Conserving Regional Character Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Initiative Partnership Progress 2004-2011 A Federal, State, and Local Partnership
A Legacy of Innovation The Lehigh Valley is one of the fastest growing regions of Pennsylvania. Due to rapid subdivision and development of land, it is already the third largest urban area in the state with a population over 644,000. The valley is projected to grow another 20% in the next two decades. This pace of development threatens to fragment and pollute the remaining natural areas in the region. At the same time, however, population growth is a testament to the remaining natural beauty of the region. People simply want to live in the Lehigh Valley. Top three things people like best about living in the Lehigh Valley: Diversity, variety, and balance between city and rural environments Close proximity to New York, Philadelphia, and shore points Convenient access to daily needs Lehigh Valley Land Use Public Opinion Survey 2010, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission www.lvpc.org The Lehigh Valley Greenways (LVG) Conservation Landscape Initiative (CLI) has been instrumental in striking a balance between preserving our natural resources and allowing for sustainable development of the land. Since 2004, the partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. (D&L), local organizations, and Lehigh Valley municipalities serves as a prototype for Conservation Landscape Initiatives across the state. The CLI approach is inherently regional and moves beyond municipal borders and state parkland to view landscapes and the myriad uses within them as a whole. Working regionally in a well-defined landscape, such as the Lehigh Valley, has resulted in clear local impacts. Collective strategic investments in the region have empowered communities to protect the sense of place and natural assets that make them unique. 2011 Lehigh County D&L Trail dedication, Slatington 2012 CLI Steering Committee, Kittatinny Ridge 2
Mini Grants Produce Exceptional Results The success of the initiative is based in large part on the effective working relationship between DCNR and D&L, which serves as the local lead and administrative entity, non-profit organizations, and officials from counties and local municipalities. This three-tiered approach, coordinated by D&L, allows partners to target funding, pool resources, and move projects forward. Perhaps the most high profile contribution of the CLI has been its awarding and administration of mini grants, which spurred dozens of innovative projects across the region. From urban forestry initiatives and trail design to signage and technical publications, LVG mini grants assists non-profits and municipalities accomplish a variety of projects to benefit residents of the Lehigh Valley. The D&L provides technical assistance to grantees throughout the process, helping our partners navigate reimbursements, make contact with state agencies, and implement sustainable policies. In short, we ensure that any project worth funding succeeds to the fullest extent possible and follows the highest standards for sustainability. The Conservation Landscape Initiative made a big difference here, says Jan Creedon, former Director of General Services for Lehigh County. It has brought funding and focus to a region that has a lot of potential and enabled us to develop that potential in a far shorter time period than we would be able to do otherwise. 3
Our Vision By 2015, greenways and trails connect natural and cultural resources across the Lehigh Valley linking urban areas to outdoor experiences, protecting watersheds, and retaining the character of the landscape, the region s heritage and the community. Counties Lehigh and Northampton Sub-Landscapes The Two Rivers Area features the confluence of the Lehigh and Delaware rivers and Jacobsburg State Park. Lehigh Valley Highlands are focused on balancing development pressures within a traditional agriculture setting. The Martins Jacoby Watershed contains a wetland habitat at the Minsi Lake Preserve. The Trexler Nature Preserve is located within the Jordan Creek Greenway. Pennsylvania s longest contiguous forested ridge, the Kittatinny Ridge (Blue Mountain), is located to the north, and is an important birding area and home to the newly expanded Lehigh Gap Nature Center. These special places are connected by the D&L Trail as it follows the historic transportation path that brought anthracite coal to market. Lehigh Gap Nature Center & the Kittatinny Ridge serve as a migratory route for raptors 4
Our Action Plan Building on a strong foundation, the strategy focuses on four goals: 1. Land Conservation & Restoration 2. Outdoor Recreation & Trail Connections 3. Community Revitalization 4. Local Education & Outreach The LVG Partnership The Lehigh Valley Partnership includes nearly 25 state, local and regional organizations collaborating to advance this vision and goals: Local Lead & Administrative Partner Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor State Agencies PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, PA Department of Environmental Protection, PA Fish & Boat Commission Conservancies Wildlands Conservancy, Heritage Conservancy, Natural Lands Trust, and The Nature Conservancy Lehigh & Northampton County Agencies Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, 21 st Century Open Space Initiative, Green Future Fund, Conservation Districts, Parks Departments and Department of Community & Economic Development Non-Profit Organizations Bushkill Stream Conservancy, Martins Jacoby Watershed Association, PA Environmental Council, Lehigh Gap Nature Center Areas of concentration include: Preserve unprotected natural areas and watersheds Restore riparian buffer Create greenways and trails that connect people and outdoor recreation experiences with valued natural, recreational and cultural resources Revitalize cities by integrating green infrastructure into riverfront development, greenways, trails and neighborhood projects Increase understanding and use of smart growth land use practices to create more livable and sustainable communities According to the 2010 Lehigh Valley Public Opinion Survey: 92% respondents favor preservation of farmland, rivers, creeks, and streams as high environmental protection priority 71% respondents agree that more parks, recreation facilities, and open space should be acquired Lehigh Valley Planning Commission www.lvpc.org 5
