Owners of area wooded lots will have a chance to brush up on their properties’ rights of way during a dinner and program set for Thursday in Hempfield.
Sponsored by the Westmoreland Woodlands Improvement Association, the program will be held in the Westmoreland Conservation District headquarters, in the barn behind the Donohoe Center, 218 Donohoe Road.
The evening will include time for socializing, at 5:30 p.m., a potluck meal, at 6 p.m., and a 7 p.m. presentation on property easements and rights of way by Pittsburgh attorney Ryan Hamilton.
“It’s important for property owners to have a plan for their property, understand how existing or proposed easements may affect that plan, and ultimately ensure their efforts are coordinated in a way that makes sense for the future,” said Hamilton, who is the supervising attorney in the Pittsburgh office of Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services. “We’ll be discussing issues like how to find out whether your property is encumbered by an existing right of way, practical and legal tips for negotiating new easements, and how to monitor and enforce standards found in existing agreements.”
He’ll also share information on terminating an easement.
Hamilton is a volunteer board member of the Jacob’s Creek Watershed Association and the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy and treasurer of the Solar United Network of Western Pennsylvania.
This evening is free for Woodlands Improvement Association members and costs $5 for all others. Monday is the final day to register, by calling Sandy at the Westmoreland Conservation District, 724-837-5271.
Although it’s not required, those who are attending the dinner may bring a side dish or dessert to share.
The association’s mission is to encourage good management of woodlands for aesthetics, timber, water quality and control, wildlife habitat, plant propagation and recreation. The group holds regular programs and field trips throughout the year.
Visit westmorelandwoodlands.org for more information.
