ConserveLand.org

ConserveLand Newsletter (Winter 2010)

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 14:10:46 GMT

Check out the latest issue of the ConserveLand Newsletter, including the most recent Case Law Review.

The Good News in the 2010-11 PA State Budget

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:02:54 GMT

Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund land trust project money and other special environmental project funds targetted for deep cuts were kept intact. An intent to enact by October a Marcellus shale gas drilling tax with a portion of revenues going to environmental projects was expressed. No new drilling leasing mandates were imposed on publicly-owned State Forests.

The Bad News: $1.3 Billion Diverted, Cut From Environmental Programs Over Last 8 Years

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:59:25 GMT

The budget just adopted for FY 2010-11 means a total of $1.3 billion has been diverted or cut from environmental programs over the last eight years.

Conservation Easements Can Reduce PA Inheritance Tax

Thu, 27 May 2010 13:53:50 GMT

In PA, death triggers a state inheritance tax on the distribution of the deceased person’s assets to the estate's beneficiaries. A little known provision in PA law can reduce inheritance tax by 50% for land assets under conservation easement, depending on the details. Learn more at ConservationTools.org

Reversionary Interest Can Help Ensure Compliance

Thu, 06 May 2010 13:18:57 GMT

A conservation organization or other landowner can donate or otherwise transfer land to government on a conditional rather than absolute basis to help ensure that their conservation wishes are respected by government in the long-term. Check out Reversionary Interests as well as 38 other tools and topics now available at ConservationTools.org.

Congratulations to ClearWater Conservancy and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy! PA Returns to #1

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:01:39 GMT

With the ClearWater Conservancy and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy achieving accreditation, Pennsylvania, with 17 accredited land trusts, leads the nation in land trusts who have demonstrated that they meet national quality standards. Pennsylvania edged past California and its 16 accredited land trusts to retake the lead position.

Scholarships Available for Yale Conservation Finance Camp

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:24:22 GMT

Scholarships Available! The Conservation Finance Camp at Yale is offering scholarships to Camp registrants on a first-come first-serve basis!

Don't Miss Joining with 400 Friends and Colleagues

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:34:11 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference, Pennsylvania's premier conservation event, takes place April 8-10 in Malvern, Chester County.

Executive Order Bans New Leasing for Gas Drilling on State Forest Land -- for the Moment

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:00:37 GMT

Governor Rendell signed an executive order imposing a moratorium on new natural gas leases on state forest lands. Governor-elect Corbett pledged to rescind the order once in office.

Video: Michaux Lecture - Pennsylvania Conservation: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:21:35 GMT

In case you were unable to attend the Michaux Lecture this past June provided by Pennsylvania-native, Larry Schweiger, CEO & President of the National Wildlife Federation, we are pleased to bring the lecture to you. DCNR Secretary John Quigley provides an eloquent introduction.

Conservation Lifetime Leadership Award Nominations: Deadline January 6, 2012

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:27:09 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is now accepting applications for the Conservation Lifetime Leadership Award, which will be presented May 4th, 2012 at the 10th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference.

Deadline Approaching: Excellence Grants for Southeast PA Land Trusts

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:12:11 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is pleased to announce the Land Trust Excellence Grants Program, which provides funding to help eligible land trust implement national Land Trust Standards and Practices, earn land trust accreditation, and prepare for overall growth and long-term sustainability. Deadline: September 30, 2011. Contact Nicole Faraguna for more information.

America's Great Outdoors: Land Trust Ideas For Protecting the Places We Love

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:31:47 GMT

Please share stories and information about the places you love, your community’s efforts to protect them, and ways to better support modern-day land conservation efforts happening in communities across the country.

Register for the 2011 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference

Tue, 03 May 2011 12:07:45 GMT

Join the who's who of land conservation in Pennsylvania. Attend the annual training, networking and inspirational event for those involved with private and public land conservation.

Pledges and Donation Agreements Guidance

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:44:08 GMT

A carefully documented donation agreement can achieve both a legally binding commitment to the conservation organization and a tax deductible contribution for the donor. Check out Pledges and Donation Agreements as well as 35 other tools and topics now available at ConservationTools.org.

ConserveLand Newsletter (Fall 2010)

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:57:37 GMT

6th Edition Model Conservation Easement: Interactive Webinar

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:38:52 GMT

Peruse the 6th Edition in 21st Century Style. Participate in an interactive webinar with Pat Pregmon, Esq. and Andy Loza.

