"Candidates: It's all about respect"

By Freda R. Savana, PhillyBurbs.com, October 14, 2009: ". . . All supported the referendum to borrow $4.5 million to purchase land to develop a multiuse park. . . ."

"Long-range plan calls for more open space"

By George Mattar, PhillyBurbs.com, October 4, 2009: "Regional planners predict an 11 percent increase in population and a 13 percent increase in jobs in the Delaware Valley by 2035."

Springfield: "Township saves more open space"

By Amanda Cregan, PhillyBurbs.com, September 23, 2009.

"More funds ready for open space"

PhillyBurbs.com: "More funds ready for open space," by Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, July 5, 2009:

Thanks to a federal grant, the county will now have more money on hand to purchase open space in Upper Bucks.

As part of the Highlands Conservation Act Amendment, $700,000 will go to protecting farmland surrounding the Cooks Creek Watershed.

The $2 million additional funds designated by the House doubles the Highlands Coalition allocation to $4 million in President Obama's 2010 budget.

The Senate is currently working on its own version of the bill.

"Certainly it's a priority for us in Bucks County, but to get recognized on a national level is pretty significant," said Kris Kern, open space coordinator for the county.

The Highlands is a heavily forested and mountainous region that stretches across 3.5 million acres in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey; it is nationally significant because of the species it supports and the drinking water and recreational opportunities it provides.

It cuts through Cooks Creek Watershed in Upper Bucks, which runs the length of Durham and well into Springfield. Its 30-square-mile watershed is considered a critical natural resource. . . .

Open space funds discussed

PhillyBurbs.com:  "Environmentalists, officials discuss open space funds," by Bill Devlin, Intelligencer, July 1, 2009:

The Bucks County Planning Commission Tuesday night held what was billed as the "Natural Areas Inventory of Bucks County Workshop" at its offices in Doylestown Township.

In reality, it was a night for the birds - and trees, reptiles, flowers and insects.

Representatives from environmental advisory committees, conservation groups and local government were on hand to discuss the Natural Areas Inventory, the document that guides county officials in the use of open space funds. . . .

"Open space or not?"

by Freda R. Savana, Intelligencer, PhillyBurbs.com, May 15, 2009: "Spending to preserve open space is a leading issue in the township's election. In Plumstead, like many municipalities throughout Central and Upper Bucks County, preserving open space is a key issue for residents. Elected officials go to great lengths to praise the rewards of preservation, despite the cost. But in today's economy, spending money on anything, even open space, is a concern for those seeking public office. The three Republicans facing off in Tuesday's primary each expressed worry over spending in these strained economic times. . . ."