The Pennsylvania Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (PA-TACF) is partnering with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to restore habitat for migratory birds in northeastern Pennsylvania. Kinder Morgan, a Texas-based gas company currently installing pipeline throughout Pennsylvania, has donated $15,000 to the chapter to support conservation efforts in Pike County, an area currently impacted by natural gas development. The donation is part of a voluntary program under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that encourages conservation initiatives outside of development project areas.
PA-TACF will establish an early successional habitat restoration project near Lackawaxen, PA in the spring of 2014, which is designed to aid in golden-winged warbler migration. “Pure” American chestnuts, ones that are susceptible to the blight, serve as excellent material for early successional wildlife habitat as they rarely reach heights of over 15 feet before they get knocked down by the blight, only to resprout and start the cycle again. Although the trees never get very tall, they still are old enough to produce chestnuts, which further aids in wildlife habitat through the contribution of mast for wildlife consumption.
We thank Kinder Morgan for their participation in this program and their donation.