The Nature Conservancy Study: Pennsylvania Energy Impacts Assessment

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:03:46 GMT

The Nature Conservancy has released a new study on the impacts of energy development on Pennsylvania's natural resources.

Tax Court Upholds IRS Decision: Tax Deduction Disallowed for Failure to Satisfy Substantiation Requirements

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:38:59 GMT

Schrimsher v. Commissioner of Tax Revenue upholds IRS disallowance of façade easement tax deduction because the “Preservation and Conservation Easement Agreement” between the taxpayer and the donee did not satisfy the Internal Revenue Code requirement for a contemporaneous written acknowledgment of the gift from the donee — it did not state whether the donee provided any goods or services in consideration for the preservation easement.

What is Open Space?

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:52:01 GMT

A new video by Montgomery County Lands Trust entitled "What is Open Space" explores the value of open space to those in the community. Open space has many faces and means different things to people across our region. What does Open Space mean to you?

The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania Launches New Forest Conservation Effort, Protecting 22,000 Acres

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:43:56 GMT

Clean drinking water, wildlife, recreation, and Pennsylvania’s forest products industry will benefit from a new agreement between The Nature Conservancy and the Bethlehem Authority. At 22,000 acres protected, the agreement is the largest conservation project involving a private entity ever in Pennsylvania.

2010 State Land Use & Growth Management Report Released

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:00:38 GMT

The Department of Community and Economic Development issues its report that shows how Pennsylvania will look, demographically, in the next 10 years, and how it has changed in the past five years.

2011 Conference Materials & Handouts Now Available at ConserveLand.org

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:32:02 GMT

2011 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference course materials from selected seminars and sessions are now available online. Materials are only available for courses where the speakers provided electronic materials. If the information you are seeking is not currently available, you may want to return to the site occasionally and check for updates.

Report: Marcellus Shale Drillers in PA Amass 1614 Violations Since 2008

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 12:10:57 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association has reviewed environmental violations accrued by Marcellus Shale drillers working in Pennsylvania between January 2008 and August 20, 2010. Since this report was first published, additional information has been received from the Department of Environmental Protection and report has now been updated.

PALTA Honors Adams County and Franklin Township for their Conservation Leadership

Wed, 25 May 2011 16:08:20 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association honored Franklin Township and Adams County with the 2011 Government Conservation Leadership Award at the 9th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference this past week for their demonstrated leadership in the conservation of our special landscapes and critical natural resources.

Reconnecting Youth to a Green & Playful World

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:40:01 GMT

A generation ago, most children spent time in their yards and neighborhoods.Today many children face distractions and have little exposure to the outside world.

Economic Value of Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:26:50 GMT

More than twenty years of studies in Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S. unequivocally show that parks, greenways, public forests and other protected natural lands can boost property values, improve local economies, attract and support businesses, save energy and water-treatment costs, and safeguard the natural systems on which our economic well-being depen

New Guidance at ConservationTools.org

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:30:57 GMT

Explore new Guidance at ConservationTools.org: S treet & Sidewalk Design, Agricultural Protection Zoning, and Reducing Liability Associated with Public Access. Check out these and other tools and topics now available at ConservationTools.org.

Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission Releases Final Recommendations

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:05:10 GMT

The Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission released its final report, which includes 96 recommendations regarding natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania.

Last Chance to Register: Binding Donors & Future Landowners to Present

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:13:03 GMT

“If you miss PALTA’s seminar, you’re leaving money on the table. Use it all or just a piece -- there is something for everyone."

Federal Conservation Tax Benefit Extended through 2011

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:44:33 GMT

In December 2010, Congress renewed the enhanced tax incentive for conservation easement donations through December 31, 2011 and retroactive to January 1, 2010! These enhanced tax deductions have helped America’s land trusts work with farmers and other modest-income landowners to increase the pace of conservation by about 250,000 acres a year!

Maurice K. Goddard—Patriarch of Pennsylvania Parks

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:40:07 GMT

Known for his no-nonsense, blunt style, Maurice K. Goddard served under five Pennsylvania governors as Secretary of Forests and Waters and as the founding Secretary of the Department of Environmental Resources (1955-1979).

9th Circuit Court Rules Against US DOE's NIETC Designations

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 12:17:15 GMT

On February 1, 2011, the 9th Circuit Court rules in favor of conservationists, eliminating the Mid-Atlantic and Southwest designations. The court ruled on the basis that DOE failed to conduct an environmental review as required by the National Environmental Policy Act and failed to consult with affected states.

