BUSHKILL TOWNSHIP, Pa., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Northampton County will be able to increase outdoor recreational activities and protect open space with the help of a $283,000 investment by the commonwealth, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis today said.

The money will be awarded to Palmer Township for the Palmer Township Bike Path and The Nature Conservancy, which will protect two parcels totaling approximately 12 acres in the Minsi Lake Corridor in Upper Mount Bethel Township.

"These are very strategic investments that will position this large Lehigh Valley landscape for sustainable growth, economic vitality and improvement in the quality of life for communities and residents," DiBerardinis said. "The first grant will complete the last mile of the bike path along the Bushkill Creek to provide hiking and biking opportunities and conserve open space in a township seeing tremendous growth.

"The second grant protects two parcels of nearly 6 acres each that contain critical wetlands, waterways and vernal pools and connect to adjoining protected and recreation areas, increasing the conservation of unique habitats in the area and providing additional opportunities for nature walking, birding and hunting," DiBerardinis said.

The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants, administered through DCNR, will be awarded to:

• Palmer Township, $200,000, to include the construction and installation of a paved trail, new decking on three bridges, signage and landscaping. This a part of a much larger system of greenways trails planned in Northampton County stretching from the Appalachian Trail to the Delaware River Trail; and
• The Nature Conservancy, $82,600, to acquire woodlands on Institute Road and south of Institute Road and Blue Mountain Road near land already owned by the conservancy and Northampton County. The properties are part of one of the largest communities of vernal ponds in the state. Vernal ponds are temporary pools of water in the spring, and provide critical breeding areas for salamanders, frogs, insects and other species.

The grants are supported by the Keystone Fund, a DCNR account generated from a portion of the state's realty transfer tax.

"We don't think of this area in terms of county lines, but rather as a landscape with unique ecosystems, ridgelines, trails, opportunities for outdoor adventures and a citizenry that is engaged and interested in protecting what makes this area special," DiBerardinis said. "We are happy to help our partners in this region meet their vision for their communities."

For more information about DCNR's grant program, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and click on the "Recreation and Conservation" quick link.

CONTACT: Christina Novak

(717) 772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development