CONSERVATION IS KEY TO PRESERVATION

The Chartiers Creek Greenway serves over 180,000 urban and suburban residents in the lower watershed, and over a quarter million residents in the regional area with a natural blue and green recreational thread. It is an important wildlife corridor. The steep wooded hillsides and floodplain wetlands are ecologically and geologically sensitive areas.  Development of this land not only destroys vital wildlife habitat and pollutes our drinking water, but also creates severe flooding and causes landslides.   

We have all witnessed the effects of unplanned over-development during the major flooding with hurricane Ivan and the massive landslide along Route 65 in Killbuck township.  

Yet irresponsible unrestricted development continues to threaten our region. Loss to our communities in terms of economic health, aesthetics, habitat, recreation and maintaining property values is irreversible.

Efforts are underway to conserve these undeveloped parcels of land. So far only a fraction of acreage in this vital green corridor has been protected.

The Chartiers Creek Greenway's location in the heart of the urban Pittsburgh area is ideal for residents seeking to enjoy nature on an early morning walk, at the end of their workday or with the kids on the weekend.     Over half of our lower watershed's residents - that's 100,000 people - live less than two miles from this green corridor.  You don't need a long drive to escape to the wilderness.

The Chartiers Greenway forms the perfect addition to Pittsburgh's riverfront initiative.  Encourage your municipal leaders to respond to increasing public demand for greenspace. Communities can work with their local conservation groups to make preservation of our greenway a reality.