ClearWater Conserves 128 Acres to Connect Forested Landscapes and High-Priority Conservation Areas

State College, Pa. – August 28, 2025 – ClearWater Conservancy permanently conserved 128 acres of forested land in the Spring Creek Watershed through a newly donated conservation easement known as Daryabar, on the Purdue Mountain Road gap of Bald Eagle Ridge in Benner Township. The property’s protection will safeguard critical wildlife habitat, preserve scenic views, and contribute to the ecological health of Bald Eagle Mountain for generations to come.

Located within an area of high ecological integrity and containing a tributary to Buffalo Run, a high-quality coldwater fishery, Daryabar supports sensitive and uncommon macroinvertebrate species, as well as diverse native plant communities. Its protection advances ClearWater’s long-term goal to connect forested landscapes and conserve high-priority areas. The Owners’ noted they are acting stewards of their property, but donated the conservation easement for the future, as part of creating a deeper and richer abundance of life and a sustainable future. 

“The Landowners’ decision to conserve these steep forested slopes along Purdue Mountain Road and the edge of the Spring Creek Watershed is a true gift to the community,” said Ryan Hamilton, ClearWater’s Land Conservation Manager. 

Daryabar is not far from other conserved lands and landowner initiatives, expanding the growing corridor of protected land along Bald Eagle Mountain and in the Buffalo Run area.

This easement builds upon ClearWater’s ongoing conservation work in the area, which began in 2007 with the preservation of the nearby 196-acre Barbara and John Fisher Farm. Between 2014 and 2016, ClearWater also partnered with the PSU Center for Private Forests (now the James C. Finley Center for Private Forests) to bring together landowners in the Middle Buffalo Run neighborhood in a shared commitment to learn and share perspectives and values across boundaries to improve the health and resilience of their land through community-based forest stewardship.  

“Improving wildlife habitat and forest health on private lands requires cooperation, collaboration, and communication among all connected landowners. The Buffalo Run Initiative was a great example of how social learning to promote landscape stewardship could lead to more impactful conservation outcomes,” said Suzy Yetter, ClearWater’s Conservancy’s staff Ecologist.

This most recent donated conservation easement is just the next step in continuing ClearWater’s work in the area. After several years of collaboration and careful planning with the Owners, the ClearWater Board granted final approval for the project in April 2025. A perpetual conservation easement on the Property will ensure the land remains dedicated to forestry management and conservation forever. ClearWater Conservancy is committed to upholding the easement’s terms and will ensure its continued protection and care.