Supreme Court Ruling in Pennsbury Points to Caution in Advocacy

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:57:21 GMT

The Pennsylvania General Assembly in passing the Environmental Immunity Act intended to protect citizens from SLAPP suits (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) that would undermine participation in the establishment and enforcement of environmental law. The Supreme Court opinion issued in Pennsbury Village Associates, LLC v. McIntyre on 1/19/2011 suggests that the court might take a very narrow view of the protections offered to citizens under the act.

$1.3 Billion Diverted, Cut From Environmental Programs Over Last 8 Years

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:04:51 GMT

If Gov. Rendell's proposed 2010-11 budget becomes law, a total of $1.3 billion has been diverted or cut from environmental programs to help balance the state budget or to fund programs that could not get funding on their own over the last eight years.

Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference Handouts & Presentations Now Available

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:48:01 GMT

Download materials and presentations from the educational, networking, inspirational event designed for those working in land conservation.

2010 Conference Photos Now Available on PALTA Facebook Page

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 16:20:33 GMT

Photos from the 2010 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference have been uploaded to the Pennsylvania Land Trust Facebook Page -- Join Today!

Monroe County Honored for Leadership and Commitment in Protecting Our Natural Resources

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:34:20 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is pleased to honor Monroe County for its proactive land protection strategies and commitment to protecting sensitive and scenic areas and critical natural resources with the Government Conservation Leadership Award.

National Conservation Easement Conservation Database Now Live

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:31:11 GMT

The National Conservation Easement Database is now live. This database is the first of its kind to map conservation easements, nearly 40 million acres, across the nation. See how Pennsylvania compares to other states. Learn how you can share your success stories.

Study Measures Value of Protected Open Space

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:48:07 GMT

More than just pretty places, preserved open spaces contribute to our local economies and property values, they help us save on everything from health care to recreation, and they perform valuable ecosystem services that naturally improve the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Jim Brett Honored with the Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:34:38 GMT

On behalf of Pennsylvania’s eighty leading conservation organizations, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association honors Jim Brett for his decades of leadership and dedication in conserving our special places and landscapes.

A Conservation Pioneer Passes

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:33:02 GMT

The land trust community mourns Eleanor Morris, a steadfast advocate of land conservation and founder of one of Pennsylvania's most successful land trusts.

Download the 6th Edition of the Model Conservation Easement

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:40:41 GMT

Thank you to everyone that provided comments during the development of the 6th edition of the Model Grant of Conservation Easement and Commentary. Your reviews and suggestions have ensured that the model continues as the gold standard for easements.

DCNR Acquisition Grants: Guidance for Land Trusts

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:21:36 GMT

PALTA recently asked staff at the department to identify a few of the more common issues facing land trusts and municipalities in applying for acquisition grant dollars. So here they are:

Last Day to Submit Conference Workshop Proposals for 2012 PA Land Conservation Conference

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:33:38 GMT

Workshop and round table proposals are now being accepted for the 2012 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference. The submission process is simple and completed online. Deadline is November 1, 2011.

Conserved Properties for Sale

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:52:10 GMT

Check out new conserved property listings or post a property for sale.

Mapping Conserved Lands

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:18:57 GMT

Strategic and innovative mapping tools are making it easier for land trusts to protect its lands in perpetuity.

Act 8 of 2011 Protects Conservation Easement-Related Transfer Fees from Fee Prohibition

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:02:59 GMT

HB 442, the private transfer fee prohibition bill, was signed into law by Governor Corbett on June 24 and becomes Act 8 of 2011. In this new law, conservation easement-related private transfer fees are protected.

Senate Confirms Richard Allan As DCNR Secretary

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:23:36 GMT

On June 13, 2011, the state Senate, in a 50-0 vote, confirmed Richard J. Allan, of Camp Hill, Cumberland County, as secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

A Truly Green Solution to Stormwater in Our Communities

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:17:17 GMT

Offering greener and much less expensive options for municipalities to reduce stormwater runoff.

Amos Funk Honored for His Leadership in Farmland Preservation

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:43:01 GMT

On behalf of Pennsylvania’s eighty leading conservation organizations, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association honors the memory and legacy of Amos Funk with the Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award for his decades of leadership and dedication in conserving our special places and landscapes.

Support for Guided Organizational Assessments

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:57:20 GMT

Greenways & Trail Liability & Maintenance Workshop on July 15

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:09:23 GMT

Full-day seminar focusing on liability and maintenance issues related to trails and greenways.

After They Drill, Who Pays the Bill?

