Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been named the recipient of a $100,000 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant.

The award is one of 116 greenways, trails and recreation projects to receive dollars through Act 13 Marcellus Legacy Funds, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, and will be used to help protect a 25.3-acre forested slope that buffers Hawk Mountain and the Appalachian Trail in Berks County, and a 60-acre riparian parcel beneath the North Lookout at Hawk Mountain in Schuylkill County.President Jerry Regan said both pieces rank as the highest priority for protection in virtually every local, regional and state planning document."The riverside parcel is seen in every photo taken from the North Lookout in Schuylkill County," he said in a press release. "An easement on this property is very important to protect one of those most scenic areas of the Little Schuylkill River, and in a stretch that has grown in popularity."The area also ranks high for protection because of its species diversity and sensitive habitat, and to protect and promote outdoor recreation here, such as paddling, wildlife watching, hiking and biking.The grant will cover less than a fourth of the purchase, and will be matched with privately raised funds and additional grants. One funder, the Norcross Wildlife Foundation, has provided a $230,000 no-interest loan to ensure the sanctuary can complete the project while fundraising continues."Protecting land may be expensive, but it has long-lasting benefits for everyone," says Regan. "We appreciate the strong support of our township, county and state leaders who supported this grant.""Properties in the shadow of Hawk Mountain rarely come on the market, and when they do, they sell fast and for top dollar," Regan added. "They enjoy close vicinity to I-78 and Route 61, but also the pristine views and high wildlife diversity found here."The 60-acre riverside parcel is located in one of the fastest-developing areas in Schuylkill County and includes a home in West Brunswick Township. Regan says that Hawk Mountain intends only to buy the development rights, which will preserve the land, and also will lower the overall price of the property."We're very interested now in matching a conservation-minded buyer with the owner, which will close the deal," he said.A conservation buyer, he explains, is interested in parcels for their scenic value and diversity, and who prefers a home that is on protected land."There are many people this would appeal to and we hope they call us."The project is shovel-ready and the individual, private landowners have been working cooperatively with Hawk Mountain and already signed the necessary agreements."It's difficult to find an opportunity where a landowner is willing to work with us so when you do have that chance, it is our mission to protect the land and make it happen. In this case, we have two properties, one on each side of the mountain, and with two landowners willing to work it's nothing short of a miracle."Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was founded by a New York conservation activist, Rosalie Edge, in 1934. It was incorporated in 1938 as a nonprofit organization.