Planning for the future

Lacawac Sanctuary considers site changes

By SANDY LONG

LAKE ARIEL, PA — The first of two public meetings focused on the drafting of a new master site plan for Lacawac Sanctuary was conducted in Hawley on February 12 to offer information on potential concepts and to solicit feedback from the public.

Founded in 1966, the sanctuary is a 510-acre non-profit land preserve featuring a pristine 52-acre glacial lake and offering community environmental education, hiking trails, scientific research opportunities and preservation of historic buildings.

For 43 years, it has maintained its mission by protecting Lake Lacawac, its watershed, surrounding forest and historic structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places; establishing a venue for ecological research, scholarly interaction and the training of scientists; providing public education and cultural programs on environmental issues; and conserving open space in northeastern Pennsylvania. Workshops, lectures, walks, concerts and children’s programs are offered year-round in the natural setting.

In anticipation of future growth, the sanctuary board and staff are involved in several planning processes. According to board chair Jen Naugle, the sanctuary is looking for input on its plans to expand the existing infrastructure and programs at the facility.

Funded by grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Authority, the master site planning process dovetails with the ongoing strategic planning process already underway, which envisions the next 20 to 30 years for the sanctuary.

Following review of seven proposals, the board selected Simone Collins Landscape Architecture (SCLA) to implement the master site planning process. Although development is needed to meet future growth, the firm is following the board’s mandate to design from a conservation ethic in order to cause the least amount of disturbance to the site.

SCLA has completed an analysis of the site’s soils and hydrology, location of current historic buildings and site access to determine possible locations for new development. Some of the objectives guiding the site selection are to protect the Lake Lacawac watershed, increase research and associated residential opportunities, minimize wear and tear on the sanctuary’s historic buildings and improve access.

Various possibilities were discussed at the public session, such as considering an alternative access road, redesigning two man-made ponds on the property as wetland habitat, restricting certain areas for research purposes, creating eco-villages and constructing sustainable facilities like earth shelters or those made from recycled materials. Sustainable energy options, such as solar, will also be addressed.

The preferred alternative master site plan will be selected from the options at the session and will be presented at Lacawac Sanctuary on April 13 at 6:00 p.m. A 30-day public comment period will ensue, and maps will be available on the sanctuary’s website. For more information, visit www.lacawac.org or call 570/689-9494.