Apr. 21, 2021
GIRARD – Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Crawford/Erie/Lawrence/Mercer) and Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) confirmed today that the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been awarded a grant totaling $63,083 to implement invasive species control efforts within four high-priority, public use recreational sites located in northwestern Pennsylvania.
“Once invasive species become established and spread, it can become extraordinarily difficult and costly to control or eradicate them,” said Wentling. “I commend the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for stepping up its already proactive efforts to detect and prevent any new infestations from occurring in the first place.”
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has proposed a program to control invasive species that are impacting natural and recreational resources in Girard Township and Amity Township, Erie County; Highland Township, Elk County; and Hamlin Township, McKean County.
“This is a great investment by the state in our local recreational facilities,” said Laughlin. “I am pleased to work with Representative Wentling in support of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s efforts to combat invasive species that threaten our local natural resources. This funding will provide the experts with essential resources to address this environmental issue.”
Wentling and Laughlin advocated for this funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program, which funds projects for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open spaces and parks.
Representative Parke Wentling
17th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ty McCauslin
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