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COALITION HONORS CONGRESSMAN JIM GERLACH, STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS FOR CONSERVING BIRDSBORO WATERS




Highlands Coalition Recognizes Congressman Gerlach (July 24)


Group Picture (July 24)

 

Birdsboro, Jul 24 -  Today the Highlands Coalition, an alliance of over 150 organizations working to protect the Highlands region of PA, NJ, NY and CT, honored Congressman Jim Gerlach, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the William Penn Foundation and other local partners for their joint efforts to conserve Birdsboro Waters, a critical treasure of the Pennsylvania Highlands.

“The Big Woods and water resources in southern Berks have a brighter future thanks to the support of our friends at Natural Lands Trust, Birdsboro Borough, William Penn Foundation, PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, and Congressman Gerlach. The permanent protection of the 2000-acre Birdsboro Waters Property is a significant investment in the future of this community,” said Kimberly J. Murphy, President of the Berks County Conservancy.

In May, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the final $300,000 needed from the Forest Legacy program to purchase development rights on the Birdsboro Waters property and complete a land conservation project that has been several years in the making. The Senate has not yet taken final action but a key Committee also recommended $300,000 for the project. Final approval by Congress is not expected until this fall.

“Thanks to the determined efforts of Congressman Gerlach, Birdsboro Waters was one of only four Forest Legacy projects in the nation funded by the House of Representatives this year,” said Tom Gilbert, Director of Eastern Forest Conservation with The Wilderness Society. “As a result of his leadership, and strong support from Senators Specter and Santorum, it looks very likely that the final piece of the puzzle will fall into place to protect Birdsboro Waters.”

"This is excellent opportunity to draw attention to a worthwhile cause and a valiant effort by so many people,” said Congressman Gerlach. “This is not the work of one person, but the collective determination of so many groups who are driven solely by the desire to see this beautiful land preserved for all to enjoy. This is a treasure for our area and I will continue to work in Congress, and with the state and the local groups to ensure this valuable resource continues to remain for all future generations."

Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has already awarded $750,000 to the Birdsboro Waters project with another $330,000 anticipated this fall.
The William Penn Foundation has committed to provide funds needed to complete the project. The federal Forest Legacy program has already provided $520,000 toward the project in previously approved funds, in addition the $300,000 that is currently under consideration by Congress.

“This is a sterling example of the kind of federal, state and private partnership that has been the hallmark of the effort to conserve the Highlands,” said Kristen Sykes of the Appalachian Mountain Club. “We greatly appreciate the significant investment that the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the William Penn Foundation have committed to help conserve this special place for present and future generations.”

The Highlands region encompasses over 3 million acres spanning Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. It has been recognized as nationally significant by Congress and the U.S. Forest Service as a source of clean water, productive forests and farmlands, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation within an hour of over 25 million Americans. For more information, visit www.highlandscoalition.org.

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