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.
"Los parques comunitarios, los senderos y los espacios abiertos desempeñan un papel inestimable en la calidad de vida de una comunidad. A través del Programa de Asociaciones para la Conservación de la Comunidad, la Commonwealth es capaz de asociarse con los gobiernos locales para mejorar los parques comunitarios, senderos para mejorar el espacio abierto y así mejorar la calidad de vida de nuestra región", dijo Boscola.
El programa C2P2 es administrado por la Oficina de Recreación y Conservación del DCNR para proporcionar asistencia financiera y técnica a los gobiernos locales, organizaciones ferroviarias y de senderos, fideicomisos de tierras y otras organizaciones sin fines de lucro para proyectos de parques, recreación, conservación y vías verdes. El programa de subvenciones se financia con diversas fuentes de financiación estatales y federales, entre las que se incluyen el Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (Key); el Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF); el fondo federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), sujeto a la aprobación del Servicio Nacional de Parques; el programa federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program (PRT), y el Pennsylvania Heritage Area Program (HA).
###