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:33:02 GMT

Natural gas extraction imposes heavy costs on our communities: air pollution; pipelines, drilling pads and wastewater pits scarring our landscapes; heavy rigs damaging our roads; billions of gallons of water taken from our streams; and operational errors contaminating our land and water. Get information and see policy proposals related to natural gas drilling at landandwater.org.

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee Reports on Growing Greener 2

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 12:40:12 GMT

As required by Pennsylvania House Resolution 2009-17, the nonpartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee reviewed Growing Greener 2. The Committee's report can be downloaded at lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/reports/2010/44.PDF

PALTA Releases Drafts of Three Ground-Breaking Model Documents for Peer Review

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:06:06 GMT

Don’t miss the opportunity to suggest changes, alternative approaches and areas needing more commentary.

Advanced Seminar for Professionals and Landowners on Donated Conservation Easements

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:38:11 GMT

The Maryland Environmental Trust, the statewide land trust, is pleased to announce a full day seminar on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 focused on the legal and financial aspects of donated conservation easement featuring C. Timothy Lindstrom, Esq., a nationally renowned expert on the topic.

Walk-in Registrations Accepted at the Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:33:42 GMT

Join more than 300 friends and colleagues for the educational, networking and inspirational event of the year! The 10th annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference will be held May 3-5, 2012 at the Inn at Pocono Manor in Monroe County. Don't miss the country's premier state land conservation conference. Download registration materials today. (Learn More)

Pennsylvania Land Trusts Protect 57,087 Acres in Two Years: Total Land Conserved Now at 592,476 Acres

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 07:20:50 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association recently completed its biannual census of land trusts. As of 12/31/2009, the ninety-one land trusts operating in Pennsylvania have conserved 592,476 acres of farmland, forest, parks, trail corridors and other green spaces that people love.

Breadth & Depth of Guidance Grows at ConservationTools.org

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:21:30 GMT

ConservationTools.org now offers more than forty topics. If you have suggestions for new topics, contact Nicole Faraguna at nfaraguna@conserveland.org.

Catalyst for Conservation: New Book Chronicles Brandywine Conservancy’s Successful Work to Conserve King Ranch Property

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:52:11 GMT

Catalyst for Conservation traces the history of the Brandywine Conservancy’s work to save the property from development, which ultimately resulted in permanently protecting 4,596 acres by conservation easements and setting aside another 771 acres as the Laurels Preserve.

PALTA Updates Model Trail Easement Agreement and Commentary Also publishes a short-form alternative

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:05:53 GMT

The third edition of the Model Trail Easement Agreement and Commentary, published in September 2010, addresses user experiences and comments of the past two years.

Act 44 Repeals 25-Year Provision in Agricultural Conservation Easements

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:49:22 GMT

Act 44 of 2011, signed into law by Governor Corbett on July 7, amends the Agricultural Area Security Law to repeal the provision allowing for the extinguishment of agricultural conservation easements after 25 years.

Fall Issue of the ConserveLand Newsletter Now Available

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:30:43 GMT

Check out the latest issue of the ConserveLand newsletter which includes guidance on DCNR acquisition grants, strategic and innovative mapping tools illustrating the success of land trusts, as well as a variety of new resources available through the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association.

Help Connect Landowners to Potential Buyers of Conserved Properties

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:52:33 GMT

As a service to conservation organizations and landowners, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association manages "Conserved Real Estate for Sale", a web resource dedicated to marketing conserved properties. Land trusts and farmland preservation boards can download a flyer to share with landowners and real estate agents regarding this resource.

How Much Do We Value Conservation?

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:40:49 GMT

In the coming years, what should state spending priorities be? Should Growing Greener be renewed?If so, how much money?

Help Us Welcome DCNR Secretary Richard Allan at the Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:35:42 GMT

Don't miss the newly appointed DCNR Secretary on Saturday, May 21st as he addresses attendees of the 9th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference. Acting Secretary Rick Allan will speak during the Saturday morning plenary session, which is included with Saturday registration.

Deadline Approaching: 2012 Government Conservation Leadership Award Nominations

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:26:44 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA) is now soliciting nominations to honor Pennsylvania municipalities and counties that have demonstrated leadership and success in the conservation of our special places and landscapes. Submit your nomination by February 3, 2012.

Hot off the presses: Spring Issue of the ConserveLand Newsletter

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:18:42 GMT

Check out the latest issue of the ConserveLand Newsletter and see how your land trust has contributed to conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.

Trout Unlimited Announces Chesapeake Bay Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:51:02 GMT

Trout Unlimited is pleased to announce the inaugural round of its Chesapeake Bay Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund. The Fund provides matching grants to land trusts and conservation agencies to permanently protect habitat for Eastern brook trout through land and conservation easement acquisition.

