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Effort Mountain Project

 

Photo credit: Jon Dawson

Project Description

In Monroe County, Pennsylvania, PPL Electric Utilities has completed Figure 1: Map of Jonas Mountain Preservea new 6-mile 138kV power line by collaborating with a local land trust.

The Pocono Heritage Land Trust (PHLT) originally opposed the line because it would cut through some of the last undisturbed woodland in the area. But after some consideration, PHLT approached PPL with a proposal: the land trust would grant a right-of-way through a portion of its Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve, if the utility would assist in acquisition of a key parcel. This 123-acre tract connects two separate properties, increasing connectivity and expanding preserve from 288 acres to 411 acres (see Figure 1).

In 2010, PPL bought the 123-acre property for $775,000, and turned it over to the land trust for $345,000—funds that the land trust received through a county open space grant.

In exchange for helping PHLT acquire this property, PPL was allowed to construct the new line—with a 100 foot right-of-way—through part of the expanded Jonas Mountain Nature Preserve. To protect the Jonas Creek watershed, PPL has agreed to permanently ban the use of herbicides on the right-of-way. PPL also installed barriers to all terrain vehicles, which are not allowed on the preserve. The line was energized in the spring of 2012.

Resources

• PPL press release
• Line Alternatives Analysis

Organizations: PPL Electric Utilities, Pocono Heritage Land Trust
Location: Pennsylvania
Planning Phase: Pre-planning (siting), operation
Written by: Alison Berry – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Last Updated: June 6, 2012