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Press Release

May 20, 2025:                                                    For Immediate Release

For Editorial Comment Contact: 

Joe Butkiewicz, Director of Community Engagement; (570) 814-4837 or butkiewicz@nblt.org

North Branch Land Trust completes conservation easement of land on Huntsville Reservoir

The North Branch Land Trust, collaborating with Pennsylvania American Water, completed a conservation easement on approximately 220 acres on the Huntsville Reservoir in Dallas Borough and Lehman Township in Luzerne County.

The easement provides a buffer, protects habitat and preserves the natural beauty of the area, while providing limited improvements of nature trails for public access for walking and hiking.

The project has been developing since 2022 when North Branch Land Trust received funding to purchase the conservation easement through a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

“The Huntsville Reservoir easement is a spectacular addition to existing conserved lands in the region,” said Executive Director Ellen Ferretti. “Conserving the conifer forest and wetland along the northern, upstream portion of the Huntsville Reservoir protects this land that acts as a buffer around the reservoir, enhances the quality of the fresh water we drink and reduces the risks of soil erosion, runoff pollution, and regional flooding. The community values the beauty and significance of the reservoir and North Branch Land Trust is thrilled to conserve this resource. We thank Pennsylvania American Water for their partnership and contributions to make this conservation project a reality.”

The easement aligns with North Branch Land Trust’s mission of partnering with landowners, communities and stakeholders to conserve and care for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s lands and waters.

“Pennsylvania American Water is committed to being a steward of our environment and protecting our watersheds,” said Justin Ladner, president, Pennsylvania American Water. “Preserving this land through our partnership with North Branch Land Trust not only supports our company’s mission to provide safe, clean drinking water, but also guarantees that future generations will continue to benefit from access to and conservation of the natural beauty of this local greenspace.”

A public access area, located off Reservoir Road, will provide limited access to the northwest section of the Huntsville Reservoir, for outdoor recreation and environmental education. The natural trails will not be visible from public roads or private homes.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation provided financial assistance for this project with funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

“The North Branch Land Trust is a leader in preserving crucial land and water resources,” said state Sen. Lisa Baker, District 20. “I have always viewed this kind of project as improving the quality of life and consistent with the founding principles of Penn’s Woods. Protecting this property from future development will greatly enhance regional recreation opportunities and ensure safe and clean drinking water for Wyoming Valley residents for generations to come.”

State Rep. Jamie Walsh, whose 117th Legislative District includes both Dallas Borough and Lehman Township offered this statement: “North Branch Land Trust’s easement project has been a critical undertaking that will preserve about 220 acres of buffer land, which serves as a high-quality water source for 14 municipalities,” said state Walsh. “I appreciated the opportunity to support this project, which will keep the Huntsville Reservoir clean, while maintaining the vast natural beauty of the area for current and future generations of residents and nature enthusiasts alike.”

North Branch Land Trust appreciates the support from Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania American Water, State Legislators and members of the community in accomplishing this project and other conservation efforts to benefit the community and our natural resources.

For more information about North Branch Land Trust, please visit our website at www.nblt.org.

North Branch Land Trust is a regional non-profit land conservation organization that works with land owners and communities to help protect critical scenic, natural, and working landscapes that sustain us. For more information visit - www.nblt.org

Photo of the Huntsville Reservoir courtesy Fred Valentine.