Newsletter-Fall '11FINALFINAL-REALLY - Tinicum Conservancy

FALL 2011
GREEN ACRES
After the Ink Dries
There’s always a celebration at the time of the closing
of a conservation easement. Sometimes an exchange
of good wishes and appreciation, sometimes
a little more than that. By the time landowners and
Conservancy representatives (and perhaps other
agency reps) attend the closing and sign the papers,
a lot of work has already happened. Usually the
easement process takes months, involving surveys,
appraisals, legal preparations, and the creation of
the Baseline Report, a “document” which describes the landowner’s property in detail.
So, when the ink dries on the conservation easement, the work is done? Not so! In fact, the Conservancy
staff and volunteers know that their job has just begun. There is another process which ensures that the property’s
wise stewardship will be accomplished “in perpetuity” as required by Federal and State law. We use
that term frequently, and most readers of this newsletter know that TC is responsible (as are all land conservancies)
for safeguarding the conservation values and other restrictions agreed to in the easement. Landowners
who voluntarily place their property in a conservation easement entrust their land to be (cont. on pg. 4)
Conservation Continues at a Good Pace in 2011
As we near the end of 2011, the Conservancy is working on four new
conservation easements that are likely to be completed by year-end and two
additional projects to be completed in early 2012. In total, the projects cover
more than 220 acres. Four of these projects focus on key habitat along more than
a mile of Tinicum Creek and its tributaries. This is especially important because
of the high water quality found in the creek, which people and wildlife depend
on for drinking and other vital uses. “In spite of tough economic times,” explains
Jim Vaseleck, Conservancy President, “people still want to preserve lands that are
important to their community, family and themselves.”
Inside this issue:
President’s Corner 2
Conservancy Information 2
Shout Out 3
The Critter Corner 5
The People Page 8
Regional Open Space Roundtable 9
Annual Membership Celebration 10
Conservation Spotlight
Can You Help?
Fall WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG 2011
11
11

OUR MISSION
To protect our rural character and natural resources through community-based land conservation.
ADMINISTRATION
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Jim Vaseleck, President
Tom Casola, Vice President
Ellen Chapman, Treasurer
Peggy Enoch, Secretary
Karen Budd
Betsi Campbell
Bill Cahill
Anita Jensen
Jeff Keller
Stuart Louden
Jonathan Reiss
STAFF
Jim Engel, Executive Director
Kelly Germann, Resource Protection Mgr.
Maria Fell, Administrative Assistant
NEWSLETTER STAFF
Tom Casola, Communications Director
Dianna Sinovic, Editor/Writer
Kris Becker, Creative Director/Graphics
CO�TRIBUTORS:
Karen Budd, Kathleen Connally, Barbara
Drew, Jim Engel, Peggy Enoch,
Kelly Germann
Common Ground is published bi-annually
by Tinicum Conservancy.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Tinicum Conservancy
P.O. Box 206
Erwinna, PA 18920
(Street address: 965 River Road,
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972)
P: 610-294-1077
F: 610-294-2906
E: tinicumconserv@epix.net
W: www.TinicumConservancy.org
Tinicum Conservancy is a recognized 501(c)(3)
charitable organization and exists for charitable,
educational and scientific purposes.
We welcome your comments,
questions and suggestions.
Dear Members and Friends,
PRESIDENT’S CORNER
The Tinicum Conservancy is an amazing success story. It
is the story of a small group of neighbors working together
to protect their land, their community, and their quality
of life. The Conservancy was formed in 1992 by local
residents who were concerned that larger, regional land
trusts were not paying enough attention to land protection
in Tinicum. Today, the Tinicum Conservancy holds 97
properties under 87 separate easement agreements,
protecting almost 4,000 acres in Tinicum and bordering
townships. Of the 91 Conservancy organizations in
Pennsylvania, Tinicum Conservancy now ranks seventh in
terms of number of easements held. That puts us ahead of
both Heritage Conservancy and the PA Chapter of The
Nature Conservancy. This is a fantastic accomplishment
for a grass roots organization that receives no public
funding and relies solely on donations and grants from
members.
Tinicum Conservancy has succeeded exactly because it is
local and because it understands the needs and concerns of
the local community. The organization runs on the energy
and support of its members and volunteers. We live here
and we want future generations of Tinicum families to
enjoy the same benefits of living in this very special place.
Many of you have been actively involved with the
Conservancy over the years. Thank you. And if you love
living in Tinicum and have not yet
gotten involved, please consider
supporting the Tinicum Conservancy in
any way you can. Become a member.
Volunteer your time. Consider placing
an easement on your property. Consider
an estate gift. Call or stop by our office.
We would be delighted to hear from you.
We all benefit when we all work together.
Page 2 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Fall 2011

–
SHOUT OUT
Volunteer help is essential in keeping your Conservancy going. The Executive Director
and Trustees would like to thank these people for their generous gifts of time.
To become a volunteer, contact Karen Budd at kbudd3030@aol.com or 610-294-9069.
