With the July 5 cancellation of the Atlantic Coat Pipeline (ACP), ABRA is focusing on several other initiatives, in addition to the new Conservation Hub program.

ABRA’s work on the ACP will continue over the next year and beyond to assure that there is a responsible and thorough restoration of the land disturbance that occurred along the route, as well as a satisfactory resolution of outstanding easements on affected private property.

ABRA will continue to assist our allies who are fighting the Mountain Valley Pipeline, another unneeded pipeline project that is ill-suited to being built through the Appalachian Mountains.

The overall mission of ABRA is to protect and promote the ecological integrity of the Central Allegheny Highlands. We will continue to be vigilant for and become engaged when necessary in countering public policies or private development proposals that could negatively impact the ecology of this unique area of the Central Allegheny Highlands. This unique mountain region cannot be taken for granted.

ABRA Pursues Additional New Initiatives

ABRA CONSERVATION HUB

ABRA’s Conservation Hub program promotes responsible resource management by providing access to critical information needed for effective public involvement in environmental review and oversight.

Following the defeat of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in 2020, ABRA initiated the Conservation Hub to support informed public engagement with the broader range of environmental issues confronting the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Mountain region. The Conservation Hub builds on the analysis and information sharing capacity achieved through ABRA’s Pipeline CSI project during the years of ACP opposition.

The Conservation Hub is based on the use of GIS mapping to provide details and context for land development projects and management practices that involve risk of environmental harm, as well as for environmental preservation and restoration initiatives. The Conservation Hub also provides access to regulatory documents and assessments related to specific projects or issues.

Multiple Conservation Hub sites, focused on individual projects or issues, have been developed collaboratively with ABRA’s partners and allies. Going forward, we invite conservation groups, individuals, and communities to provide ideas for new Hub sites and GIS mapping that can contribute to informed public engagement on behalf of environmental integrity in the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region.