DREHERSVILLE - Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is looking to acquire more land in Schuylkill County for conservation.
The nonprofit organization is applying for a $100,000 state Department of Community and Economic Development Greenway, Trails and Recreation grant. Funding for the grant comes from the Commonwealth Financing Authority through the DCED Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Fund.
"Our hope is to purchase a property that is contiguous to Hawk Mountain," Mary Linkovich, Hawk Mountain communication and grants manager, said Thursday.
The grant will be used to buy a 25.3-acre forested slope buffering the National Scenic Appalachian Trail in Berks County and a 59.8-acre riparian (area between land and river) parcel beneath the North Lookout at Hawk Mountain in Schuylkill County that runs adjacent to the Little Schuylkill River.
"It's virtually in every photo that is taken from the North Lookout in Schuylkill County," Linkovich said. "We're excited about it because the Little Schuylkill River is gorgeous in that stretch. It's grown in popularity and of course we always want to protect habitat."
The area ranks as a top protection goal at the state, county and local levels because of its scenic views, species diversity and sensitive habitat. The outdoor recreation area is popular for paddling, wildlife watching, hiking and biking.
Linkovich also noted that it is a National Natural Landmark and eco-tourism destination that brings in more than $7 million for the local economy.
Written consent for the conservation easement from the county commissioners is a requirement for the grant. The Schuylkill County board voted to provide a letter of support at a work session Thursday.
The grant will cover less than a fourth of the purchase, Linkovich said. It will be matched with privately raised funds and the organization will apply for additional grants.
Independent appraisals will determine the total cost but it is estimated to exceed $300,000, Linkovich said.
"We have a lot of fundraising to do," she said. "Protected land is very expensive but it has long-lasting effects on everyone, so we are appreciative of the collaborative support for our efforts."
The high cost is the result of the area being one of the fastest-developing areas in the county because it is in a prime location near two interstates.
The property also includes a home in West Brunswick Township. Linkovich said the organization does not want ownership of the home but only wants to buy the development rights to preserve the land.
"In an ideal situation, a buyer would purchase that property because it can't be developed," she said. "They would buy the home and be on protected land. There are many people that would be appealing to."
The project is shovel-ready and the individual, private landowners have been working cooperatively with Hawk Mountain and already signed the necessary agreements.
"It's difficult to find an opportunity where a landowner is willing to work with us so when you do have that chance, it is our mission to try and conserve that land," Linkovich said.
The easement still needs to be finalized.
"If everything goes as planned, we will finish the project by next spring," Linkovich said.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was founded by a New York conservation activist, Rosalie Edge, in 1934. It was incorporated in 1938 as a nonprofit organization.