Mark Manchester – Database management
Kris Becker, Kathleen Connally, Dianna Sinovic, Kelly Kendall-Kelly, Gail Whittenberger, Stana Lennox, Betsi Megonnell-
Campbell, Bill Cahill, Stu Louden, Jack Ferrari, Anita Jensen – for help with our communications projects.
John Moore and Rob Morrison – for coordinating the Conservancy’s River Road Cleanups. Those who participated in the
cleanups: Diane and Dave Allison, Claire and Joe Billingham, Karen Budd, Ros and Bill Cahill, Sharon and Nick Forte, Stana
Lennox, Pat Lesko, Stu Louden, Norm MacArthur, Wendie Makoujie and Teresa, Sally Mirick, John Moore, Rob Morrison, Bill
Novak, Ron Novak, Beverly and Graham Place, June Rothkopf, Phil Rushton, Carol Sadley and Linda, Doug Sardo, Sugie and
Marty Weiss.
Nancy Shaffran – for her donation of a movie screen to our “Wish List.”
Pat Barbosa, Betsi Campbell, Sharon Daniels, Jean Henry, Betsy Jacobs, Lynda Kling, Stana Lennox, Wayne and Ellen Miller,
Beverly Place, Natalia Ritter, Nancy Shaffran – for participation in our many important mailings.
For their help on Conservancy committees along with Conservancy Trustees - John Baron, Peggy Enoch, Stana Lennox, Jennifer
McCandless, June Rothkopf (Events Subcommittee), Ellen Chapman (Finance), Diane Allison, Boyce Budd, Norm MacArthur,
Wink Nessa, Shira Norman, Hellyn Sher (Fundraising), Martie Kyde, John Moore, John Quinby (Land Preservation), Nancy
Bousum, Jeff Keller, Stuart Louden, Karen Budd and Bill Cahill (Stewardship).
Ellen Chapman – for serving as Conservancy Treasurer.
Karen Budd – for serving as our Volunteer Coordinator.
Diane Allison, Claire Billingham, Nancy Bousum, Karen Budd, Boyce Budd, Nick Forte, Roy Johnson, Stana Lennox, John
Moore, Beverly Place, Happy Shipley – for their work as “Weed Warriors” in tackling the problem of invasive weed species at The
Giving Pond and along Tinicum streams.
Boyce Budd – general handyman
Bill Cahill – educational programs registration and coordination
Dave and Diane Allison, Kris Becker, Nancy Bousum, Karen Budd, Bill
Cahill, Peggy Enoch, Maria Fell, Betsy Jacobs, Anita Jensen, Martie Kyde,
Norm MacArthur, Nancy Shaffran, Dianna Sinovic – for help at the
Tinicum Conservancy table at the Tinicum Arts Festival.
Maria Fell, Boyce Budd, John Baron, Jack Halstead, Vince Dotti & Phyllis
D’Amico, Jeff & Lorraine Keller, David Maue & David Gaudette, Diane &
David Allison, Stu Louden, Diana Sinovic, Beverly Place, June Rothkopf
& Paul Wieand, Stana Lennox, Anita Jensen, Bill & Rosalyn Cahill, Peggy
Enoch, Sharon Daniels, Margaret Balitsaris, Jennifer McCandless, Betsi
Campbell – for helping make the Membership Celebrations a huge success,
from delivery and set-up to providing all the delicious food.
Rarely do we get an opportunity to gather in smaller groups with members
and friends, especially those whom we haven’t seen in a long time, to just
have fun and learn something about the Conservancy at the same time. The
following people were generous hosts at elegant parties designed to provide a
forum to educate our members and the public about the importance of
Stewardship to our long-term goals:
Karen and Boyce Budd
Kate Barker and Louis Giliberti at their 1821 Steaks and Cocktails
restaurant
Bill Tomai and John Sebesta
David Gaudette and David Maue
Tia and Bob Cavallaro
Front: (kneeling) Bill Cahill, Clare Billingham, Joe Billingham
Back: Rob Morrison, Pat Lesko, Doug Sardo, Phil Rushton, Diane Allison, Graham Place
2012 RIVER ROAD CLEA�UP SCHEDULE
will be posted on the TC website
For further information contact John Moore at
610-847-2935 or cedarhil@pd.net
Fall 2011 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Page 3

GREEN ACRES
After the Ink Dries (cont. from pg. 1) COULD YOU SPARE...
protected now and in the future. “In perpetuity” means
forever.
As soon as the easement is completed, all of the TC staff
and volunteers who have worked on the project send
their documents to a central location in the office. The
Executive Director, the Resource Protection Manager and
the project contact person are the “usual suspects” who
have easement-related documents that need to be retained
in two locations: the Permanent File and the
Working File. Each file is stored in a different location
to ensure that if one file is destroyed by natural disaster
or some other mishap, there is still a complete file of
documents in a safe place. The Permanent File is the offi-
• Electric broom or small vacuum
• Shade-loving plants for outdoor landscaping (natives
preferred!)