Local Importance and Impact Ecological Values Valuable land, water, and native plants provide habitat for wildlife, a better environment Since 2004 Lehigh Valley Greenways Partnership accomplished: Protected 1,200 acres of wildlife habitat land that helps protect our drinking water and forests that cleanse the air we breathe; Restored riparian buffer and in-stream habitat structures to improve water quality that cleanse the water we drink and air we breathe; Biological studies showed reproduction of native brook trout - more fish! Constructed 40- miles of trails connecting people to valued natural, recreational and cultural resources Revitalized cities with green infrastructure into riverfront development, greenways, trails and neighborhood projects Established 24 Environmental Advisory Councils More than 3,000 native trees produce oxygen and reduce temperatures Educating stewards for now and the future children learning about the environment and biodiversity 6
Leveraging Funding to Conserve Land A three-tiered approach Lehigh Valley Greenways employs a three-tier approach to project funding, which has allowed implementation of existing greenway and watershed plans to advance priority projects toward completion. In many cases, DCNR is able to provide matching grants for county and local projects, such as trail construction, land acquisition, and conservation, that otherwise would lack sufficient funds. One of the most notable examples of this is land conservation efforts by the conservancies and Ecology Team. To date, the leveraging of state, county, and local (municipal) funding has helped acquire or secure conservation easements on more than 1,200 acres of critical habitat and natural features. We believe if we strategically invest in conservation, community revitalization and recreational projects within a region, we can profoundly affect local communities. The communities of the Lehigh Valley are showing the way to sustainable improvement in the quality of life for their citizens by placing conservation, trails, and greenways at the center of their revitalization strategies and community vision. Cindy Dunn, Deputy Secretary of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 7
Plan Implementation Since its inception, Lehigh Valley Greenways has been conceived as a regional approach to landscape conservation. Lehigh and Northampton counties share many similar characteristics and face similar problems. The fact that the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) has provided joint county land use planning since 1961 provides a good foundation for regional projects. LVPC s 2007 Lehigh Valley Greenways Plan has provided a set of recommended goals and actions that have guided LVG strategies and work plans. The LVG provides an opportunity to network between state and local government that otherwise would operate in narrowly-focused silos and provides a forum for organizations to creatively solve problems and share advice. The initiative helps build the capacity to bring together state agencies, inter-bureaus, counties, watershed organizations, and non-profit organizations. Furthermore, quarterly meetings of the LVG steering committee, facilitated by the D&L, provide a time for local organizations to network and update each other on their work. This has resulted in creative problem solving and collaboration on all levels. Subcommittees have also been organized around specific issues, such as ecology, education, trails, and sustainable landscapes. Each subcommittee team problem solves, shares ideas, and works on specific projects. This type of collaboration has proved remarkably effective. Since LVG was created, the partnership with DCNR has brought at least $11 million in grants to the Lehigh Valley, including block grant funding for the D&L to administer over 120 mini grants for local municipalities. In the following pages, we highlight just a few of these projects, including some of our most recent work based on the four goals. Participants in the Sustainable Landscapes Bus Tour visit model sites across Northampton County. 8
