At the same time, the Irions expanded an existing conservation easement. They added 18 acres of recently purchased woodland to the 100 acres protected by an agreement established with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy in 2004. That property is in Charlestown Township.

The Irions were anxious to protect their properties because they want to help maintain Tioga County's rural character. In total, together the Irions and NPC have protected 176 acres of contiguous woodland and farmland through the creation of these conservation easements.

The Irions moved to Tioga County in 1997, operating the Irion Lumber Co which specializes in high quality figured lumber for furniture makers and architectural millwork. They previously lived in Chester County, where Mr. Irion produced high quality reproductions of 18th and early 19th century furniture and initially established his lumber business, and Mrs. Irion restored antique furniture. While living in Chester County, they had protected their property along Octaro Creek with a conservation easement.

When asked why they decided to place their properties under conservation easement, Mr. Irion explained, “We both felt that putting our lands into a conservancy was the best way to preserve a place that we loved, land that is really a part of our family, so that others could enjoy it as we have. We had both hoped that we would someday be in a position to do something positive for an area and country that has been so good to us, and this will be our legacy to future generations.”

In reflecting on the project, Renee' Carey of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy stated, “Our goal is to help landowners permanently conserve their land for the future. We appreciate the Irions' dedication to conserving their land.”

An easement helps landowners voluntarily limit development on productive farmland and forestland, and other meaningful natural and community places. Landowners continue to own, manage, and pay taxes on the land, and can sell their land; however, the conservation easement permanently remains on the property. The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy's role is to protect the property by assuring the land is maintained according to the easement's provisions, even when ownership changes.