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Natural Areas Program

Allocated $11 million through the 2007 Bucks County Open Space Bond, the Natural Areas Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and land trusts to protect significant examples of biological diversity throughout the County. The Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County (2011) serves as a guide to identify and prioritize areas of greatest countywide ecological importance. The Inventory identifies 13 Conservation Landscapes that represent Bucks County’s biological diversity including wildlife habitat, streams, forests, wetlands and unique geologic formations. Individual parcels within these landscapes are evaluated for ecological importance and conservation value through a field assessment.

Funding available through the Natural Areas Program may be used to acquire conservation easements on privately owned land as well as fee simple purchases that ensure perpetual natural resource protection.

To date, the Natural Areas Program has successfully completed 88 projects resulting in the protection of over 3,700 acres. Applications are accepted on a limited basis. Individuals interested in exploring the option of protecting their land should contact their local municipality or a qualified land trust. Application information and deadlines will be listed below.

Natural Areas Inventory - Application Guidelines - Board

Bucks County Natural Areas Program

Application Guidelines

Contact:
Richard Harvey
Acting - Open Space Coordinator
1260 Almshouse Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215) 345-3400
rbharvey@buckscounty.org