Effective Collaboration Proves Results Restoration that Helped a Watershed The Martins-Jacoby Watershed Association (MJWA), a volunteer organization based in Northampton County, was having difficulty implementing a costeffective approach to stream bank restoration. Cost was a vital concern because the Association hoped the project would serve as a model that could be widely replicated. MJWA partnered with Northampton County Conservation District and the Lehigh County Conservation District watershed specialists and the PA Fish and Boat Commission (FBC) to provide low-cost design and construction oversight services. This interagency and cross-county partnership saved the Association $3,000 in consulting fees and both projects for a little over $20,000, which was about $75,000 less than initial proposals. The low cost and effective results made the project much viable as a model for future riparian or stream bank restoration projects. The results are clear. A FBC biological testing (summer 2010) of Martins Creek showed improved water quality conditions of the streams as a result of this work. The installation of in-stream natural material fish habitat structures and native stream bank restoration increased the reproduction of wild brown trout populations. The water quality improved within a year of project completion. This is a prime example of collaboration that works. Jeff Sabo, a PA FBC Waterways Conservation Office is very pleased with the early results. The quality of the stream and its fishery is remarkable, says Sabo. The partnership between the Martins-Jacoby Watershed Association, D&L, and the conservation districts has been essential to this effort and LVG is responsible for bringing all of us together. In-stream fish habitat constructed on Martins Creek (above); Stabilization work is complete (right) 9
Riparian Buffer Provides Stormwater Management A Road Once Flooded, Buffers a Mini-Wetland The Borough of Wind Gap recently installed a riparian buffer as part of a stormwater management project along Route 512, the main street through town. Stormwater runoff from the road and the foundation of an old building flowed directly into an adjacent marsh, which serves as the headwaters of the Bushkill Creek. During periods of heavy rain, the narrow flow of water forced it back onto the road; often causing severe flooding that led to road closures and necessitated pumping by the local fire department. Litter, sediment, and other forms of pollution made their way into the marsh, threatening the health of the Bushkill s High-Quality Cold Water Fishery. Before After The borough demolished the building, widened the culvert, and planted a native plant riparian buffer to absorb and filter stormwater. Native grasses including PA Sedge, shrubs, and perennial flowers were planted in the buffer. Removing the building and improving the culvert and channel, allowed stormwater to more easily pass under the road. The borough saw immediate savings from the reduced cost of responding to flooding and road closures and, long term, will save on maintenance costs. 10
Sustainable Meadow Saves Money Municipal and County Park Maintenance Decreased Manicured lawns requires continuous maintenance and cause runoff into adjacent streams. Bushkill Stream Conservancy (BSC) created a booklet entitled Establishing Streamside Buffer Areas in Your Park or Community to promote the concept of low-maintenance no-mow meadows and riparian buffers to municipalities. No-mow areas and naturalized buffers add character and texture to the landscape. If managed properly, they provide a way to re-establish indigenous or native plants. These buffers protect the health of the streams and rivers and beautify the areas. Reducing the acreage of mowed areas and establishing more naturalized areas also will decrease demands on staff time and equipment, which will reduce costs. Lehigh County proves significant maintenance savings in no-mow areas in two county parks Combined 4.25 acres of no mow meadow areas Native little bluestem warm season grass grew Expense with conventional mowing = $16.66/acre using 60 mower; mowed 32 times per year (rate includes labor, fuel, and equipment wear) Maintenance of no mow = leave natural & only mow 1 time per year to 5 grass height Savings of $70.80/week = total savings of $2,265/year BSC provided technical assistance to municipalities to help establish and manage meadows in their parks. The meadows required selective herbicide applications to help control broadleaf weeds and crabgrass. Native grass and wildflower mixture was seeded. Now, the meadows are being mowed two times per year. After four years of establishment, park staff is requesting more plants to widen the meadow. We installed demonstration meadows in two municipalities. We ve learned from our municipal park s crews and they ve learned from us about how to make a more sustainable landscape work on the ground. Kate Brandes, Bushkill Stream Conservancy 11
Zoning Legislation Enacted Appalachian Trail Zoning Regulation Enacted Statewide & Locally One of the most important trails in the Lehigh Valley is the Appalachian Trail, which follows the Kittatinny Ridge in northern Lehigh and Northampton counties. Unfortunately, the Appalachian Trail Act of 1978 did not permanently protect the character of the AT. Because some municipalities did not have zoning regulations to limit development adjacent to the trail, governments could do little to protect the trail when development threats occurred. Representative Robert Freeman, a long-time advocate of land use, zoning, and planning reform, drafted a bill that would require all municipalities through which the Appalachian Trail passes to enact zoning to protect the trail. On June 11, 2008 Act 24 law was signed. Thanks to the support of Appalachian Trail enthusiasts and conservation groups, we were able to secure the enactment of my legislation (Act 24) into law. Today, those communities that have the Appalachian Trail within their boundaries must have in place a zoning ordinance to protect this outstanding natural wonder. -State Representative Robert Freeman The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) issued a report titled Protect the Trail: A Guide to Protecting the Appalachian Trail for Lehigh Valley Municipalities to help municipalities comply with the new legislation. The report identifies the key threats to the trail, such as development pressure, wind turbines, cellular towers, and quarries and makes recommendations for dealing each issue. Most importantly, the report contains a model ordinance for the creation of an Appalachian National Scenic Trail Overlay District that would protect in perpetuity the natural and scenic qualities of the trail. The model ordinance is a valuable resource for municipalities with support from LVPC. The species depend upon the deciduous slopes, continuous and interior forest of the Kittatinny Ridge 12
