesell and MeeCee Baker donated a conservation easement to CPC on their 43 acre farm in 2002. This property lies at the bottom of Tuscarora Mountain, much of which is protected by State Forest or Game Lands. This beautiful farm includes surrounding woodland and is an Agricultural Security Area. Protection of this property ensures preservation of the valuable soils for agricultural production and provides for small scale farming operations to continue to exist in Juniata County. In addition, preserving this area adds to the scenic viewshed of the Tuscarora Mountain and State Game Lands and Forests. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Elsesser Easement - Mifflin County
In 2003, CPC worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore and permanently protect 8 acres of wetlands that is part of a Superfund Site owned by a private company. The restoration project entailed the restoration and creation of 3.5 acres of wetlands and sought to restore 400 feet of riparian corridor along a native brook trout stream that is a tributary to Meadow Run. Restoration of 3 acres of upland habitat involved eradication of invasive species and planting of native warm season grasses. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Stoltzfus Easement - Southwest Madison Twp, Perry County
Jonas and Judith Stolzfus donated an agricultural conservation easement on their 74 acre organic farm in Shermans Valley in 2004. The farm is registered in an Agricultural Security Area and is currently a working farm that consists of pasture and cropland with a small area of woodlands. Abundant wildlife can be observed on the property including most game species as well as many non-game species. There are streams that run through the property which are tributaries of Cisna Run and several springs that contribute to the watershed. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Hail Easement - Londonderry Twp, Dauphin County
Lida Hail donated an easement on her 150 acre property in 2004. This area is the site of a homestead that dates back to 1899, with a log cabin house and barn remaining, as well as an old family cemetery. The property is comprised of farm and woodland with a large pond and streams. There are numerous mature trees as the woods haven’t been logged since 1956. The area has significant wildlife habitat, and a large deer population due to limited hunting. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Pine Hill Easement - East Pennsboro Township, Cumberland County
The Pine Hill Arboretum was owned by the Harrisburg Natural History Society since 1935. In 2004, the historical society donated the 16 acre arboretum to East Pennsboro Township and the conservation easement to CPC. Renowned for amazing spring wildflowers and home to more than 118 species of wildflowers and 59 varieties of trees, and nearly 80 species of birds, this area protects important natural habitat. Pine Hill Arboretum provides an opportunity for the public to enjoy a natural setting in an urban area. The area is open to the public and contains a loop trail.
Morefield Easement - Silver Springs Twp, Cumberland County
John and Mary Anne Morefield donated an agricultural conservation easement on their 28 acre farm in Cumberland County in 2004. The easement protects agricultural lands in addition to a substantial riparian buffer along the Conodoguinet Creek. This farm is registered in an Agricultural Security Area. Preservation of this area provides critical habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
McLaughlin Easement - Milford Twp, Juniata County
Steven and Christine McLaughlin donated an agricultural conservation easement on their 68 acre farmland in 2004. The property consists of agricultural areas as well as a trout stream running through the property with a substantial riparian buffer along the stream. This farm is registered in an Agricultural Security Area. Preservation of this area protects agricultural practices and soils, as well as protecting the stream and wildlife that use this area. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Shuman Easement - Juniata Twp, Perry County
Patricia and Sandra Shuman donated an agricultural conservation easement on their 106 acres in 2005. This property includes significant agricultural areas as well as woodlands with streams running through. This farm is registered in an Agricultural Security Area. Preservation of this area protects agricultural practices and soils, as well as protecting the stream and wildlife that use this area. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Halifax Township Park - Halifax Township, Dauphin County
Formerly the Sarah Yeager Estate, this property consists of 174 acres which is bordered on one side by the Susquehanna River, and contains a large stretch of Armstrong Creek on the other. The park contains the historical site of Fort Halifax (1751). CPC purchased the property and conveyed it to Halifax township, while retaining a conservation easement on the property. The area is open to the public for passive recreational uses.
