Open Space Commission

Overview

Schuylkill Township’s Open Space Commission (OSC) seeks to maintain and enhance the quality of life and character of the Township through the preservation and conservation of our natural landscapes, benefiting present and future generations of our citizens.  The Commission consists of seven volunteer members appointed by the Board of Supervisors.  The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors on parcels of land to be acquired for conservation purposes.  The OSC is composed of seven volunteer residents of Schuylkill Township appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

To apply for an open position on the OSC, please fill out our Volunteer Application (PDF) and send it with a letter of interest to the Township Manager. If you are applying for a specific and currently open position, you will be notified by the Township Manager’s Office following the application deadline whether you are being considered by the applicable entity. If you are submitting an application to be considered in the future as openings occur, you will be contacted by Township staff when the vacancy is announced in order to confirm your interest in this specific opportunity.

Code

• Establishment and Purpose

Open Space Conserved to Date

• Municipal Complex
  9 acres - Township-owned
• Pickering Preserve
  25 acres - Township-owned
• Valley Park Municipal Park
  18 acres - Township-owned
• Phoenixville Country Club
  54 acres - Conservation Easement
• Pickering Valley Golf Club
  172 acres - Conservation Easement
• Medal of Honor Grove / Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
  42 acres - Conservation Easement

Open Space Selection Criteria

1. A property 10 acres or greater, or any number of contiguous properties that in aggregate equal or exceed 10 acres with or without common ownership.
2. A property 20 acres or greater, or any number of continuous properties that in aggregate equal or exceed 20 acres with or without common ownership.
3. The property is contiguous either to a current or potentially future preserved tract, or to tracts described in Criterion 1 or 2.
4. The property is eligible and timing appropriate for grant funding.
5. The property is in imminent or near-term danger of development (a “crisis property”).
6. The property preserves and/or expands open space adjacent to or between communities.
7. The property owner is willing to engage in the open space process.
8. The property should be preserved due to its compelling or unique environmental significance (including but not limited to water resources, wildlife or wildlife habitat, forest lands, botanical or geological features, etc.).
9. The property is suitable for preserve, recreation or scenic easement
10. The property represents a potential trail linkage or Greenway.