Model Ordinances LVG recognizes that land conservation efforts alone are not enough to compel change and thus have also emphasized regulatory measures as needed. LVPC developed four model environmental ordinances for adoption by Lehigh Valley municipalities. The ordinances provide guidelines for land use on: steep slopes floodplains riparian corridors woodlands The ordinances can be amended to fit the characteristics of a variety of municipalities, including those which would have been unable to write their own. Second, the ordinances represent the best practices of planning officials familiar with the ecological impact of land use on varying terrain. LVPC provides training to local government officials to urge them to adopt these ordinances and an AT overlay. For more information, visit: Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (610) 264-4544 www.lvpc.org/lvpc_site/commission/guidesregulations LVPC Completes Land Use Public Opinion Survey Residents Support Conservation and Outdoor Recreation In 2010, LVPC surveyed Lehigh Valley residents to gauge their feelings about open space preservation and other land use issues. The findings of the survey confirmed that LVG is responding to residents values and desires. Here are some of the most compelling responses: 92% of residents favor the preservation of farmland 71% agree or strongly agree that more parks, recreation facilities, and open space should be acquired Trails for hiking, biking, rollerblading, and horseback riding ranked #1 among most needed park, recreation, and cultural facilities Rivers, creeks, streams and lakes consistently rank #1 on a list of natural resources to be preserved Proximity to preserved open space and environmentally sensitive features ranked as the #1 desired feature in purchasing a new home above traffic, landscaping, and infrastructure! For full results visit: www.lvpc.org/pdf/landusepublicopinionsurvey2010.pdf 13
Protecting and Promoting Regional Trails Lehigh Valley Trail Network Trails are an integral part of the region s outdoor recreation infrastructure. They link towns together, create corridors of green space, provide access between urban and natural areas, and give residents the opportunity to commute to workplaces. Numerous studies have shown that trails increase real estate value, improve public health, and provide economic stimulus. Fortunately, the Lehigh Valley has an abundance of multi-use trails and footpaths that provide a web of outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Recognizing the growth of the region s trail network and its importance to residents quality of life, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission produced the 2009 Lehigh Valley Trails Inventory. The inventory recorded Northampton and Lehigh counties 298 miles of open trails, 51 miles of proposed trails, and 276 miles of conceptual trails. As part of the inventory, the planning commission worked with LVG partners to collect GIS data for all of the trails and produce a regional map. The GIS data serves as a valuable asset for planners and municipal officials and has also been incorporated into DCNR s ExplorePATrails.com database and online mapping. The map of Lehigh Valley trails is both a striking testament to the proliferation of hiking, walking, and biking opportunities and will be used as an effective tool for marketing the region s trails to residents and visitors. Furthermore, this two-county project effort has encouraged municipal officials and trail organizations to look across their municipal boundaries to make regional trail connects. The end result will be corridors of open space that provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit: - Lehigh Valley Planning Commission www.lvpc.org/lvpc_site/commission/guidesregulations - DCNR s Explore PA Trails www.explorepatrails.com 14
Lehigh Valley Trails Summit The D&L and the Wildlands Conservancy held the first Lehigh Valley Trails Summit. In past years, the Pennsylvania Recreation & Parks Society has collaborated with DCNR to hold a statewide conference, but in Fall 2010, multiple conferences were held regionally. More than 150 people including government officials, trail engineers, industry folks, volunteers, trail advocates, people interested in economic development and planning, and trail users attended. The two-day summit featured a keynote address from Dan Rice, President and CEO of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, a plenary session for the Lehigh Valley trail network, break-out sessions, and a half-day field experience. The summit was hosted at DeSales University, providing a dedicated room for each of three tracks: health and recreation; planning and design; building and maintaining. After the plenary session, participants broke into smaller groups devoted to each of three themes: health and recreation; planning and design; and building and maintaining. An impressive variety of topics was covered from signage issues to maximizing the economic development of potential of trails. Meanwhile, for the more technically inclined, there were panels on environmental permitting, using GPS and GIS for trail building, ADA requirements, and building sustainable trails. Participants traveled into the field to see trail development at the Trexler Nature Preserve and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Both sites provide models for cultivating partnerships between the state, the county, non-profit organizations, and volunteers to develop trail networks. Attendance feedback requested more on-the-ground trainings and mobile workshops about trail building and maintenance. 15
