Utility Land Acquisition


Photo courtesy of Jenn Teson

Successful private public partnership!

Photo Courtesy of Lancaster Conservancy

After a 1990’s study funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and The Conservation Fund, the Lancaster Conservancy began an ambitious effort to protect 1,800 acres of the Susquehanna Riverlands. This goal was exceeded in April of 2019 after Brookfield Renewable donated 435 acres in York and Lancaster Counties.

This utility land was originally targeted for conservation because of its natural beauty, water resources, and connection to Native American heritage. The total conserved land now exceeds 2,000 acres and includes 27 miles of streams, habitat for animals, and forestland.

This milestone achievement was made possible due to a public private partnership, formed in 2007, with leadership from DCNR and a core group of partners including the Conservation Fund, Lancaster Conservancy, Susquehanna National Heritage Area, and Lancaster and York Counties.

Photo courtesy of Mark Kaiser