LARGEST REMAINING PARCEL OF PA'S LAKE ERIE SHORELINE PROTECTED WITH ACQUISITION
Conservancy to turn property over to Commonwealth for public use

A message from WPC President Larry Schweiger...

I'm thrilled to report that WPC is finalizing the permanent conservation of 540 acres of pristine land -- including more than one mile of Lake Erie shoreline, in Girard and Springfield Townships in Erie County.

Equally exciting for me is to let you know that this tract will be conveyed to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for inclusion into its state park system. This means that not only will more of our precious open space be permanently conserved, but will be open for visitors to enjoy and appreciate.

A few of the more noteworthy facts about the property:

• When the property was privately owned, WPC staff had classified this site as one of Erie County's most important Biological Diversity Area in private ownership and listed the tract as having exceptional ecological significance.
• Many species of special concern are located on the property and property contains natural communities including a rare, mixed stand, old growth forest community and a swamp community.
• Archaeological studies located six Paleolithic sites on this tract. A fossil sand dune ridge formed more than 12,000 years ago still exists at this site, which is rare within the county and the state.
• Duck Run Ravine, designated an Exceptional Value wetland by the Erie County Natural Heritage Inventory is located on this tract. Elk Run Creek is on the adjacent property (known as the Elk Creek Access Area) and flows into Lake Erie. Anglers heavily use this access area especially during the fall when there is an abundance of steelhead trout migrating upstream. Girard Township owns this smaller tract and has indicated a willingness to donate this parcel to the Commonwealth. The access area will afford an opportunity to create a much needed safe harbor for boats on Lake Erie during times of inclement weather.

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