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 Livable Landscapes
​“Our Livable Landscape – a mosaic of parks, farmland, natural areas, scenic views and historical and cultural sites promoting healthy life-styles, natural diversity and community identity.”

The purpose of Livable Landscapes – An Open Space Plan for Northampton County is to guide the conservation, restoration and enhancement of the County’s open space resources and create linkages between the County’s vast natural resources; outdoor recreational facilities; greenways and blueways; farmland; and historic, cultural and scenic resources.

Click here to see the Livable Landscapes Plan.

 Return on Environment

​The trees, stream valleys, farms and forests of the Lehigh Valley account for millions of dollars each year in savings, earnings, avoided costs and attraction for economic development. The report describes how open space is an integral part of the Lehigh Valley’s quality of life, health and lower cost of living. Findings include:

  • An estimated $351.1 million is spent on outdoor recreation each year in Northampton County.
  • Recreational activity on open space in Northampton County creates and estimated 4,518 jobs (inside and outside the County), generating $27.1 million in state and local taxes
  • Open space provides value in the form of water supply, water quality, flood control, pollination, biological control, habitat and soil formation/retention estimated at $201.7 million or more each year in Northampton County.

    Click here to see the Return on Environment Report.

 Natural Heritage Inventory for Lehigh and Northampton Counties – 2013
​The Natural Heritage Inventory of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Pennsylvania – Update 2013 is a document compiled and written by the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC). This document contains information on the locations of rare, threatened, and endangered species and of the highest quality natural communities in the two counties; it is not an inventory of all open space. It is intended as a conservation tool and should in no way be treated or used as a field guide. Accompanying each site description are general management recommendations that would help to ensure the protection and continued existence of these natural communities, and species of concern. The recommendations are based on the biological needs of these elements (communities and species).

Click here to see the Natural Heritage Inventory for Lehigh and Northampton Counties - 2013

 

 Two Rivers Area Greenway & Trails Implementation Study
​Connecting the City of Easton to the Kittatinny Ridge is the overall goal of this plan. Creating an 18-mile trail corridor with connections to the Delaware River, Lehigh River, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Jacobsburg State Park & Environmental Education Center and local businesses will help further tourism, provide economic incentives and boost the quality of life within Northampton County.

Click here to see the Two Rivers Area Greenway & Trails Implementation Study

 Liberty-Water Gap Trail Feasibility Study
​The final section of the 150-mile Liberty Water Gap Trail through Pennsylvania and New Jersey will provide a connection to the Statue of Liberty and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The final 6-mile stretch from the Borough of Portland to the Borough of Delaware Water Gap is a key connector for the trail users. This section of trail has been designated as a route along the 9/11 National Memorial Trail.

Click here to see the Liberty-Water Gap Trail Feasibility Study

 Lehigh Valley Trails Inventory -2013
​The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission authored the report to identify the trails and major gaps within the Lehigh Valley. Six of the identified ten gaps were located in Northampton County.

Click here to see the Lehigh Valley Trails Inventory – 2013

 

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