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Lower Macungie records conservation easement conserving roughly 94 acres on South Mountain
Summary
The township recorded the Schenkel 4-lot subdivision and conservation easement, preserving about 77 acres at 7624 Mountain Road and 17 acres at 7627 Mountain Road; the easement includes a future trail easement for South Mountain connections.
Vince reported that the Schenkel 4-lot subdivision and conservation easement agreement were recorded last Friday, conserving two tracts totaling roughly 94 acres on South Mountain. He described the preserved parcels as approximately 77 acres at 7624 Mountain Road and 17 acres at 7627 Mountain Road.
Vince said the easement protects significant natural and scenic resources, provides green space for residents and visitors, reduces intensive development pressure, and includes language to grant a future trail easement to enable connections when adjacent properties are acquired. He thanked the owner, Herb Schenkel, staff and consultants (notably Nate) for shepherding the project since 2023.
Commissioners praised the outcome as a public benefit. One commissioner sought cost details; Vince said the conservation easement consideration involved nominal direct purchase cost for the easement ("A dollar" was mentioned in the discussion), which the speaker framed as a strong citizen commitment to land preservation.
Next steps: staff will continue to coordinate any future trail connections and will report more detailed project steps at upcoming workshops.