• Picture Rail moulding for upstairs offices (call for
details)
• Large frame at least 24" x 34" or larger for Tinicum
Preserved Lands Map (to be hung in entry hall)
• Cordless drill with charger, driver & drill bits; flat and
Phillips-head screwdrivers; hammer
• Large tools for the Lending Tool Shed
• Books, natural resource themed for our lending
library
Please call the Conservancy office if you can help us
cross any of these items off our wish list.
cial documentation of the conservation project and as required by our National Accreditation status, all the
Permanent Files are stored in fire/flood proof safes at an “undisclosed location” in the township, not at the
office. All the Working Files are in the TC office, where the staff and volunteers can access them for the ongoing
work of stewardship. These files contain all the correspondence between all parties, the Baseline Report
(which includes maps, photos, geographic, geologic and ecological information), the title search, survey
and appraisal documents, and any information regarding co-holders (who could be Tinicum Township and/
or Bucks County). All of the information, which may include as many as 20 documents, are placed in the
Permanent File binder and copied for the duplicate Working File. And all that is before the stewardship
work in perpetuity has even begun!
We are amassing a lot of binders! TC now holds or supervises 97 easements.
A very important part of the stewardship for all conserved properties is the annual monitoring, which is required
by the IRS. Our Resource Protection Manager, Kelly Germann, trains and supervises all the volunteer
monitors. Every year, each conservation easement is visited by a TC monitor to identify and document any
changes that may impact the conservation values described in the conservation easement and to file a report
on the condition of the property. These reports also become part of the Permanent and Working files. The
monitoring visit is also a great way to keep in touch with our easement landowners and answer any questions
they may have.
Besides the internal work to sustain this ongoing record-keeping and monitoring process, an equally important
aspect of the “post-easement” work is landowner outreach. The Conservancy encourages donor landowners
to be good land stewards, and now offers in-person and online resource management support. When
“second generation” owners purchase a conserved property, TC
offers to meet with new owners, helping them understand everything
about their easement and about TC, and inviting them to
become active participants in the organization that is responsible
for the perpetual conservation of their land.
When the ink dries, everyone celebrates. Then we get to work on
the perpetuity part.
- Article by Peggy Enoch and Jim Engel/Photos © Kathleen Connally
(www.durhamtownship.com)
Page 4 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Fall 2011

THE CRITTER CORNER
Black bears are common in Pennsylvania – and are the most common
bear in North America – but they are usually found in mountainous,
wooded areas in the north-central and northeastern areas of
the state. Yet this year, people have reported seeing black bears much
closer to home. Wildlife experts acknowledge that the bears have expanded
into this region, where they feed not only on nuts, berries
and insects of the forest but also on residential garbage, birdfeeders
and pet food left outdoors. Although black bears have poor eyesight,
their sense of smell is excellent – 40 times keener than a human
nose.
Black bears rarely attack without provocation, but they should be
treated with respect. A male black bear can weigh 350 to 500 pounds; the female is smaller, from 150 to 250
pounds. They are most active at night, but it’s not unusual to see black bears during the day – just ask residents in
Richland and Lower Saucon Township who saw a black bear this summer.
At this time of year, black bears are getting ready to bed down for the winter. They are packing on the pounds to
beat the first snowfall, when their natural food sources are buried. They aren’t true hibernators, though; instead,
they conserve energy by going into a period of dormancy. They can still awaken during winter to forage for food.
Their mating season is June, but black bears don’t give birth until late January or early February. The bear embryos,
fertilized in early summer, may exist in limbo – without being implanted – for up to half a year, long enough to ensure
that the mother bear has laid down enough stores of fat to not only carry her through the winter, but to also
provide milk for her cubs. This delayed implantation is unique to about 100 mammals,
including bears. Females typically have two cubs a year.
If a black bear shows up in your neighborhood, how can you discourage it from hanging
around? Although an Alaska woman recently made the news because she punched a black
bear in the snout, to force it to let go of her dog, that’s not the approach wildlife experts
recommend. Instead, they urge you to remove birdfeeders and not keep your pet’s food
bowl outside. Make sure garbage cans are securely closed. And never put food out for a
bear. Bears will associate food with humans and may lose their natural fear of people. Although
the state Game Commission can trap and relocate a bear that has become a nuisance,
the animal may simply find its way back to the area – even when released more than
100 miles away. - Article by Dianna Sinovic/Photos from PA Game Commission
Five Things You Should Know About the Tinicum Conservancy
• We are a non-profit, community-based organization made up of Tinicum residents from all walks of life. We work with conservation-minded
landowners to protect Tinicum’s rural character, farms and natural resources.
• Although Tinicum is a small township (19,700 acres), we rank near the top of Pennsylvania’s land trusts in number of easements (97) and amount of
protected land (almost 4,000 acres).
• In 2009, we became one of only 5% of all land trusts in the United States to receive accreditation from The Land Trust Accreditation
Commission. This means that our professional standards including fiscal, fundraising, stewardship, easement acquisition and overall non-profit
management meet or exceed rigorous national requirements.
