Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: Farmlands in 16 counties preserved, protected

Harrisburg — The Shapiro administration recently announced that Pennsylvania is investing $6,765,102 to purchase development rights for 1,953 acres on 28 farms in 16 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development.

These easement purchases support Pennsylvania farmers who are conserving and enhancing the clean water and healthy soil they need to be productive in the future, according to Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

Pennsylvania’s prime location near ports, interstates, railways, and 40% of the U.S. population means farmers face fierce competition from developers seeking to buy their land, he said.

MORE COVERAGE FROM PENNSYLVANIA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Charges filed against three Chester County, Pa., men in huge deer poaching case

Autumn trout fishing in Pennsylvania means colors galore… above and below the water

Both these Pocono twin creeks shine in the fall for Pennsylvania trout fishing

DCNR Taking Nominations for Trail of Year

​Harrisburg — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently  announced that Pennsylvanians now have the opportunity to nominate their favorite trail for the 2025 Trail of the Year.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 12,000 miles of trails, and for consideration, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by Nov. 1. The winning trail will be recognized in a news release by DCNR and through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution, with a trailhead marker along the trail, and a grant for educational programs.

Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials. The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2025.

Pa. Federation Appoints New Board Members

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen & Conservationists recently welcomed two new officers to the group’s board of directors.

Ed Sadler, of Greensburg, was appointed vice president west to work closely with the group’s president to ensure all organizational goals are met and develop relationships in the western counties of Pennsylvania that benefit the federation’s mission.

Jonathan Furness, of Quakertown, was appointed secretary. He will supervise and ensure proper recording and documentation of all board and organizational meetings.

Repair Halts Sewage Release into Susquehanna

Williamsport, Pa. — A temporary repair was completed to a ruptured sewage line in late September, stopping the release of raw sewage near the Eastern Snyder County Regional Authority’s sewage treatment plant in Selinsgrove, Snyder County.

The work, performed with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection oversight by a contractor hired by the authority, held until a permanent repair was finished a few days later.

According to DEP, public drinking water supplies remained safe and could continue to be used through the leak, but DEP recommended the public avoid direct contact with the Susquehanna River for 20 miles downstream of Selinsgrove to the Liverpool area in Perry County. This recommendation included refraining from recreational uses such as fishing, boating, swimming and wading.

New Pa. Sportsman License Plate Unveiled

Harrisburg — Just in time for the fall hunting and fishing seasons, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission have announced the offering of the new PA Sportsman license plate.

The specialty plate, available now through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is adorned with artwork featuring iconic Pennsylvania hunting, fishing, and boating imagery including deer, grouse, and anglers fishing from a kayak on a scenic river.  The license plate costs $40 plus the registration fee, of which $14 will be deposited into a youth hunting and fishing restricted account.

To purchase a PA Sportsman specialty license plate, visit the PennDOT website, choose Special Fund, and select the PA Sportsman option.

Ghost Town Trail Marks 30 Years, Expanding

Ebensburg, Pa. — The Ghost Town Trail, named the state’s Trail of the Year in 2020, reached another milestone this month: 30 years since its grand opening Oct. 1, 1994.

The trail spans nearly 50 miles, connecting Cambria and Indiana counties, and attracts nearly 200,000 visitors to the area each year, said Cliff Kitner, executive director of the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority.

Kitner expects the number of visitors will grow once the final 1.5-mile section of the 17-mile C&I Extension is completed. The plan is to have construction begin on the final trail surface in the spring, Kitner said.

When the C&I Extension is complete, Cambria County will be home to the second continuous rail loop trail in the country and the only continuous rail loop trail east of Oregon, Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky said.

Hawk Mountain Celebrating 90th Anniversary

Kempton, Pa. — Hawk Mountain, positioned atop the Kittatinny Ridge, the first raptor conservation organization and raptor sanctuary in the world, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this fall.

Rep. Jamie Barton, R-Schuylkill and Berks counties, sponsored a resolution to designate October 2024 as “Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Migration Month” in Pennsylvania. The measure  overwhelmingly passed the House on Oct. 2.

Raptor migration along the ridge peaks in the coming weeks.