After nearly three years of work, the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) can close the books on the Smithgall and Ging Acquisition Project. Recently, NPC sold 362.5 acres of the former Smithgall and Ging Farm, land it purchased last February, to the Bureau of Forestry for inclusion in the Tiadaghton State Forest.

NPC first began working on this project in March 1999. After two years of work, in February 2001, the project reached a point where portions of the entire Smithgall and Ging property could be acquired from its current owner by NPC. At that time, NPC worked with Jersey Shore State Bank to secure the financing needed to acquire 362.5 acres of the property.

Then, over the course of the last year, NPC worked with the Bureau of Forestry to finalize sale of this acreage to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for inclusion in the Tiadaghton Forestry District. The portions of the property NPC purchased are adjacent to existing Tiadaghton State Forest Lands in Gamble Township, Lycoming County.

This acquisition works to protect the viewshed of this area. This project also helps conserve the open space, wildlife habitat, and water resources of the property and area. NPC was able to acquire a key section of the property that will help provide better access to Jacoby Falls, a favorite location for local Boy Scouts and hikers.

Financial assistance for this project came from Alfred Buck, the Alpine Club of Williamsport, Loyalsock Creek Men's Club, National Wild Turkey Federation (with the help of the Susquehanna Longbeards Chapter), the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and the Dr. Vincent DiSalvo and family.

A dedication ceremony and celebration for this project are being planned. It is hoped to hold the event in early March 2002. More information will be made available as dates and details are finalized.