• Our efforts to safeguard Tinicum only begin with securing conservation easements. Much of our future work will focus on oversight of existing
easements and working closely with landowners and the community to provide natural resource stewardship. We consider this work an excellent, longterm
insurance policy on the investment in conservation we have all made through conservation easements.
• Our operations are supported solely by our more than 500 members, who contribute to our mission through donations of their time, talent and dollars.
If you haven’t already joined, please get involved today.
Fall 2011 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Page 5

TOGETHER, PROTECTING T
Leaving a Legacy To Tinicum’s Future
Consider the lasting impact of an estate gift for the
preservation of
Tinicum’s natural
resources and
agricultural heritage.
Join the growing
number of
Photo © Kathleen Connally
conservationminded
supporters
who are including Tinicum Conservancy in their
estate planning. Planned gifts provide the financial
resources we need to protect more open space and
sustain long-term stewardship efforts. Our donors use
many different philanthropic approaches—from
outright gifts of cash and real estate to investments,
life insurance or other charitable arrangements.
We would welcome the opportunity to assist you and
your estate planning professional to determine the
most appropriate approach for your personal and
charitable objectives. While it is not necessary to
advise us in advance that you have included Tinicum
Conservancy in your estate planning, we encourage
donors to let us know their plans, so that we may
thank you and learn more about your interest in
conservation and welcome you to our Legacy Club.
For a confidential discussion with our Executive
Director, Jim Engel, please call him at 610-294-1077
or by email at tinicumconserv@epix.net.
Join Today!
Become a member. Join the hundreds of your friends
and neighbors who
support the work of
the Tinicum
Conservancy. Use
the New Member
envelope inside this
Photo © Kathleen Connally
newsletter or donate
online. Just click
the “Donation” link on our homepage, located at
www.tinicumconservancy.org.
RETURNING MEMBER
Every year hundreds of our members choose to renew their commitment
Alexander, III & Christine Liddie
Alfred & Margaret Enoch
Andrew Holtzman
Anita Crossland & Carol Sadley
Anna Jane Sabbagh
Anthony Van Eyck Miller
Arthur & Natalia Ritter
Barbara Murray
Betsi & John Campbell
Brian & Joyce Murphy
Bruce & Carol Post
Bruce Herzog & Nancy McCarthy
Charles & Susan Scholer
Charles Young & Frederick Blank
Charlotte Freeman & Bernard Shapiro
Cynthia & Tibor Keler
Dale & Nieves Roadcap
David Ancker
David Maue & David Gaudette
Debra & Jay Goldstein
Dianna Sinovic & Steve Malarskey
Dr. Alfred H, III & Barbara Funke
Dr. Amy & Peter Glascott, Jr
Dryfoos Charitable Trust
Earl Rinehold
Eugene & Ann Jerzak
George English
Gilbert Wechsler & Douglas Sardo
Giorgio & Maria Vannucci
Glenn & Christine Harrington
Glenn & Hazel Doman
Golden Pheasant Inn
Greg & Karen Galster
Gregory & Barbara McKnight
Gwen Greenhaus
NEW MEMBERS (Septem
Thank you to our new members. The Conservancy’s success is due in p
Alan & Karen Dewar
Bonnie Haas
Craig & Natalie Funt
Eric & Kim Hinrichs
Jack & Jacqueline Ferrari
Jennifer McCandless
Joan Lindley
FRIENDS OF TINICUM - 2011
Anders & Ceile Hedberg
Andrew Rouse
Boyce & Karen Budd
Charles & Patricia Scholer
David Maue & David Gaudette
Diane & David Allison
George Ingersoll
Hellyn Sher
Janet Ruttenberg
Jim & Dawn Engel
Jim Vaseleck & Hank Cochran
Jonathan & Melissa Reiss
H Robert, III & Barbara Tiffany
Heather & Christopher Beyer
Herman & Marciene Mattleman
Jacqueline Handelman
James & Janice Robinson
James Vaseleck, Jr & Henry Cochran III
Janet & Arthur Anderson
Janet Ruttenberg
Jeffrey Miller
Joanna & Marc Michini
Joanne Lund & Brian Dougherty
Joe & Keila Connelly
John & Carol Kaeser
John & Lynn Langdon
John Baron
John Moore & Rob Morrison
John Seng
John Simonelli
Jonathan & Melissa Reiss
Jonathan Rapp
Joseph & Barbara Hudak
Joseph & Claire Billingham
Joseph & Patricia Barbosa
Joseph & Rebecca Bachinsky
Josephine French
Kathleen Allen
Kathleen Beckett
Kathleen Fitzgibbon & Thomas Belton
Kenneth Andersen
Kent & Natalie Shinbach
Kristine & Jerome Becker
Laren & Mary Eleanor Pitcairn
Larry Rakowsky & Sharon Yerkes
Lawrence & Dolores Mulligan
Leonard & Helen Evelev
Joe & Keila Connelly
John & Deborah Duerr
John Graves & Dennis Lonergan
John McEnany & Debra Livingston
Jonathan Swain & Karen Corbett
Jose & Beatriz Garces
Kristin Perry
Kate Barker & Louis Giliberti
Lisa & Jay Sandler
Matthew & Margaret Balitsaris
Michael Moss & Ellen Chapman
Mindy & Eliot Friedman
Phillip Gillespie & Daniel Randall
Richard & Kim Rosamilia
Robert & Tia Cavallaro
Stu & Sally Horn
Susan Dryfoos
Tom Casola & Sue Smithers
William Stuart Louden
William Tomai & John Sebesta
Page 6 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�

HE FUTURE - OUR LAND
S (April - August 2011)
to land preservation. Thank you for your generous support and loyalty!
