U.S. Rep. And West Chester local Ryan Costello, has taken up the mantle of his predecessor and joined with fellow Chester County Congressman, Joe Pitts, along with two other Democratic Congressman to form a bipartisan Land Conservation Caucus.

The aim of the caucus is to encourage debate over existing and proposed federal policies that will affect the general public access to open space and federal lands. This is directly following from the efforts of U.S. Rep. James Gerlach, who spent many years bringing the issue of land conservation to the public’s attention by attempting to create permanent tax incentives to make it more desirable for landowners to have non-development easements on their property. Unfortunately his attempt failed just days before he left office in 2014.

“In Southeastern Pennsylvania, the conservation and security of public lands like the Susquehanna and Delaware River Basins, the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area, the Highlands, and the Valley Forge National Historic Park is a top priority of mine“ said Costello. ”Preserving these lands so that future generations can enjoy them is a priority,”

One particular area of focus for the new caucus  is on the strong partnerships developed through federal, competitive grant programs with local land conservation organizations. This new was very well received by local land conservation organizations as they fight to ensure that local nature and resources are preserved.

“The Brandywine Conservancy is thrilled with the reestablishment of the bipartisan Land Conservation Caucus,” said Sherri Evans-Stanton, the director of the Chadds Ford based organization. “The conservation community relies on bipartisan support to protect critical natural, cultural and historic resources. This caucus will help ensure that the public’s resources and drinking water supplies are permanently protected.”

Joe Pitts, whose congressional district covers southern and western Chester County and eastern Lancaster County,  assisted last year in the passage and enactment of his legislation to protect White Clay Creek in southern Chester County said “I am hopeful that this caucus will be just as productive this Congress.”