Public gets access to half-mile stretch of Mill Creek in Ligonier Township

Fishermen, hunters, hikers, cross-country skiers and outdoor enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a half-mile stretch on both sides of Mill Creek that is north of Ligonier. It’s now possible because a Pittsburgh conservation non-profit has obtained a conservation easement that allows people to get to the stream.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy bought an easement in perpetuity to 173 acres of land along Mill Creek, parallel to Route 271 in Ligonier Township.

The conservancy bought it from Brian S. McKelvey for $368,581, according to documents filed Oct. 29 with the Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds.

The easement, which covers a buffer of land along a tributary to Mill Creek, limits development along that stretch of the creek, which flows into Loyalhanna Creek in Ligonier. While most of the property will remain in private ownership, 20 acres are available for public access to the creek and Laurel Highlands Trout Trail for walking, fishing and exploring.

The land protected by the easement has several wetlands, important ecosystem components that store rainwater, which helps to reduce runoff and flooding. The forested land provides habitat for a variety of wildlife and about 60 acres will continue to be used for farming, the conservancy said.

The cold-water fishery that supports natural trout reproduction, is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

McKelvey could not be reached for comment. Under terms of the easement, McKelvey retains the right to sell the land.

“They (Western Pennsylvania Conservancy) are trying to preserve a lot of green space,” said Larry Meyers, president of the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Susan Huba, executive director of the Ligonier-based Loyalhanna Watershed Association, could not be reached for comment.

Mill Creek is part of the 298-mile Loyalhanna Creek watershed that starts on the western slope of Laurel Ridge.

The sliver of land on both sides of the stream, which is crossed by a bridge carrying McKelvey Road, is a natural habitat for Eastern brook trout and Eastern brook lamprey. It is considered a priority watershed by the Loyalhanna Watershed Association and Trout Unlimited, according to the easement.

“This easement will give access to public fishing,” said Monte Murty, former president of the Forbes Trail chapter of Trout Unlimited.

A 2003 cold water conservation plan, involving a bio-assessment for Mill Creek, found brook trout in the headwaters of the stream, which originates in the mountains bordering Cambria County, Murty said.

Based on the study that looked at the health of the stream and its tributaries, Murty said the state was able to designate Mill Creek as a Class A wild trout stream.

“The protection of this forested area along Mill Creek with a perpetual conservation easement will safeguard scenic views, while protecting the forestland and creek, ultimately contributing to improved water quality for generations,” said Thomas Saunders, conservancy president.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy was able to use the study the Forbes Trail Chapter conducted and updated every couple of years when it applied for grants, Murty said.

The Colcom Foundation and the Richard King Mellon Foundation in Pittsburgh and Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation in Latrobe, provided grants for the purchase of the easement, the conservancy said. McKelvey also provided funding for the acquisition of the easement, as well as other donations made to support land conservation in the Ligonier Valley.