A Farm Remains Protected and a Community has Rallied for Conservation

December 21, 2007

Message from the President of Wildlands Conservancy

 

On December 20, 2007, Lower Macungie Township passed a motion to formally withdraw the Leister agricultural easement condemnation proceedings and to enroll the farm in an agricultural security area.  The Township also passed a resolution to purchase the 102-acre Camp Olympic parcel designed to meet the active recreation needs of the community.  And last but not least, the Township acted to help Wildlands Conservancy add 5.5 acres to its 72-acre Pool Wildlife Sanctuary.  Lower Macungie Township made the right decisions and these actions mark the end of a four month odyssey by Wildlands Conservancy, local leaders and the community to ensure the Leister Farm agricultural conservation easement remained intact while meeting the active recreational needs of the community. 

 

This condemnation issue had state-wide and national significance and far reaching ramifications to the land trust community and individuals wanting to preserve their properties.  Through the actions of many concerned individuals and key community leaders, we were able to save the farm and help protect additional open space.     

 

In an opinion piece published in the Morning Call on August 30, 2007, I asked the community to support Wildlands Conservancy in its effort to stave off condemnation of the agricultural easement held by Wildlands Conservancy on the 104-acre Leister Farm.  The response we received from the community was overwhelming.  Positive calls of support, letters to the editor, and letters of support, were received.   In addition, significant support was received from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Lehigh County Farmland Preservation Program, State Representative Doug Reichley, and U.S. Representative Charlie Dent.  Critical to the support was Lehigh County.  County Executive Don Cunningham and the Lehigh County Commissioners led by Percy Dougherty recognized the precedent the condemnation would set and moved boldly and swiftly to accept a donation of a ½ interest in the Leister agricultural conservation easement from Wildlands Conservancy.  This action played an important role in ensuring the protection of the Leister easement and the over 18,000 acres of easements held by the Lehigh County Farmland Preservation Program.

 

Lower Macungie Township gave Wildlands Conservancy an opportunity to find an alternative location where the active recreation could occur.  A committee was convened by Representative Doug Reichley and an alternative location was identified by the Township.  The team then went into action to secure the 102-acre Camp Olympic tract.  Lehigh County, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Wildlands Conservancy, Don Frederick (who’s company owns Camp Olympic and who was interested in seeing the property preserved as a park), and Lower Macungie Township all came together, pooled resources and an alternative site for the active recreation was secured. 

 

In partnership, these groups ensured the integrity of the Leister easement, added a significant parcel where active recreation can occur, and added acreage to the beautiful Pool Wildlife Sanctuary.  This combined effort is a perfect example of how the community can come together to solve problems and ensure the protection of our significant natural resources. 

 

The Leister issue has brought to the forefront the need for the community to work together, engage in smart growth and protect the regions most significant land resources. I commend the leadership of Lehigh County, the recent actions of Lower Macungie Township officials, and the community’s diligence to ensure the Lehigh Valley remains a wonderful place to live, work, and play.  With the support of the community and local leadership, the Lehigh Valley will be known around the country as a community, when faced with the challenges of condemnation, will protect the conservation value and the integrity of conservation easements, and meet the active and passive recreational needs of the community.

 

I thank you all for your support on this important issue and the ongoing support you continue to show Wildlands Conservancy in its mission to preserve, protect, restore and enhance the land, water, ecological and recreational resources of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh River valley.  Wildlands Conservancy will continue to work to protect the significant land resources of the region, and I hope you will join me in supporting this  important endeavor.        

 

Christopher M. Kocher is a Whitehall Township native who began his career as an environmental scientist with Wildlands Conservancy in 1995, shortly after graduating from Susquehanna University with a degree in geological and environmental sciences.  As the president of Wildlands Conservancy, Kocher is responsible for the organization’s operational leadership, which focuses on growing four major program areas: land protection, river conservation, community education, and recreation and trail development. 610-965-4397, ext.23, or ckocher@wildlandspa.org.