More than 350 acres have been added to Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as partial mitigation for expansion of a transmission corridor across the NRA, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River.

The 354 acres, in four parcels, were private lands located within the park's existing boundaries, according to a release from the park.

The properties include:

* 33 acres directly across from Hidden Lake, a popular recreation area near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The property was at high risk of development prior to acquisition. NPS ownership will permanently preserve views of and from Hidden Lake and protect the stream that flows out of the lake. The purchase price was $189,000.

* 145 acres adjacent to the property on Hidden Lake Drive near Bushkill, Pennsylvania. The property had been subdivided and development was just beginning when the acquisition process began. NPS ownership of the property will permanently protect it from residential development, thereby reducing pressure from congestion and traffic near a popular entrance to the Park. The purchase price was $370,000.

* 68 acres adjacent to the northeastern park boundary in New Jersey. NPS ownership of the parcel will permanently protect a designated Class 1 Trout Production Stream and several wetlands. The purchase price was $434,000.

* 108 acres in Sussex County, New Jersey, directly across the river from Bushkill Access. The parcel was desirable for private development of homes or a resort. NPS ownership will protect it from that type of development, as well as protecting wetlands, the Delaware Wild and Scenic River Corridor, and important migratory bird habitat. The purchase price was $905,000. The Open Space Institute contributed $150,000 in watershed protection grants toward the purchase.

In addition to preserving the natural and cultural resources, scenic views, and habitat connectivity associated with these parcels, the public will benefit from additional public use opportunities including birdwatching, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, according to a Park Service release. All of these lands will be open to the public after the NPS has completed site surveys and plans.

The purchase of these lands by The Conservation Fund from willing and interested sellers without the use of any taxpayer dollars, and their subsequent transfer to the NPS, ensures that they remain in the public trust for future generations to learn from and enjoy and that they will continue to provide both ecological and economic benefits to the region.

“People have been attracted to our outstanding scenery, fresh air, and access to the great outdoors for over 150 years and that is why our region remains a prime destination for the many tourists who fuel the local economy. It is critical that we preserve our undeveloped spaces so that we can capture the economic benefits of living and working in such a spectacular location," said Superintendent Donahue. "There is a need and a place for wise new development in our region, and we must all preserve the very reason that people chose to live here and visit,” Donahue pointed out. “In addition to the economic benefits of preserving natural spaces, the public will eventually have access to these places in perpetuity. Ecological benefits to the region include creating a larger mosaic of interconnected publicly managed natural areas, increased habitat for our area’s wildlife, and additional protection of wetlands and watersheds resulting in improved water quality and additional floodplain protection.

The addition of these properties is intended to help mitigate the effects of the Susquehanna-Roseland electric transmission line upgrade and expansion which crosses approximately 4.3 miles of the park, the Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

As compensation for unavoidable impacts to park resources and visitors, the Park Service received a $66 million mitigation package from PPL and PSE&G. The fund includes $10 million for impacts to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and trail users. It also includes $20.5 million for land acquisition and stewardship projects for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; $12 million for wetland restoration and mitigation projects; $13 million for cultural resource and historic preservation projects; and $7 million for administrative costs and post-construction monitoring over the next several years.

The mitigation funds are being administered by The Conservation Fund, a national nonprofit organization that works with federal, state, local, and private partners to protect America’s most important landscapes and waterways for future generations. TCF purchased the parcels from the landowners and donated the land to the NPS.