Elverson,
Nov 22, 2005 -
Elverson – Congressman Jim Gerlach was recognized today morning by the Highlands Coalition for his leadership in passing the Highlands Conservation Act, legislation protecting a 3.5 million acre region of national conservation importance that stretches from Pennsylvania through New Jersey and New York and into Connecticut.
“This is a great honor, and I thank the Coalition for this award,” Rep. Gerlach explained. “This bi-partisan legislation authorizes $110 million over ten years to preserve regions like the Pennsylvania Highlands, and will help to protect the environment and keep our water supply safe.”
The award ceremony took place at the Natural Lands Trust’s Crow’s Nest Preserve a 600-acre nature preserve located within the Highlands area in Elverson.
Large portions of southern Berks and northern Chester Counties fall within the Highlands, including the 75,000-acre forest called the “Big Woods.” This remarkable forest is a major recreational and ecological asset for the state, providing many spectacular locations for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting and much more. The Big Woods also serves as the headwaters of several important streams that flow into the Schuylkill, becoming drinking water for millions of residents in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Under the HCA Pennsylvania will be able to seek federal funding for preserving properties in the Big Woods and throughout the Highlands. For fiscal year 2007 the state of Pennsylvania has submitted two projects in Berks County, Oley Hills and Birdsboro Waters. The Birdsboro Waters area has been ranked by local and state conservation officials as the top priority for preservation in the Big Woods. The proposed project will place a conservation easement on 654 acres of the Birdsboro Waters tract. This tract, lying to the north and west of Hay Creek and old Route 82, supports high quality forest habitat and contains two drinking water reservoirs of the Birdsboro Municipal Authority.
“Natural Lands Trust has been working with a broad coalition of public and private partners to preserve the Big Woods and the Birdsboro Waters area within it,” noted Molly K. Morrison, President of Natural Lands Trust, a regional, non-profit conservation organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. “Congressman Gerlach’s support of the HCA means we are significantly closer to ensuring these very important resources remain open and natural forever. The Congressman clearly understands the value of land conservation to this region and he continues to provide meaningful leadership and support for our efforts.”
Congressman Gerlach was instrumental in the passage of the Highlands Conservation Act. "The passage of the Highlands Conservation Act (HCA) by Congress almost a year ago was an enormous accomplishment for the four Highlands States, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, and for their congressional delegations in both the House and Senate," said Kristen Sykes, Legislative Co-Chair for the four state Highlands Coalition and Highlands Advocate for the Appalachian Mountain Club. "The Highlands Coalition is honoring Congressman Gerlach because of both his strong support for this vital land conservation initiative and his leadership in the House in support of conservation, in general. We look forward to working with Congressman Gerlach on effective implementation of the HCA."
