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Lackawanna State Forest expanding

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HARRISBURG - State forestry officials plan a property swap with a private company that would expand Lackawanna State Forest in Lackawanna County while giving the same firm rights to quarry limestone in a state forest tract in western Pennsylvania.

Under the proposal facing public review, Hanson Aggregates BMC would convey 376 acres in an exceptional quality watershed in Thornhurst Twp. to Lackawanna State Forest. In return, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would give limestone rights on a 130-acre tract in the Forbes State Forest in Westmoreland County to Hanson.

In addition, DCNR officials announced last week the acquisition of 207 acres in Luzerne County from the Earth Conservancy for Lackawanna State Forest. These two transactions involve separate sections of Lackawanna State Forest.

The 376 acres involved in the property swap will provide for more public access to the forest and better protection of the exceptional quality watershed, said DCNR spokeswoman Chris Novak.

"It is connected to the southern end of Lackawanna State Forest and will provide four additional access points for improved public access to the forest and increased recreational opportunities," she added. "It is in close proximity to the Lehigh River, recently classified as an exceptional cold-water fishery."

Hanson approached DCNR about the exchange, said Ms. Novak. Hanson has an underground limestone quarry adjacent to the Forbes forest. DCNR will retain the surface rights to that tract.

"There were no suitable properties of equal or increased value currently available (for exchange) in the area of Forbes State Forest," she said.

A monthlong period for public comment on the swap started Jan. 12 and ends Feb. 11. Citizens can provide written or spoken comments to Craig Chapman, forest resource planner, Bureau of Forestry, P.O. Box 8552, Harrisburg, Pa. 17105-8552, or 717-783-0387.

Information has been posted at www.dcnr.state.pa.us

The 207 acres purchased from the nonprofit conservancy is on the south slope of Larksville Mountain, north of Plymouth, and consists of four parcels. The largest 130-acre tract borders the state forest, while three smaller parcels are just southeast of it.

"This timely, valuable purchase provides great access and expands protection of a valued forested watershed in the northeastern section of the state," said DCNR Secretary Richard Allan.

Contact the writer: rswift@timesshamrock.com


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