Lamont McClure and the Division of Parks & Recreation announce the receipt of two grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) totaling $625,000.

$500,000 for the Rehabilitation of Gerald E. Seyfried Bear Swamp Park and Archery Complex.

This grant will be used for the replacement of the 7,975 sq.ft. boardwalk/elevated walkway, approximately 2,200 linear feet of accessible trails, 2,800 sq.ft of boardwalk crossing through the transmission right-of-way and a safe road crossing at Lake Minsi Drive. These improvements will provide direct access to the unique forest, wetlands and other areas which can be designated in a controlled manner for public interaction. Environmental studies and research opportunities, birding, hiking and other passive outdoor recreation opportunities will be significantly enhanced through these safety and rehabilitation projects.

$75,000 for Updating the Livable Landscapes Plan.

This grant will be used to update the Livable Landscape Plan which will guide the next 10 years of development, conservation and restoration of Northampton County’s open space resources and create linkages between the County’s vast natural resources. The scope of work for the Livable Landscapes Plan II includes future planning, goals and implementation strategies for County Parks Inventory & Analysis, Greenway & Trail Connections, Environmental Education & Outdoor Recreation Programming, Climate Change Impact Analysis, Health & Wellness, Funding & Economic Development, Outdoor Recreation & Land Stewardship Priorities and Implementation of the Livable Landscapes.

“The County of Northampton thanks DCNR for these generous grants,” says County Executive Lamont McClure. “Developing and maintaining our parks and trail systems contributes greatly to the quality of life of our residents and the visitors who come here to enjoy outdoor recreation.”

“We’re very grateful for our great partnership with DCNR,” says Bryan Cope, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation. “With these grants we look forward to continuing to improve our parks through development, conservation and restoration over the next ten years.”

Funding for these grants comes from the federal Land, Water Conservation Fund and the state Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund, Community Conservation Partnerships Program.