(4/23) The Hamiltonban Township Board of Supervisors unanimously denied a request for funds from the Land Conservancy of Adams County during its April meeting.
Sarah Kipp, Land Conservancy conservation director, asked the supervisors for $75,000 to purchase conservation easements on two properties near Michaux State Forrest. The $75,000 would match funds Kipp planned to seek from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Conservation easements permanently bar land owners from developing properties, Kipp said. Easements are perpetual, Kipp said, so new owners must abide by their restrictions.
Kipp told the supervisors she annually inspects all properties that have Land Conservancy easements to ensure they are in compliance. Since its founding in 1995, the Land Conservancy has worked with over 130 landowners to preserve over 13,000 acres of farmland, meadows, forests, streams, and historical spaces.
Hamiltonban Township Supervisor Chair Edward Deardorff doubted the properties in question would ever be developed since they are landlocked by Michaux. Supervisor Coleen Reamer noted the township protected the Glatfelter Tree Farm in the early 2000s but expressed disappointment when the township was not consulted about land swaps that took place with DCNR. Kipp reiterated that easements are permanent.
Reamer also questioned whether the $75,000 Kipp requested would benefit all taxpayers and noted the township has roads and bridges that need repair. Deardorff motioned to deny Kipp’s request, which passed unanimously.
In other news…
The Hamiltonban Fairfield Community Park is almost complete and ready for a summer full of community-building activities.
The park, located at 4020 Bullfrog Road, is a three-acre, ADA-compliant gathering place funded by grants and donations. It includes a solar demonstration panel, pavilion with picnic tables and benches, pollinator garden, half-mile walking path, five exercise stations, train engine play unit, swings, and natural play area with sandbox.
The park also features five interpretive panels that highlight the history and culture of the Fairfield area.
The park’s parking lot will soon be paved, Reamer said. A large pergola has been ordered, Reamer said, and a rain garden will be renovated based on recommendations from Redding’s Horticultural Services.
The park’s Joint Park Recreation Committee kicked-off spring with Kite Day on April 22. Competitive Kite Flyer Joe Whitmore demonstrated his kite skills while residents brought their own kites to fly.
Music in the park will be held on the third Sunday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. throughout the summer. Performers include:
June 18 - Mark England will play his unique style of guitar and perform songs from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Fairfield Area High School students Noah and Elijah Wylie will open for England.
July 16 - Acoustic duo Neil and Shannon.
Aug. 20 - Band Cumberland Shakedown, which features a standup bass.
The park will also host a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony during the holiday season, Reamer said.