Leonard W & Barbara J Riches
Lewis & Sharon Daniels
Lisa & Jay Sandler
Louis Pruitt & Suzanne Stratton
Maria Fell & Dennis Delaney
Marian Sumner & Jeff Hogan
Mark & Joan Stevens
Mark & Pauline Manchester
Martin & Margaret Weiss
Mary & Amleto Pucci, Jr
Matthew & Margaret Balitsaris
Maureen Book
Michael & Sharon Killough
Michael Moss & Ellen Chapman
Mr & Mrs Nicholas Domiano
Mrs Thomas E Neibauer
Nancy & Peter Bousum
Nancy Shaffran
Neal & Heidi Feigles
Neil & Edwardine Adams
Neil & Marion Kyde
Nicholas & Sharon Forte
Nicholas Bewsey & Nelson Zayas
Norma Cole
Norman & Diane Schaefer
Patricia Lesko & Ronald Novak
Paul & Margaret Pfisterer
Paul Shaw & Robert Furlong
Peter Batts & Karyn Porson
Peter Ott
Philip W Pfeifer
Philip, III & Dian Herman
Phillip & Kim Szymanowski
Phillip Gillespie & Daniel Randall
R. Dale & Gail Whittenberger
ber 2010 - August 2011)
art to the generous support of a broad range of community members.
Kurt & Karen Mofffat
Michael Jarret & Angela Pincin
Paul & Kim Havis
Paul & Margaret Pfisterer
Phil Rushton
Robert Tumolo
Scott & Cynthia Kislin
FOUNDATION FRIENDS - 2011
Beneficia Foundation
Helen Bader Foundation
Woodtiger Fund
IN MEMORY OF
WILLIAM H. MEGONNELL
Tohickon Garden Club
CORPORATE MATCHING GIFTS
2011
ExxonMobil
Johnson & Johnson
Law School Admissions Council
Ralph, Jr & Anne Smith
Richard & Barbara Brookman
Richard & Lorraine Plank
Richard Beaumont & Deborah Hinckley
Richard S Bowles, III
Robert & Jean Stanfield
Robert & Patricia Cerwin
Robert Farinella
Robert Ferguson & Richard Foggio
Robert Ferrari & Dorothy Parker
Robert Hanley
Robert, Jr & Frances Elliott
Ronald & Christine Warmingham
Ronald & Joan Carter
Sarah Fleck
Scott & Cathy Reynolds
Shepard R & Grace Morgan
Stephen & Edythe Victor
Steven & Marianne Snyder
Susan & Alan Kahn
Theodore & Jeanne Klaus
Theodore & Susan Wachtel
Thomas & Cynthia Deibert
Thomas & Edith Woodman
Thomas & Margaret Copenhaver
Thomas & Patricia Koestler
Tiffany Britt Hamilton
Vernon & Jean Wehrung
Victoria & Charles Jenkins
William & Maureen Harvey
William & Rosalyn Cahill
William Hunter, Jr.
William Rose
William Stuart Louden
Tim & Carla Porter
Victor & Donna Kot
Vincent Dotti & Phyllis D'Amico
Warren & Maryann Melick
Merck
Verizon
EXTRA GIFTS (April - August 2011)
Douglas Hahn & Joann Fick Hahn
Edwin Hershberg & Frances Carlisle
George Ingersoll, Jr.
Gilbert Wechsler & Douglas Sardo
Graham Place & Beverly Earle
James Vaseleck, Jr & Henry Cochran III
Maureen Book
Norman MacArthur & Bill Novak
Peter Ott
Shepard R & Grace Morgan
William & Rosalyn Cahill
Year-End Giving Ideas
Here are a few year-end ideas on how you can help
ensure the Tinicum Conservancy has the financial
resources necessary to take advantage of new land
protection opportunities, sustain good stewardship
and educate the community about a more
environmentally sustainable Tinicum.
Make an extra year-end gift. It’s easy. Consider a gift
of stock, mutual funds or other appreciated assets as
a way to increase your deductions while expanding
your support.
Increase the size of your membership gift this year.
A little increase in annual giving now can make a big
impact over the coming years.
