RECREATION & CONSERVATION
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In 1998, EC completed its Lower Wyoming Valley Open Space Master Plan. In it, 10,000 of Earth Conservancy’s 16,500 acres were allocated for green, recreation and conservation spaces. The aim was to develop a “green infrastructure” that complemented existing features and encouraged future open space projects throughout the greater Wyoming Valley.
TRAILS & MAPS
HUNTERS’ ACCESS PROGRAM
Date: Ongoing
Location: Varies
Supported By: PA Game Commission, Earth Conservancy
SUGAR NOTCH TRAILS
Date: 2009
Location: Sugar Notch, Hanover Township, Warrior Run
Funded By: PA Department of Transportation, Luzerne County, Earth Conservancy
PENOBSCOT RIDGE MT. BIKE TRAIL
Date: 2007
Location: Newport Township
Funded By: PA Department of Transportation, Luzerne County, Earth Conservancy
MOCANAQUA LOOP TRAILS
Date: 2003
Location: Conyngham Township / Newport Township
Funded By: PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Luzerne County, Power Bar Corp., Earth Conservancy
Recreational Notes: EC’s recreation and green space areas are intended for non-motorized use only. Although trash receptacles are provided at trailheads, we ask all park and trail users to practice principles of Leave No Trace to preserve the sites, including staying on trails, properly disposing of trash, and showing courtesy to fellow users. You can learn more about the Leave No Trace mission at www.lnt.org.
PROJECTS
HANOVER 7A MASTER SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Date: 2023
Location: Hanover Township
Funded By: PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Earth Conservancy
NEWPORT TWP. OHV STUDY
Date: 2022
Location: Newport Township
Funded By: PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Earth Conservancy
ASKAM WAYSIDE EXHIBIT
Date: 2016
Location: Hanover Township
Funded By: PA Department of Environmental Protection, Luzerne County, ARIPPA, Earth Conservancy
ASHLEY PLANES HERITAGE PARK
Date: 2012
Location: Ashley Borough, Hanover Township, Fairview Township
Funded By: PA Department of Transportation, PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Luzerne County, Earth Conservancy
GREATER HANOVER AREA RECREATION PARK
Date: 2007
Location: Hanover Township
Funded By: US Department of Agriculture, PA Department of Community & Economic Development, PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, PA Department of Environmental Protection, PA Department of Transportation, Earth Conservancy
FAQs
EC's Mission of 10,000 Acres
In developing EC’s Land Use Plan (1996), the steering committee decided that of EC’s 16,500 acres, 10,000 of them would be allocated to green, conservation, and recreational space. In 1998, EC completed its Lower Wyoming Valley Open Space Master Plan to map out exactly of what that would consist. The goal was to develop a “green infrastructure” that complemented existing features and encouraged future open space projects throughout the greater Wyoming Valley. The plan proposed
- 55 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails
- six parks/heritage centers/recreation areas
- 6,694 acres of conservation lands
- 4,258 acres of open space
- a residential golf community
- a 37-mile scenic drive through the Wyoming Valley
EC has put many of these plans into effect, including the construction of the Mocanaqua Loop Trail System, the Penobscot Ridge Mountain Bike Trail, the Sugar Notch Trails, and the Greater Hanover Area Recreation Park. These projects, along with thousands of acres transferred into the Pinchot State Forest, have created numerous active and passive recreational opportunities throughout the region. As of 2024, EC is less than 800 acres from reaching its 10,000 acre goal.
