For the first time in the history of Carbon County, funding to preserve open space is available to local municipalities.

Anna Shigo, Office of Planning & Development Open Space Coordinator, spoke to Palmerton Borough Council on Thursday.

Shigo said the initiative came about through the 2022 bond referendum to preserve working farms, wildlife habitat and water resources.

She said the open space grant program is for wildlife habitat and water resources.

Shigo said they are in the process of putting together multi-municipal workshops in the summer.

Funding can be used for acquisitions of fee simple property and conservation easements.

With regard to fee simple acquisition, the land trust or municipality acquires ownership of the property. A deed restriction ensuring perpetual preservation of the land is required.

As for conservation easement, a voluntary, legal agreement which limits certain uses on a property in order to advance specified conservation purposes while keeping the land in the owner’s ownership and control.

A county commissioner appointed Open Space Advisory Board reviews applications for funding in the spring and fall.

For more information, contact Shigo at 570-325-3671, ext. 4466, or ashigo@carboncounty.net.

Open Space Plan

The goals of the Carbon County Greenways, Trails, and Open Space Plan currently being updated include:

• Connecting the county through alternative transportation and recreational trails.

• Protecting natural resources to strengthen ecosystem services.

• Providing educational opportunities to connect residents and visitor with the county’s native environments that highlight outdoor recreation.

• Maintaining rural character by preserving farmland.

• Embracing and celebrating cultural and historical sites.

• Building a sense of community through open space facilities programming.