Pledge an estate
gift. Create a legacy.
Next time you are
updating your will
or trust, add the
Conservancy as a
beneficiary.
Matching gifts from
your employer.
Hi-res
Photo © Kathleen Connally
Make an extra gift that doesn’t cost you a dime. Have
your employer match your annual donation and
double your impact on our success.
Four Things to Consider When
Considering a Conservation Easement
• Conservation easements offer the opportunity for
landowners to retain ownership of their land while
agreeing to permanently protect the significant
conservation and agricultural values of the property.
• Landowners who agree to a conservation easement
can often receive significant tax benefits and/or
payment for their commitment.
• Conservation easements benefit everyone by reducing
development pressure, improving water quality,
providing better habitat for wildlife and preserving
our local farms.
• Easement rights and restrictions are passed along to
the next landowner – helping to ensure that your
legacy and vision is protected.
SERVA�CY.ORG Page 7

THE PEOPLE PAGE
The Trustees and members of the Tinicum Conservancy would like to thank immediate past
President Rich Rosamilla for his many contributions of time, talent and energy to the organization.
Over the past eight years, Rich has brought strong leadership and deep personal commitment
to the mission of the Conservancy in his roles as Trustee, President and Treasurer. We
will miss Rich's day-to-day participation, but are grateful that he plans to remain involved behind
the scenes and in Committee-level activities. All the residents of Tinicum continue to benefit from Rich's ongoing
service to our community.
Wink Nessa: Volunteer
Rich Rosamilia: Outgoing President
You could call Wink Nessa the “poster child” of volunteer easement monitors.
She’s been in Tinicum for 38 years -- since she was about 10 years old. She went
away for college and a career in New York, but soon felt called back to her family’s
land on Iron Bridge Road, where she grew up. For the last 30 years, Wink
and her husband have lived here in the home they built on that same land. So,
it’s no wonder Wink was one of the first people Tinicum Conservancy asked to
be an easement monitor in the mid-1990s. She knows practically everyone and
every nook and cranny of this township. Currently, she’s responsible for monitoring
three conservation easement properties once each year.
When asked why she’s a monitor, she replies with gusto, “There’s no downside!
I get to be outside on some of the most beautiful properties and meet some of
the most interesting people in Tinicum. What fun is that?”
What makes a good monitor? In Wink’s opinion, “You have to be outgoing and
friendly. You can’t be afraid to meet new people. It helps to know the property’s
boundaries and what you’re looking for, and something about Tinicum Conservancy’s
mission. The annual monitor training is good for learning that stuff.
You also have to enjoy tromping around in all sorts of terrain and not be afraid
of the mud and the stickers. A good pair of boots is essential in Tinicum.”
Wink says the landowners are always welcoming when she comes for her monitoring
visits. Like Wink, most of Tinicum Conservancy’s volunteer monitors
also have conservation easements themselves, so they really understand and appreciate what it’s like to own protected
land and coordinate a visit with a monitor each year.
“Tinicum folks really don’t have a ‘precious’ attitude,” Wink adds. “People mostly come to be quiet and nest, or to get
involved with their local community. It’s still cowboy country out here.”
“Being a volunteer monitor,” she adds, “is a great way for me to be a part of and support the great work of Tinicum Conservancy,
to cherish and help protect what we have. It’s really not a bad gig!” Not a bad gig, indeed. Thank you for all
you do, Wink! - Article by Kelly Germann/Photo by ?
WHY ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE TINICUM CONSERVANCY?
We'd like to hear from you! Send a short (50 words or less) statement
of why you are a member of the Conservancy to tcadmin@epix.net
or mail it to us at P.O. Box 206 Erwinna, PA ,18920.
We will publish selected member comments in future issues of Common Ground.
Page 8 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Fall 2011

BRLC HOSTS REGIONAL OPEN SPACE ROUNDTABLE
The Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy and Bedminster Township co-hosted a
Regional Open Space Roundtable at the Plumstead Grange in the spring. The roundtable
was attended by representatives of open space committees in upper Bucks County from
Durham, Nockamixon, Plumstead, Springfield and Tinicum townships. Several other
townships had been invited but were not able to participate. In addition, Bedminster
Supervisors Eric Schaffhausen and Glenn Wismer were in attendance along with Tinicum
Supervisor Boyce Budd and several Tinicum Conservancy representatives.
This was the third roundtable for land preservation officials in the upper Bucks County
area. The first gathering was held under the auspices of Nockamixon Township’s Open
Space Committee in 2009, followed by the roundtable in 2010 organized by Tinicum Conservancy and Tinicum Township.
Each year, those involved with land preservation have had an opportunity to benefit from one another’s experiences and hear
from experts in the field about relevant issues.
Eric Schaffhausen, Chairman of the Bedminster Board of Supervisors and Don Moss, Chairman of the Bedminster Land
Preservation Committee praised the accomplishment of preserving 7,000 of the 18,000 acres that make up Bedminster
Township. Bedminster Township has had four referenda in effect, including one for the Earned Income Tax, to fund its
land preservation program. Don Moss credited committed landowners and stated, “The preservation program has been so
successful with the help of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy which co-holds the conservation easements, and the
funding assistance through Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation and Municipal Open Space Programs.”