DCNR Secretary Message to Stakeholders Re: Budget

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:27:37 GMT

Secretary Allen of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shares information about the fiscal 2012-13 budget proposed by Governor Corbett.

The ConserveLand Blog is Just a Click Away!

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:52:33 GMT

Share what's on your mind...ConserveLand Blog offers an eclectic collection of voices on a variety of conservation issues with the opportunity for robust discussion.

Proposed Cuts Could Mean $1.8B Diverted/Cut from Environmental Programs Over Last Decade

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:34:44 GMT

Including the Governor's budget proposal, cuts in the last decade to conservation funding would total $1.8 billion.

How Much Land is Conserved in PA?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:45:03 GMT

5.4 million acres (18%) of Pennsylvania have been conserved for agricultural production, sustainable forestry, public recreation and other purposes. Pennsylvania State Forests make up 39% of the conserved lands.

Executive Director Leadership Program (Institute for Conservation Leadership)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:56:18 GMT

Organizations thrive when they have effective and confident executive directors. ICL's 2012 Executive Director Leadership Program will help you expand your peer network and get the perspective you need to move your organization forward. Apply by Feb. 24, 2012.

Environmental Bills Signed into Law in 2011

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:21:39 GMT

Bills related to environmental funding and programs signed into law or adopted during 2011.

Marketing Conserved Real Estate at ConserveLand.org

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:05:08 GMT

A new opportunity for property owners and realtors to market conserved real estate. The goal of this feature is to match sellers with buyers who share the same values of land conservation.

LTA Webinar: Oil and Gas CAN Work with Conservation Easements - Sometimes

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:42:13 GMT

Oil and gas exploration can sometimes be compatible with conservation easements, but the land trust and landowner need to be able to impose limits on exploration and extraction to protect the conservation values and to preserve deductibility of the easement. Learn how to approach this difficult area of the law and what rules apply (you might be surprised).

What Will Pennsylvania Look Like in Fifty Years?

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:24:28 GMT

One answer: Pennsylvania is on track to become more developed than present-day New Jersey in the next several decades. Check out the graphic representation of conserved and developed lands in Pennsylvania in 2008 and projections for 2058.

Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas Statute Amended to Address Marcellus Shale Gas Operations

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:16:57 GMT

As natural gas industry operations take from our natural resources, the act provides a modest stream of funding for Growing Greener-type projects to invest back into the conservation, restoration and enhancement of Pennsylvania's land, water, wildlife and communities.

New Conference Session: $ for Conservation - Accessing Act 13 Funds

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:34:51 GMT

How can conservation benefit from new funding sources established through Act 13 (the new "Marcellus shale law" )? How will existing conservation funding be impacted?

2012 Conference Handouts & Presentations Now Available

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:27:08 GMT

Course materials from the 2012 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference are now available. Materials are only available for courses where the speakers provided electronic materials. If the information you are seeking is not currently available, you may want to return to the site occasionally and check for updates.

Official Map Handbook Now Available

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:47:35 GMT

A municipality may express an intent to acquire specific land for streets, trails, parks and other public uses by establishing an official map that “reserves” this land. If a landowner seeks to build on or subdivide reserved land, the municipality has up to a year to acquire the land from the owner before the owner may freely build or subdivide.

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association partnered with state agencies in developing this handbook to guide counties, local municipalities and planners in use of the official map.

Barbara Yeaman Honored with Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:54:02 GMT

On behalf of Pennsylvania’s eighty leading conservation organizations, the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association honors Barbara Yeaman for her decades of leadership and dedication in conserving our special places and landscapes. Barbara received the award on May 4th in conjunction with the 10th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Leadership Award.

Pennsylvania's Land Trusts Expand Conserved Land by 58% in Just Eight Years

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:34:16 GMT

Although land trusts have been protecting Pennsylvania’s special places since the mid-20th century, their work has accelerated dramatically in the new millennium

PALTA Honors Two Municipalities for their Leadership & Commitment in Protecting Our Natural Resources

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:07:20 GMT

The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is pleased to honor both Broad Top Township (Bedford County) and East Bradford Township (Chester County) with the 2012 Government Conservation Leadership Award for their demonstrated leadership in the conservation of our special landscapes and critical natural resources.

Economic Impact of Pennsylvania State Parks

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:08:47 GMT

A 2011 report shows Pennsylvania state parks serve as economic generators in the communities that surround them, tying our natural resources to the Commonwealth’s economic vitality.