Steele: PGC approves plan to acquire 280 acres of land in Indiana Twp. to protect it for future generations
Rep. Mandy Steele September 20, 2024 | 4:57 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 20 -- A longtime advocate for outdoor conservation and recreation, state Rep. Mandy Steele said she is thrilled that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has approved plans to purchase 280 acres of land in Indiana Township in her legislative district.
"Public lands are a core American tradition, and I've long been frustrated by the lack of access here in Allegheny County and more specifically, the 33rd Legislative District," Steele said. "With this planned acquisition, residents living in the region will have access to trails, hunting areas, wildlife viewing and more, and will be able to take advantage of all of what nature has to offer closer to home."
According to the Game Commission, the Allegheny Land Trust is offering about 280 acres. The acquisition will add to the PGC's existing 1,245 acres in the county.
The property runs along Deer Creek, which is a stocked trout tributary of the Allegheny River, with access along Cove Run Road. The commission said it will preserve and provide a buffer for the Rachel Carson Trail.
"The conservation of this land means these acres and its diverse wildlife and habitat will be protected forever," Steele said.
The commission unanimously voted to acquire these 280 acres at Friday's meeting for $1.295 million, along with adding property to six other Game Lands.
"Today, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners voted to approve a land acquisition that could add nearly 300 acres to existing State Game Lands 203 in Allegheny County," said PGC Executive Director Steve Smith. "The Game Commission has worked closely with Allegheny Land Trust on this property, and we are excited about the opportunity to add hundreds of acres of public hunting lands in southwestern Pennsylvania."
"We are elated that the PA Game Commission's Board has unanimously approved allocating funds toward the acquisition of our Deer Creek Conservation Project," said Christopher J. Beichner, president and CEO of the Allegheny Land Trust. "Conserving this land will help maintain the water quality of Deer Creek, protect the integrity of the Rachel Carson Train and conserve critical woodlands adjacent to Indiana Township's Emmerling Park. This brings us a major step closer to conserving this significant land forever."
"I want to thank the Allegheny Land Trust for offering these acres to the people of Pennsylvania and the commissioners of the Game Commission for having the foresight to act on such a proposal," Steele said.
The PGC currently manages more than 1.5 million acres of game lands across the state