HARRISBURG (TNS) — Nearly a thousand acres of land across Pennsylvania will be added to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s system of state game lands through acquisitions approved recently by the Board of Game Commissioners.
The commission acquired another one-ninth interest in the 39.76-acre Lola Woodring estate property adjoining State Game Lands 311 in Benezette Township, Elk County.
This interest was purchased at auction in September 2021 for $24,963, which was donated by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance. The commission now owns five-ninths interest in the property.
The largest purchase is a 288-acre tract in North Bethlehem and West Bethlehem townships, Washington County. This land adjoins State Game Lands 297. It is subject to a life estate reserved by Springflow Realty LLC for the life of Richard Beinhauer and will not become game lands until the life estate ends or is terminated. The land is being donated, but as part of the agreement the commission will maintain the lodge on the property in its current condition.
A 278-acre tract adjoining State Game Lands 91 in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County, was offered by Natural Lands for $42,000. Natural Lands can acquire the property through partnership grants provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Open Space Institute.
Two tracts totaling 192 acres adjacent to State Game Lands 223 in Greene and Whiteley townships, Greene County, was offered to the commission by Greylock Pipeline LLC in exchange for a right of way for a natural-gas pipeline.
Natural Lands is offering to donate a 158-acre parcel adjacent to State Game Lands 145 in South Londonderry and West Cornwall townships, Lebanon County, and Rapho Township, Lancaster County. Natural Lands can acquire the property through partnership grants provided by DCNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
A 54-acre tract adjacent to State Game Lands 281 in Miller Township, Perry County, was offered by the estate of Pauline Ayers for $260,000 to be paid with remaining escrow funds from a prior land exchange on State Game Lands 176 with Penn State University. It will require approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
And a 4.59-acre tract within State Game Lands 87 in Bell Township, Clearfield County, is being donated by Diversified Production LLC.