Blazing New Trail One of LVG s major goals is to promote the expansion of the Lehigh Valley trail network, a goal that has seen much progress in recent years. The partnership of LVG, D&L, Wildlands Conservancy, and Lehigh County secured the remaining six segments of trail right-of-way equaling one mile to add to the previously purchased 11.3 miles of continuous railroad right-of-way in Lehigh County. Lehigh County and D&L constructed 2.7 miles, opening up access to the Lehigh River, with an additional 6.5 miles currently under construction. Federal Transportation Enhancement funding of $488,000 also was awarded to D&L for trail improvements from Catasauqua to Northampton Borough through LVPC. This allows for greater regional connections on the 165-mile D&L Trail. Progress Made in Lehigh County The Wildlands Conservancy completed Jordan Creek Greenway Plan and began implementation. Wildlands has secured over $2 million in state, county, and Trexler Trust Foundation funding to begin a five-year implementation effort. The first trail section in Whitehall Township, 1.2 miles, was constructed with a DCNR grant award of $230,000 and TEA award of $449,500. This muchanticipated trail is envisioned as a connector between downtown Allentown to Trexler Nature Preserve, then to the Kittatinny Ridge. Progress made in Northampton County Wilson Borough - 0.75 mile of trail constructed Bushkill Township - 2.5 miles of trail constructed Palmer Township - 1 mile of trail designed City of Easton 3 miles of trail designed and put out for bid 16
Support from County Leadership Lehigh Valley Greenways has facilitated partnerships between Lehigh County, DCNR, and local non-profits that have resulted in a number of projects across the region, including the Trexler Nature Preserve, over 11-miles of the D&L Trail, and a feasibility study for the Jordan Greenway. These projects improve our communities by improving our quality of life and giving a sense of regional pride to residents. -Don Cunningham, Lehigh County Executive It is frightening to think where Northampton County would be if it weren't for the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Initiative; they are indeed fulfilling their vision of "linking urban areas to outdoor experiences, protecting watersheds, and retaining the character of the landscape, the region's heritage and the community." Lehigh Valley Greenways is a true asset to the Lehigh Valley. -John Stoffa, Northampton County Executive Providing Opportunities for Green Education Three new environmental education centers In 2010, construction of Lehigh County s Trexler Environmental Center and Lehigh Gap Nature Center were completed, and the design of DCNR s Jacobsburg Resource Conservation Center was finalized. Lehigh Valley Greenways adopted the redevelopment of Trexler Nature Preserve as one of its signature projects, and this action focused DCNR s attention on the site. The redevelopment efforts include the construction of an environmental education center with a sustainable green design that included rain water-fed toilets, geothermal heating and cooling, and solar panels. The 2,700-square-foot building includes county park offices, a satellite office for DCNR s Bureau of Forestry, and a community room for environmental education. The preserve now features more than 20 miles of hiking trails, a 2.5-mile single-track mountain bike trail, picnic facilities and places to fish, stargaze, and bird watch. 17
In northern Lehigh County, the Lehigh Gap Nature Center recently expanded its environmental education facilities with partial funding from DCNR. The new building dedicated in July 2010 includes a visitor lobby, an information station, a multipurpose great hall, a research library, a classroom/laboratory, and restrooms. An educational exhibit in the lobby will explain the Lehigh Gap Nature Center s unique history and environmental restoration work. The recently-resurfaced D&L Trail passes directly in front of the new center and provides access to the center s system of footpaths and the Appalachian Trail. Currently designed and under construction is a $4 million, LEED-certified Jacobsburg Education Center, located in Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center (a DCNR State Park). The new center will provide a permanent home for Jacobsburg s unique programming and community outreach. September 24, 2012 Groundbreaking Event Additional Opportunities for Education and Outreach Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference Lehigh Valley Environmental Advisory Council Conference Lehigh Valley Adventure Camp Sustainable Landscapes Bus Tour Education Center Programs Eastern PA Trails Summit (trail trainings and workshops) 18
