Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary Cindy Dunn recently joined representatives of The Conservation Fund, Monroe County Commissioners, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlands Conservancy, Pennsylvania Environmental Council and delighted township supervisors and residents in applauding acquisition of 2,650 acres that will expand the Lackawanna State Forest to more than 30,000 acres.

The new acquisition helps to form the Lehigh River Conservation Corridor, and provides prime upland forest, several miles of waterways, significant wetland acreage and ideal habitat for black bear, bobcat, river otter, coyote, fisher, snowshoe hares and white-tailed deer. It contains several miles of frontage on the Lehigh River, Choke Creek, Trout Creek and Kendall Run. The 40-foot Choke Creek falls is a popular landmark known for its extraordinary beauty. The area will be opened to hunters, hikers and all other state forest recreational enthusiasts.

“Rich in natural resources, this acquisition carries tremendous ‘connectivity’ value by linking more than 70,000 acres of state forest, state game lands and non-profit conservation lands,” Dunn said. “I commend the conservancies, county leaders and others who worked so hard to make this happen.”

Funded by DCNR, Monroe County and local private donors working with The Nature Conservancy, the purchase enhances existing wildlife corridors; extends contiguous oak forests; helps protect Lehigh and Delaware River headwaters; and provides a portal for increased recreational and scenic enjoyment by state forest visitors.

Great work by many organizations helping to protect PA’s forestland!

Photo by Nicholas T.
 

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