Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy Bog turtles are among the 75 species of wildlife in the Cherry Valley area that are considered endangered.

The Cherry Valley Wildlife Refuge Act:
Congressman Kanjorski has introduced H.R. 3281, the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge Act, that would establish a National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. National Wildlife Refuges are administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). In order for an area to be designated a National Wildlife Refuge, either Congress must pass legislation or the President must issue an executive order. 

About Cherry Valley:

Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Cherry Valley provides habitat to over 75 species of national or regional concern, including six plants and animals that are listed as either endangered or threatened.  These species include the bog turtle, the dwarf wedge mussel, the northeastern bulrush, the small whorled pogonia, and the bald eagle. 

Monroe County, however, is also one of the fastest growing counties in Pennsylvania and development threatens the habitat of these rare species.  Cherry Valley is located less than two hours away from both New York City and Philadelphia.  Unguided development threatens the area's ecology as well as its beauty. 

Creation of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge:

The Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge Act would bring up to 30,000 acres under federal protection by allowing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire the critical lands.  One portion of the designated area is already in Federal ownership- a 700 acre segment of the Appalachian Trail, which is owned by the National Park Service.  In addition, the area is contiguous to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

The legislation requires that the Fish and Wildlife Service conduct a study of fish and wildlife habitat and aquatic and terrestrial communities within the area.  Upon completion of the study, the Fish and Wildlife Service must issue a management plan that provides planning for wildlife and habitat restoration, design of access points and trails and creation of permanent exhibits and educational programs throughout the Refuge. 

Following completion of these steps, the Fish and Wildlife Service may begin acquiring land and water for inclusion in the Refuge.  Like other wildlife refuges, the Fish and Wildlife Service may only obtain the land in Cherry Valley by donation, exchange, and purchase from a willing seller.  No land will be seized and no landowners will be forced into selling their property in order to facilitate the creation of the refuge.  Once created, the Fish and Wildlife Service will maintain the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

To learn more about Cherry Valley, please click here to visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.

Cherry Valley National Wildlife Study Act  

HR 5232 Text

Photos 

HR 3281 Text

Cosponsores

Supporters  

To learn more about Cherry Valley, please click here to visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.