Trails group gets $333K for land buy

NORRISTOWN » Wissahickon Trails has secured grant funding in the hopes of acquiring more land.

Members of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners unanimously awarded a $333,000 grant to the Ambler-based nonprofit to aid in the purchase of a 12.1 acre property, located on Lewis Lane, in Whitpain Township.

Trails and Open Space Planning Manager Bill Hartman shared details of the proposed property acquisition of the two parcels owned by Francis Carey III.

A residential dwelling and two outbuildings sit on land that’s valued at roughly $2.72 million, according to Hartman. “The site is considered a donut hole of unpreserved land surrounded by properties protected by Wissahickon Trails, Whitpain Township and Montgomery County over many years,” Hartman said during the commissioners’ March 17 meeting.

Other nearby Wissahickon Trails spaces include Camp Woods and Briar Hill, according to Hartman, who noted another area of historical significance.

“Additionally, the parcels are adjacent to the historic Dawesfield property, the site of the headquarters of George Washington and the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.” he said.

Hartman stressed that “negotiations are still in progress” with respect to the property.

“The success of the ongoing fundraising efforts will dictate the future of the existing residence and the related structures,” Hartman said.

Along with Montgomery County, Wissahickon Trails is expected to pursue grant funding opportunities through Whitpain Township and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the hopes of sourcing around $1 million, according to Hartman. The environmental nonprofit has raised $1.2 million so far through private donations. “If adequate funds are raised to purchase the entirety of the 12 acres, the residence and other structures will either be razed or used to support Wissahickon Trails operations,” Hartman said. “If funds are … insufficient to purchase the full 12 acres, Wissahickon Trails will likely subdivide off an approximately 3-to-4-acre lot and sell it, leaving approx 8-to 9 acres preserved as open space.”

Hartman noted additional intentions to maintain conservation and preservation of the area.

“And upon its purchase of the two parcels, Wissahickon Trails will place a deed restriction benefiting and enforceable by Montgomery County on the portion of the property dedicated to open space limiting its use in the future as open space and for recreation,” he said.

While Wissahickon Trails Executive Director Gail Farmer couldn’t comment on the specifics or status of the negotiation process as it relates to the potential land acquisition, she expressed gratitude for the financial support granted last week.

“The county has been an invaluable partner in Wissahickon Trails’ efforts to preserve open space for the public to enjoy,” Farmer told MediaNews Group.