Barbara Drew, Executive Director of the Bedminster Regional Land Conservancy (BRLC), led the discussions providing an
overview of the accomplishments of the BRLC, including the conservancy’s groundbreaking accreditation status received in
2008 from the national Land Trust Alliance and their current holdings of 98 conservation easements protecting 4,247 acres
of farms and natural lands. Based on the most recent statewide survey of land trusts, the BRLC ranked 8 th out of 91
Pennsylvania land trusts in the total number of conservation easements held (2009 survey). Ms. Drew explained the services
the BRLC provides and noted that one of the benefits to municipalities of having a conservancy is “having a non-political
organization with a focused mission of upholding and defending easements and the technical training to back that up.”
Lynn Bush, Executive Director of the Bucks County Planning Commission, made a presentation on the state of the County
Open Space Program remarking that 144 farms totaling 12,257 acres have been preserved in the county as well as 6,602 acres
of natural areas and parkland. Ms. Bush stated that, “The county's frugal approach to spending has served us well: where
other counties have cut back on their preservation program spending, Bucks County continues to fund the protection of
farmland and natural areas and provide grants for municipal open space projects.” A 2010 survey of county residents found
that what they liked the most about the county was the farmland and rural character, followed by parks and recreation
facilities and cultural and historic sites.
Tom Gilbert from the Trust for Public Land presented the “Economic Value of Protected Open Space” study results.
Conducted by the GreenSpace Alliance and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the study showed the
environmental benefits and services that open spaces provide to a community and translated the benefits into economic
values. Data obtained in the study showed that a home within 1 mile of preserved land increased in value an average of
$10,000 per home and that preserved open space generates property taxes without
the corresponding expenses such as schools, police, etc.
Karen Budd, Bill Cahill and Eve Marschark, BRLC President
Boyce Budd speaks with other open space supporters
at the regional roundtable.
After hearing the results of a township preservation program questionnaire, the
attendees discussed their common concerns. The dialogue included advice and
possible solutions regarding procedures, funding issues, and other common
concerns. Eric Schaffhausen remarked, “Even though our communities have
unique characteristics, there is no sense in reinventing the wheel”. All in
attendance agreed that the exchange of information regarding land preservation
among townships and conservancies was worthwhile, so the roundtable series will
continue, with Springfield Township agreeing to host the next gathering.
- Article and photos by Barbara Drew, BRLC Executive Director
Fall 2011 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Page 9

Annual Membership Celebration
Under leaden skies with the threat of rain, this year’s Membership Celebration, at Tinicum Creek Farm, was moved
from an open field to the protection of a barn porch. That slight change in location gave the 100 people who
attended a grand view of the field and the creek, which skirted its far edge.
Hosts June Rothkopf and Paul Wieand
Paul Wieand conducts a tour of the property
Dave Maue and Dave Gaudette
Jeff Keller, John Cole (back) and
recent TC President Rich Rosamilia
1 For the fourth year, the event offered
members the chance to meet and mingle
while munching on tempting treats laid
out along the porch railing. Tinicum
Creek Farm, in Ottsville, is the home of
Paul Wieand and June Rothkopf.
2
Just before the event began, Paul led about
25 people on a tour of the 30-acre
property. Although he had planned to take
the visitors all along the creek, recently
flooding – the worst he’d seen in his 30
years there – forced him to reroute most of
the hike through the field.
Jim Engel, TC executive director, used a
chair as a makeshift platform to address
the members. Up to four new easements
should be complete by the end of 2011 –
and all are donated easements. A fifth
additional easement is pending for the first
half of 2012. Those parcels will push the
total number of easements to over 100,
with about 4,100 acres in the township
protected.
The Tinicum Conservancy also honored
longtime volunteer Mark Manchester for
his continued work on the organization’s
Access database, a critical tool for tracking
memberships, volunteers, and properties.
- Article by Dianna Sinovic/Photos by
Kris Becker (1, 2, 4, 8), Tom Casola (5, 6,
7) and Vicki Jenkins (3, 9)
Jocelyn and Miles Manchester
enjoy the open space
3 4
Martie Kyde, Kelly Germann,
Supervisor Boyce Budd and Dianna Sinovic
5 6
Susan and Ted Wachtel, one of the
Founding Fathers of the Tinicum Conservancy
Sue Smithers and Gail Whittenberger
7 8 9
Mark Manchester is recognized for
his contributions as a volunteer
Page 10 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Fall 2011

CONSERVATION SPOTLIGHT
THE GIVING POND AND TINICUM CONSERVANCY WEED WARRIORS
Tinicum Conservancy stewardship volunteers – often dubbed Conservancy Weed Warriors
– are establishing a nice relationship with volunteers working for the Delaware Canal State
Park. More specifically both sets of volunteers have joined this past spring and summer in
an effort to control invasive exotic weeds at the Giving Pond.
