390 Swope Rd, Bethel, PA 19507

Environmental Protection District

The intent of the Environmental Protection District to encourage the preservation of the contiguous steep sloped, wooded, mountainous areas of the Township, which are primarily located along the Blue Mountain, and the Little Mountain area. These areas are characterized as having slopes in excess of 15 percent, are mostly wooded, and are primarily in the Edgemont-Dekalb and Laidig Soil Associations. According to the Soil Survey of Berks County, land within these Associations have moderate to mostly severe limitations for community development, primarily due to slope. These areas are also generally above an elevation of 600 feet. Since these areas form the headwaters of streams, and provide significant contiguous woodland and wildlife habitat, it is the intent of this district to limit development and alteration of the natural features of these ecologically important areas. By preserving these features, wildlife populations within the Township can be maintained, stream quality can be protected, the adverse effects of increased storm runoff, erosion and sedimentation minimized, and the recreation potential of the area maintained.