HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved a land exchange/purchase that will preserve more than 90 acres of land adjoining State Game Land (SGL) 314 that provides an important stopover for migratory birds passing over Lake Erie.
In the deal, the Board approved a land exchange involving three quarters of an acre of abandoned railroad grade on SGL 284 in Springfield Township, Mercer County. In the exchange for the land, Larry and Linda Bruno, of Hermitage, have agreed to provide $4,500 toward the acquisition of 91.5 acres adjacent to SGL 314 in Springfield Township, Erie County. The Game Commission will pay for the remaining acreage – at $400 per acre – with Game Fund monies. This exchange also must be sanctioned by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the National Park Service, because the land sought by the Brunos was acquired in part with Land and Water Conservation Fund Act funding.
“This acquisition was advanced initially by the Lake Erie Regional Conservancy, which had planned to acquire the tract with federal and state grants,” explained Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “However, the Conservancy’s grant application to the National Scenic Byways Program was not selected. The Conservancy, undeterred, continued to identify conservation partners to help cover funding and approached the Game Commission for assistance in protecting this land.
“The goal is to safeguard this important, but sensitive wildlife habitat. It is already designated as a state Important Bird Area and surely will remain important to wild birds and other fauna long into the future.”
SGL 314 is part of the Lake Shoreline Landscape Conservation Area. It is covered with shrub thickets and young, vibrant deciduous forestland.