Easement Donations Protect Family Lands
Conservation-minded landowners often worry about the long-term fate of their land. Will a lush forest or family farm be altered someday by development or subdivision? If so, what will become of the wildlife the land harbors, or the stream that runs through it? Will the special qualities of the place still be there for future generations?
Donated conservation easements provide an important way for individuals to maintain ownership of a property while also permanently safeguarding its special natural features. Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements between the landowner and WPC that limit the type and amount of development that may take place on a property through a permanent deed restriction.
In late 2009, several landowners donated conservation easements to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Their actions protected cherished family lands and created a legacy of permanently conserved natural areas — helping to support the mission of the Conservancy.
The newly conserved properties protect waterways, forests and farmland, as well as safeguard wildlife habitat and scenic views. They include:
Don Stitt’s Ligonier Valley Property.
Ligonier Valley farmland in the
Four Mile Run watershed
Donated by Don Stitt, this easement limits
subdivision, development and commercial activity to
protect low-elevation forestland as well as the Four
Mile Run watershed, a major tributary to the Upper
Loyalhanna Creek. Protection of this 60-acre property
supports the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s
efforts to conserve and restore forests that link parts of
Laurel Ridge with Chestnut Ridge. Located along the
Route 711 corridor, a state scenic byway, the easement
is in close proximity to several other properties that are
already under easement with WPC.
Catherine Raphael’s land along the Casselman River.
Forestland along the Casselman River
The Great Allegheny Passage bicycle and pedestrian
trail passes through this 55-acre property, which includes
1,500 feet of frontage on the Casselman River, a major
tributary to the Youghiogheny River. A conservation
easement donated by landowner Catherine Raphael
permits sustainable agriculture and timber harvesting
activities on the land while limiting subdivision,
development and commercial activity. Permanent
protection of this land not only conserves an ecologically
significant watershed, it also preserves scenic views for
trail users on the Great Allegheny Passage.
“These woods nurture my soul,” said Raphael. “I am glad to know that WPC will keep it safe from development in the future.”
Rick Williams (right) with WPC staff member Ryan Miller on his Jack’s Mountain land.
Wildlife habitat on Jacks Mountain, Mifflin County
This easement, donated by Rick and Mindy Williams,
prohibits subdivision and restricts development on 195
acres atop Jacks Mountain. The property provides shelter
for numerous wildlife species, including birds, ruffed
grouse, wild turkey and black bears. It also contains
outstanding habitat for timber rattlesnakes, a priority
species for protection in Pennsylvania.
“We’ve been talking for awhile about doing something like this, so the donation of this conservation easement to WPC is our chance to put action to our words,” said Rick Williams. “We’re glad to see that WPC is becoming active in our central Pennsylvania area, and hope that this will be the beginning of a success story for conservation in Mifflin County. We have many environmental riches in this area, and our motivation in protecting our small piece of those riches is the positive stewardship of God’s creation.”
The Laskow property in the Laurel Highlands.
Scenic farmland in Indian Creek watershed
Mark and Lisa Laskow have donated a conservation
easement on this 78-acre property, which is situated
within the headwaters of Indian Creek — a priority watershed
in the Laurel Highlands. Located near more than
3,000 acres of properties conserved by WPC through
easements, as well as large portions of Forbes State
Forest, the newly conserved land protects valuable
forestland and scenic views of the Ligonier Valley.
Sustainable agriculture and timber harvesting will be
permitted on the land. Since 2004, the property has been
managed under a forest stewardship plan as part of a
voluntary program that helps forestland owners improve
and maintain the ecological health of their land.
Mark Laskow said, “We donated this conservation
easement as part of our long-term management of our
property to improve its recreational, aesthetic and
environmental values. It seemed like a good way to
maximize those values while the Marcellus boom is going
on around us. And if it inspires our neighbors to do the
same, even better!”
Donated conservation easements also typically result in tax benefits for landowners. To learn more, please contact the Conservancy at 412-288-2777 or at land@paconserve.org.