Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn on Friday announced $1.2 million in federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant funds for the purchase of Starr Farm in East Bradford Township, Chester County.
“With more and more people turning to the outdoors since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to support land acquisitions of this nature that help expand outdoor recreation opportunities in Pennsylvania communities,” Dunn said. “This grant will help ensure current and future generations can have nearby access to a large, beautiful park, and I look forward to seeing the impact this acquisition has in East Bradford Township and for Chester County at large.”
According to a report, with the help of the grant, funds from the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program, and its investments, the township will acquire the title to the property. The land that comprises a half-mile stretch of West Valley Creek will be used for conservation, passive recreational public use, and enjoyment.
The township will oversee it as part of 477 acres of parks under its jurisdiction.
“The acquisition of the 156-acre addition to the Starr Farm Park caps an over two-decade program of perpetually protecting the Paradise Valley and Harmony Hill Conservation Area, including virtually all of the remaining open spaces between the East Branch of the Brandywine and Valley Creek,” said Vince Pompo, chair of the East Bradford Township Board of Supervisors.
This would not have been possible without the continuing support of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, DCNR, Chester County, many conservation organizations, and mostly, the residents of East Bradford.
DCNR provides grants to numerous projects throughout the Commonwealth each year. The Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants can be used to fund:
- Planning, acquisition, and development of public parks and recreation areas
- Motorized and non-motorized trails
- River conservation and access
- Heritage areas and facilities
- Conservation of critical habitat, natural areas, and open space
Eligible grantees are municipalities, counties, municipal agencies, non-profit groups, state heritage zones, prequalified land trusts, and for-profit businesses (for certain grants).
The grant money for the program is sourced from various fundings, including Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, Environmental Stewardship Fund, ATV and Snowmobile Management Restricted Accounts, Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program, and federal sources such as those from the Recreational Trails Program and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
DCNR determines the most suitable funding source based on the proposed project and the applicant.
The preservation of the historic Starr Farm property in East Bradford adds to our ongoing commitment to conserving our natural resources for all people, including generations yet to come,” said Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Increased opportunities for outdoor recreation and access to more open space leads to healthier communities, stronger environmental stewardship, and an overall better quality of life for families and children. I look forward to seeing our friends, neighbors, and visitors enjoy Starr Farm and the thousands of additional acres we’ve succeeded in saving here in Chester County.”
Over 220 land acquisition programs were awarded under the direction of Governor Tom Wolf, leading to the protection of 37,000 acres of open land all across the Commonwealth.
“This acquisition is particularly important because of the connection it makes to other preserved historic lands,” Rep. Christina Sappey (D-Chester) said.
“The residents of East Bradford have made a commitment to open space, and I’m proud to stand with them to support this funding. Protecting this land provides opportunities for the public to use and enjoy the unaltered beauty that has existed here for centuries.”
For more details on the funding programs, go to DCNR’s Grants page. The application period is currently closed, but they will resume in 2022.
For more information about state parks and forests as well as recreation in Pennsylvania, go to DCNR’s site.
