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Photo Credit: Sherry Acevedo
Lamont G. McClure and the Division of Parks & Recreation announce the acquisition of the County’s 22nd Park. On December 20, 2022, Northampton County officially accepted a land donation from the Mauser Family, permanently conserving 41.06 acres in Allen Township. This is the third new preserve acquired since 2019. With this acquisition, the County Park system now totals 2,262 acres.
Photo Credit: Sherry Acevedo
The donated section is named The Bodnarczuk Preserve in honor of the Mauser’s Ukrainian maternal grandparents who originally farmed the land and owned a grocery store nearby. It was a long-time goal of the Mauser Family to donate the majority of their land to Northampton County to conserve the stream corridor, woodlands, rolling terrain, and steep slopes of their property in perpetuity.
“We are thankful for the generations of family who were great stewards of this land and commend the Mauser brothers and their families for their commitment to conservation to retain the scenic greenway, geologic formations, and native riparian corridor in the Hokendauqua Creek Watershed,” says Lamont G. McClure.
The bargain sale price of $225,000 and donated value by the landowners of $675,000 is based on a fair market appraisal to retain the rural character of the land and deter warehouse proliferation. This acquisition was made possible through the Northampton County Livable Landscapes Grant Program which supports open space, environmentally sensitive land, and greenway goals.
“The Bodnarczuk Preserve will be maintained with a priority towards environmental preservation in line with the desire of the wishes of the Mauser family,” says Bryan S. Cope, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation. “Beginning in 2023, the County will continue to work with the Mauser family, state agencies, Allen Township, land conservancies, watershed associates and local schools to provide access, environmental education and research, restoration practices and access for all individuals to enjoy the property.”
The Bodnarczuk Preserve includes mature woodlands, rolling terrain, vegetated riparian areas, geologic formations, grass pathways, small pond, agricultural fields, steep slopes, and the Hokendauqua Creek. Scenic views and abundant wildlife habitat exist along the riparian areas, rock outcropments, greenway, and woodlands. The Livable Landscapes Program provides the resources for the preservation and management of these properties.
“Our efforts to preserve these lands allow the County to manage stormwater naturally in our County park system, reducing the impacts of floods, erosion, and sedimentation due to the vulnerabilities of climate change,” says Sherry Acevedo, Conservation Coordinator.
Information provided to TVL by:
Becky Bartlett
Deputy Director of Administration
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/