Greenbelt Easement - Dauphin County
Dauphin County worked closely with the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy to secure a conservation easement on 7 acres of the Capital Area Greenbelt in 2006. Located between Route 441 and Paxton Street, the protected area is part of a corridor to public park lands and preserves an important urban park ecosystem. The easement protects Spring Creek that flows through the entire length of property, as well as the wildlife that lives in the area. The park includes a 5 Senses Garden, and is accessible to the public for biking, running, walking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and other recreational uses. A paved parking lot is located at the southern end across Rt. 441.
Dubbs Easement - Morris Twp, Huntingdon County
Tom Dubbs, dedicated conservationist and forest steward, donated an easement on his 65 acre mountainside property in to CPC in 2006. The property is located on Canoe Mountain and is a beautifully wooded area with incredible scenic vistas. Located within the Bald Eagle Ridge Important Bird Area (IBA) and in close proximity to the Canoe Creek Watershed IBA, the conservation of this ridge-top property ensures protection of valuable habitat for both migrating birds as well as significant interior forest habitat for resident birds. In addition, the property is home to several of Pennsylvania’s listed species of concern, including the 5-lined skink. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Brownback Easement - Tyrone Twp, Perry County
Mike and Terra Brownback donated a conservation easement on their 181 acre property and progressive organic farm to CPC in 2006. Spiral Path Farm is located in Loysville between the Tuscarora and Blue Mountain ranges. This farm is registered in an Agricultural Security Area. These landowners have strong conservation values and are dedicated to innovative organic farming practices which protect and nurture the soil, while providing healthy produce to the Central Pennsylvania community. In addition to the agricultural land, the property is surrounded by wooded areas that provide significant wildlife habitat. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Dodson Easement (Phase 1) - Jackson and Toboyne Twp, Perry County
Charlie and Mary Jo Dodson and their son Chip Dodson donated a conservation easement on their 70 acre woodland property to CPC in 2006. Preservation of this intact woodland provides great wildlife habitat that is contiguous with the adjacent 90,000 acre Tuscarora State Forest. The property's location on Tuscarora Mountain provides continuous forest habitat for the internationally recognized Kittatinny Ridge migratory bird routs. In addition, the easement protects the Sawmill Run, a wild native brook trout stream and associated wetlands on the property. The 100 foot riparian buffer prevents disturbance to the water resource, thus contributing to the health of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Dodson Easement (Phase 2) - Jackson Township, Perry County
In 2007 the Dodson's donated a second conservation easement on their 90 acre forested parcel located very near the woodlands that they protected in 2006! Dedicated to the protection of healthy forests for wildlife and sustainable forestry, the Dodson's have exemplified their committment to conservation through the preservation of this land. Located on the ridge adjacent to Tuscarora Mountain, this land provides habitat for wildlife that utilize the Kittatinny Ridge Corridor as an international bird migratory route as well as other resident wildlife. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Parrish Easement - Jackson Township, Perry County
Josh and Amanda Parrish have donated an easement on their 106 acre woodlands located less than one mile from the Dodson property in December 2007. The Parrish's are the Conservancy's youngest easement donors and are leaders in conservation for the region's young professionals. Situated on Tuscarora Mountain, this property consists of intact forest habitat that provides connectivity to the adjacent 90,000 acre Tuscarora State Forest as well as to the Kittatinny Ridge Corridor. In addition to maintaining healthy forest habitat and sustainable forestry practices, the easement protects Bull Run, a wild native brook trout stream. The contribution to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, the Kittatinny Ridge ecosystem, and the conservation area that is now being established through conservation easements in the area is outstanding. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
Saylor Farm Easement - Liverpool Township
Jim and Roberta Saylor preserved their beautiful 121 acre farm in Liverpool Township in December 2007. This scenic farm has been in the family for four generations. In addition to preserving the rural agricultural landscape, protection of this farm will allow agriculture to remain a viable practice in the community for future generations. Rolling hills, forested hollows, and tributary streams provide scenic vistas, wildlife habitat, and water quality protection. This is private property, and is not open to the public without permission.
