|
| |
Nature Preserve Becomes A Legally
Protected Wilderness Area
|
|
 The
Chicopee Woods Area Park Commission recently approved a conservation
easement for the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve creating a legally
protected 1,292-acre wilderness area. Elachee, which is located in the
Preserve and uses the area as an outdoor classroom for its environmental
education programs, will serve as Trustee for the deed.
Although designated as a scenic area and used by
the public as well as by Elachee's visiting school groups, the land was
not a legally protected entity until the conservation easement was granted
by the Park Commission at its February 19th meeting. Appointing Elachee
Nature Science Center as the Trustee for the easement in perpetuity means
that the Center and The Park Commission will share responsibility for
maintaining the Preserve in its natural state.
A conservation easement is a legal document
designed to preserve and protect the conservation values of a property and
maintain the dominant woodland, scenic, open, and natural character of the
area, including land and water resources. It also protects the plants,
animals, and their habitats, prohibiting any development that would
interfere with the property's conservation value. Hiking and educational
classes are generally permissible.
The Preserve is part of the Chicopee Woods Area
Park, one of the largest parks within city limits east of the
Mississippi River. It is a biologically diverse area with rolling
topography and a number of forest types and wetlands.
Elachee's Executive Director Andrea Timpone said:
"This action culminates years of visionary work by the Chicopee Woods
Area Park Commission, Elachee Nature Science Center and other community
leaders who believe that the preservation of the Preserve is the best use
of this unique resource. It is a tremendous legacy to leave for future
generations to enjoy."
Come visit and enjoy this untarnished treasure.
|
|
Elachee Nature Science Center, Inc.
2125 Elachee Drive
Gainesville, Georgia 30504
Tel 770.535.1976
Fax 770.535.2302
|
elachee@elachee.org
|
|
