Ligonier Township, Pa. – Nov. 19, 2018 – On October 30, 2018, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy acquired 3.3 acres in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, along the scenic Route 30 corridor between the Loyalhanna Gorge and Ligonier.
The property is a continuation of ongoing efforts by the Conservancy and other partners to enhance the scenic character of the Route 30 corridor, while restoring and protecting important lands adjacent to and near the Loyalhanna Creek and its associated tributaries. Located between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 30 within the Loyalhanna Creek floodplain, the property hosts a portion of a tributary to the creek. The property, which contains Fleatique, was purchased through an estate sale.
WPC intends to restore the property by removing three dilapidated buildings and two underground heating-oil tanks, and preparing the site for native plantings. After the first phase of restoration, WPC will divest the property to the Loyalhanna Watershed Association, subject to a conservation easement. Conservation easements are permanent deed-restriction agreements tailored to meet specific landowner needs and conservation goals. Easements are one of the many tools used to protect land. Currently, permits and other due diligence are underway before the demolition proceeds. This property will be added to existing floodplain properties in the area owned by LWA.
Questions about this property or any other land protection in the Ligonier Valley should be directed to WPC’s land manager for the Laurel Highlands, Jane Menchyk, at 724-238-2492.
Feb. 21, 2019 Update: A contractor with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has begun preparing this site along Route 30 in Ligonier Township for the demolition of three buildings, one of which is the former Fleatique. For public safety, our contractor will install fencing and signage around the demolition area. This work is weather dependent and expected to take approximately four weeks, concluding around late March or early April. Please contact the Conservancy at 724-238-2492 or 412-586-2358 if you have any questions regarding demolition activities or this restoration effort.
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About the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy:
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) enhances the region by protecting and restoring exceptional places. A private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932, WPC has helped to establish 11 state parks, conserved more than a quarter million acres of natural lands and protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams. The Conservancy owns and operates Fallingwater, which symbolizes people living in harmony with nature. In addition, WPC enriches our region’s cities and towns through 132 community gardens and other green spaces that are planted with the help of about 12,000 volunteers. The work of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is accomplished through the support of more than 10,000 members. For more information, visit WaterLandLife.org or Fallingwater.org.
Media Contact:
Carmen Bray
Director of Communications
412-586-2358
cbray@paconserve.org