Round Top Conservation Easement Completed

In late December 2009 the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy protected another property in Tioga County’s Charleston Township, which became the sixth conservation easement held by NPC in the township.

When Lou and Wanda Irion decided to protect this property they began the process that led to them becoming the first property owners to have donated three conservation easements to NPC.

Lou and Wanda furthered their conservation efforts when they donated a conservation easement on 62-acres of a 70-acre property. The three Irion easements with NPC total 238 acres of protected woodland, farmland and wetlands. The Irions are so enthused about protecting working farms and forests that Lou has offered to discuss their experience with other landowners who are considering placing conservation easements on their properties.

The recently conserved land contains: forest (primarily young, high-quality sugar maple), conifer plantations, prime agricultural soils, and cropland, as well as fields slowly reverting to forest, open areas and wetlands. The property features impressive views and road frontage that would make it a prime target for residential development -- now most of its acreage is permanently protected. Expansive scenic views are visible from the Shumway Hill Road, which runs through the property.

Bordering the property is the historic extension of the Wellsboro and Lawrenceville Railroad grade that was constructed in 1872 to transport coal from the mines at Antrim north to Corning, New York, and beyond; this railroad was abandoned in the 1930s.

NPC is calling this easement “Round Top” -- not for the shape of the terrain, but for the peculiar shape of the roof of the first school in the area, which was known as the "Round Top School House.”

The Round Top easement adjoins property the Irions protected with a conservation easement in 2004. This makes for a larger block of protected property providing habitat for wildlife, protection of the Charleston Creek watershed, and further preserving the rural landscape and economy of Tioga County. These things enhance the pastoral character that attracts so many visitors to the area.

“Thank you” to Lou and Wanda for protecting their properties for the future of northcentral Pennsylvania, and “thank you” to our members for their support of NPC’s conservation efforts.