Upper Mt. Bethel Supervisors support land preservation effort

The Nature Conservancy is looking to preserve another
70 acres of property along the Kittatinny Ridge.
(Source: WFMZ.com)

Upper Mt. Bethel Township Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to formally support The Nature Conservancy's efforts to preserve 70 acres of forested land along the Kittatinny Ridge in Northampton County.  Upper Mt. Bethel sets a great example for municipalities along the Appalachian Trail and Kittatinny Ridge in their resolution.  See the full WFMZ article here.

Municipalities can play an important supporting role in backing funding proposals for land preservation and can even go as far as to hold conservation easements.  In this particular case, The Nature Conservancy is applying to Northampton County's Open Space Program to purchase this easement along Blue Mountain Drive.

WFMZ reports: "Ellen Lott, project manager with The Nature Conservancy, said the additional 80 acres would tie into 229 acres already preserved along the Kittatinny Ridge.  Lott said the ridge has both 'ecological and social importance to the residents of the area' by providing critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, while offering breath-taking scenic views.

It's important to keep the ridge forested for the wildlife and the people because it's such a visible landmark,' she said."