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.
Labeled “AMD Superheros” by the Environmental Protection Agency, Broad Top Township has tackled AMD projects using model strategies for addressing water quality issues. Throughout various projects, the township has sought innovative solutions. When, in two instances, the only land available for sediment ponds was an existing coal refuse site, the township, working with key stakeholders, recycled the coal refuse to a co-generation plant, constructed the AMD treatment systems, and converted an eye-sore into a natural wildlife preserve.
For 30 years, East Bradford Township (Chester County) has been a leader in the protection of open space, scenic, historic, and environmentally sensitive resources. Located next to both West Chester Borough, the Chester County seat, and Downingtown Borough, East Bradford has worked to preserve roughly 6,000 acres – more than 60% of its land mass – during a period when neighboring municipalities were rapidly overtaken by suburban development. More recently, the Township also has embarked on an ambitious program to develop a public trails network to link residents to their open space resources, constructing nearly 20 miles of trails, including links into Downingtown and West Chester.
The award was presented Saturday 4th in conjunction with the 10th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Vince Pompo, Board Chair and Mandie Cantlin, Assistant Township Manager, accepted the award on behalf of East Bradford Township. Ernest Fuller, Township Secretary, accepted the award on behalf of Broad Top Township.
“We are thrilled to honor such strong partners at the local level, actively reinforcing and promoting the protection of our natural resources,” commented Andy Loza, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association. “On behalf of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association and the land conservation community, we thank the elected and appointed officials of Broad Top and East Bradford townships for their remarkable leadership and commitment to land preservation efforts in Pennsylvania.”
Read more about Broad Top Township
Read more about East Bradford Township
