Board backs DNR purchase of 20-acre parcel near Quincy Bluffs for conservation

The Adams County Board of Supervisors voted July 21 to support a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) purchase of a 20‑acre parcel in the Town of Easton near the Quincy Bluffs and Wetlands State Natural Area.

Colton, identified by the board to discuss the item, said the DNR has a contract to purchase the parcel from Rattlesnake Mound LLC and is using current‑fiscal‑year Knowles‑Nelson stewardship funds that are encumbered for the transaction. If the county does not approve the resolution backing the purchase, the funds would be released as the Knowles‑Nelson program sunsets at the end of June.

Colton said the parcel will bridge two existing DNR tracts, be managed for oak and pine barrens and Kirkland's Warbler habitat, and be open for public recreation including hunting, trapping, cross‑country skiing, hiking and fishing. Colton also described expected PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) payments and noted that the DNR has previously partnered with the county on acquisitions, citing a 2024 $1,300,000 purchase that added 598 acres to the county forest program and annual assistance of about $11,000 for staffing and grants to implement best management practices.

Supervisor McLaughlin praised the program as "an extremely good program" and the board agreed to edit the resolution language to make clear the board's support. The board approved Resolution 24 by voice vote.

Why it matters: The purchase would enlarge publicly managed habitat and recreation space, maintain corridors for species management and prescribed burning, and affect PILT calculations for local taxing jurisdictions. The transaction involves state stewardship funds and existing DNR management plans.

Next steps: County staff will add the parcel plat information to future materials on request and coordinate with the DNR as the acquisition proceeds.