BETHLEHEM (November 19, 2024) – Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) announced this year’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) has awarded $1.15 million for two projects in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
“DCNR has made a tremendously prudent decision in investing in both the Upper Mount Bethel Preserve and in the Gerald E. Seyfried Bear Swamp Park,” Senator Boscola stated. “The Upper Mount Bethel Preserve is going to be an ecological gem that will serve as a blueprint for other communities on restoring a former quarry site to its natural state and allowing residents and visitors to learn about all within that natural state.”
“The Gerald E. Seyfried Bear Swamp Park & Archery Complex is jewel of the Northampton County park system and this state investment will allow Northampton County to make enhancements to it to allow hikers, birdwatchers and visitors interested in nature education to better access all this park has to offer,” Boscola added.
The grants through the C2P2 program were awarded to:
- Upper Mount Bethel Township, $600,000, Rehabilitation of Upper Mount Bethel Preserve in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County. Work to include renovation of trails; construction of pedestrian walkways, trails, boardwalks, overlooks, pavilion, parking area, access drive and stormwater management measures; installation of riparian buffers and interpretive signage; ADA access, landscaping and project sign.
- Northampton County, $550,000, Rehabilitation of Bear Swamp Park in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County. Work to include construction of internal loop trail and boardwalk; installation of interpretive and wayfinding signage; ADA access, landscaping and project sign.
“Community parks, trails and open space play an invaluable role in the quality of life of a community. Through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, the Commonwealth is able to partner with local governments to improve community parks, trails to enhance open space and thus improve the quality of life of our region,” Boscola said.
The C2P2 program is administered by DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation to provide financial and technical assistance to local governments, rail and trail organizations, land trusts and other non-profits for park, recreation, conservation and greenway projects. The grant program is funded with a variety of state and federal funding sources including the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key); the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) subject to National Park Service approval; the federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program (PRT), and the Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA).
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