Re-Greening Our Urban Areas One of LVG s goals has been to work with municipalities to re-green the region s urban areas through investments in green infrastructure, such as greenways, trails, and urban parks. One high-visibility program has been DCNR s Tree Vitalize, an endeavor locally coordinated and administered by Lehigh and Northampton counties departments of Community & Economic Development, which has led to the planting of over 1,500 trees in Lehigh Valley communities. The trees bring patches of green back to city streets and create a Studies have shown that street trees planted in urban areas provide not only environmental and health benefits but also provide economical benefits. It has been shown that businesses on treescaped streets have seen as much as a 12% increased income stream. Residents living on tree-lined streets also reap of their benefits as realtor estimates indicate property values may increase by $15-25,000 than its nonstreet lined neighbors. -Virginia Savage, Manager of Main Street Initiatives, Lehigh County welcoming atmosphere for pedestrians, residents, and patrons of local businesses. LVG mini grants have also supported urban foresters in Bethlehem and Easton to complement the forester already working in Allentown. To date, more than 2,000 trees have been planted in the three cities through the urban forestry program. In Allentown, a long-awaited destination playground opened in the Cedar Creek park. The playground, funded by the Trexler Trust, Lehigh County, and DCNR, will host children of all ages, from across the region. In Easton, improvements to the city s Sullivan Park include a man-made wetland to divert and control runoff and provide a native plant habitat. In South Bethlehem, just a few blocks from the sprawling Bethlehem Steel complex, the city is constructing a three-mile greenway that will link downtown businesses and residents to other neighborhoods, a state-ofthe-art skate plaza, and green space on the periphery of town. DCNR provided a $250,000 grant for acquisition, design, and improvement of the former rail corridor. 19
Lehigh Valley Greenways has enabled the City of Bethlehem to provide assistance and information to residents regarding their tree concerns, support internal City departments and bureaus on forestry-related projects, expand the City s green infrastructure through community outreach and education, and heighten awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving Bethlehem s urban forest. -Lucinda Smith, Urban Forester, City of Bethlehem Opportunities on the Horizon Lehigh Valley Greenways has a vision for the future of the Lehigh Valley, its residents, and its environment. By 2015, greenways and trails will connect natural and cultural resources across the region linking urban areas to outdoor experiences, protecting watersheds, and retaining the rural character of the landscapes, the region s heritage, and the community. LVPC s public opinion survey indicated that residents believe the top three most pressing planning issues to be addressed within the next decade are preserving farmland, preserving environmentally sensitive features, and urban revitalization. LVG is well positioned to make a positive contribution in all of these areas. To make this vision a reality, D&L, DCNR, and local partners are committed to conserving and connecting at least 25% of high value conservation areas, in order to preserve the valley s remaining unprotected natural areas and watersheds. LVG partners will create greenways and trail connections that link people in core communities with valued natural, cultural, and recreational resources. These links will encourage outdoor recreation experiences and foster environmentally sensitive residents. The revitalization of core communities, with an emphasis on Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, will remain a priority. By integrating green infrastructure into riverfront development and neighborhood revitalization projects, LVG promotes the re-greening of the valley s urban areas. 20
Opportunities on the Horizon The work of regulating land use and promoting the adoption of model ordinances, especially along the high conservation value Kittatinny Ridge, will continue to be a major goal. Fostering an increased understanding of smart land use practices among municipalities and environmental organizations will help create more livable and sustainable communities and protect the quality of life for all residents. Finally, LVG partners will build on the completion of the Trexler, Lehigh Gap, and Jacobsburg environmental centers by linking them with the Wildlands Conservancy s existing center. The four centers will collaborate on a regional education plan that will prevent duplication of programming and better serve the region. This will promote the overall goal of engaging communities and schools in action-based conservation outreach and education. The LVG partnership has celebrated many accomplishments during its brief history. The future promises many obstacles for landscape conservation but also many opportunities. We look forward to fulfilling our vision in the years to come. 21
Learn more about Lehigh Valley Greenways This report features only a small fraction of LVG s important work, which we could not fit into this report. Follow the links provided at the end of each article for more information. For additional information about LVG and grant opportunities, please contact: Sherry Acevedo Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd. Easton, PA 18042 Phone: 610-923-3548 (x 223) Fax: 610-923-0537 www.lehighvalleygreenways.org Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor The mission of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. is to enrich the communities within the Corridor through actions and partnerships that conserve the resources, tell the stories and enhance the quality of life for residents of the Corridor. Please visit www.delawareandlehigh.org or call 610-923-3548 for more information. This project was completed in partnership with the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Initiative. Funding was provided in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Environmental Stewardship Fund, administered by Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. In partnership with 22