Conservation Areas

A primary activity of HOLT in its role as a land trust is the acquisition of land. A property owned by HOLT is designated a Conservation Area. For each property, HOLT seeks to create a Caretakers Committee, consisting of interested members and neighbors. The committee helps to to determine how the local community is using the land, identifying those activities that are consistent with HOLT's goals, and those that are not. Conservation Areas are managed within the parameters established by HOLT's Land Use Policy.

Those visiting HOLT properties should be aware that these are natural areas, with all the inherent dangers of deer ticks, snakes, poison ivy, steep slopes, and other hazards commonly found in western Allegheny County. HOLT assumes no responsibility for any accident or illness that may result from a visit by any individual to any HOLT property.

Holt Conservation Areas

The Frank A. Santucci Conservation Area, (Area A) acquired in 1993, was the first property purchased by HOLT. Located in Moon Township, this 113-acre property is adjacent to a former Federal government Nike missile site.

The Bogg's Run Conservation Area (Area B) was donated to HOLT in 1995. The 60-acre site is on the north side of the Beaver Valley Expressway. This property is located in both Moon Township (Allegheny County) and Hopewell Township (Beaver County).

The Meek's Run Conservation Area (Area C) is a 37-acre tract located adjacent to the Londonbury plan in Moon Township. Holt purchased the parcel, which straddles Meek's Run, in 1997.

The Fifer's Fields Conservation Area (Area D) was an old farm in the possession of the Fifer family since the early 1940's. This property is located in the Borough of Franklin Park. HOLT accepted the donation of the 35-acre site in 1998.

In the autumn of 1998, HOLT accepted a donation of the Kenmawr Conservation Area, a 60-acre site in Kennedy Township (Area E). The site includes a steep ravine and protects water quality in an unnamed tributary of Moon Run.

In July 1999, HOLT accepted a donation of land from the Clemmons Estate (Area F). This conservation area is located in Robinson Township near Mile Post 0 of the Montour Trail.