The Giving Pond is a 155-acre property on River Road just north of the Frenchtown
Bridge. It was once a sand and gravel quarry but is now undergoing a wonderful
transformation into a state park and environmental education center, offering passive
recreation to all who visit. A series of trails wind throughout the property and a boat
launch provides access to the 90-acre pond. Kayaks and canoes abound, and people fish on
the pond banks. Ecologically the property is one of Tinicum’s treasures. It features a
Weed warriors at work
mosaic of upland and wetland habitats. Recent inventories have found 210 plant species,
four distinct wetland types, 13 fish species and 148 bird species. It’s a property worthy of careful stewardship, to say the least!
A major problem at the Giving Pond is the threat of exotic invasive plant species choking out the valuable native species. Here
is where volunteer help becomes critical. Next to habitat destruction, the problem of exotic invasive species is the most severe
environmental threat we face today.
So far Conservancy volunteers have been concentrating on mile-a-minute weed, a rampant annual vine that climbs over native
shrubs and trees, cutting off light and moisture. The vine has small barbs along its stem, so volunteers must wear long sleeves,
pants and gloves – not pleasant in the heat of a June or July day. But as with all plant species, removal must take place when it
will most affect the plant – when it has reached maturity but before it has set seed. Volunteers from both the Tinicum
Conservancy and the Delaware Canal State Park pulled mile-a-minute on two hot days. Two township supervisors even pulled
their weight! The mood was cheerful; the company was entertaining; everyone felt good because all were making a difference.
Future efforts will also focus on Russian olive, multiflora rose and tree of heaven. The planting of native trees will
continue. Come join our increasing volunteer weed warrior team! - Article/Photo by Karen Budd
The group gathered 'round Mamma D's bar, tasting different spirits
TASTING TINICUM’S LOCAL PRODUCE: WINE!
On a Saturday morning in late August, a dozen local residents gathered at Mamma
D’s Italian Restaurant in Pipersvile, but they weren’t there to eat, yet. With owner
Louie Desiato as a most engaging guide, they went exploring his Fratelli Desiato
vineyards to learn about the art and love of wine grapes and wine making. From the
constraints of Bucks County’s variable weather conditions and the propagation of new
vines from old, to his experiments with wild vines and volunteer vines grown from the
discarded pressings from other vineyards, Louie entertained the group with interesting
and humorous stories as they popped delicious wine grapes into their mouths. Who
would have thought that a vineyard could thrive so close to Rte. 611? Louie actually
plans to call one of his new mystery grapes “611”!
Louie allowed participants to taste an assortment of grapes from different vines and talked about their differences for making
distinctive wines. Louie’s specialty is combining several of his very best-tasting grapes to make unique blended wines. He
demonstrated the use of a refractometer for measuring the sugar content (called the “brix”) of his grapes right in the field.
This amazing yet simple device can show when to harvest the grapes at their optimal sugar content. Using the refractometer,
he compared the brix between a ripe grape and a ripe cherry tomato from his garden. Participants were surprised to see that
they were very similar!
Next, the group was invited into Mamma D’s bar, where Louie first treated the group to something very different: a hard cider
made from apples and pears! Among many other wonderful spirits, Louie offered up his favorite blend and driest house
wine, “Dago Red,” and finished our wine tasting experience with his delicious Limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur.
As the perfect finish to the morning, many of the group took their glasses to Mamma D’s nearby tables and ordered delightful
lunch sandwiches prepared by Louie’s son Nick (a Tinicum native son!).
Salut! to Louie Desiato for a wonderful tour, and thanks to all the participants who support Tinicum Conservancy’s free
Spotlight Education Programs! - Article by Kelly Germann/Photo by Bill Cahill
Fall 2011 WWW.TI�ICUMCO�SERVA�CY.ORG Page 11

P.O. Box 206, Erwinna, PA 18920
Photo © Kathleen Connally (www.durhamtownship.com)
CAN YOU HELP?
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ORGA�IZATIO�
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PHILADELPHIA, PA
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The Tinicum Conservancy has its usual ongoing volunteer needs, such as mailings, other office events, etc.
Please contact us if any of the following volunteer opportunities interests you!
• Someone who would like to help with maintaining, planting, and general gardening around the
Conservancy office.
• Someone who would be willing to help Maria put together landowner information packets. When a
landowner first sits down with the Conservancy to discuss protection of his/her property, he/she
receives a packet of information about the Conservancy as an organization and facts about what is
involved in granting a conservation easement. There are specific materials that go into these packets
and simply need to be assembled.
• Someone who is reasonably computer savvy who could volunteer secretarial services for Conservancy
research and data input projects.
• Someone who is a history buff and who could help prepare/provide specific research information for
the above mentioned project.
• People who are interested in getting outside along the streams or at the Giving Pond and working to
control invasive plant species in the late spring/early summer and in the early fall.