Reps. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks) and Scott Petri (R-Bucks) today announced Sen. Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks/Montgomery), chairman of the Senate Government Committee, has agreed to hold a public hearing in Bucks County on House Bill 2126.   

This legislation protects the future of the 75-year-old Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve by conveying the preserve to the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve Association (BWHP), a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving and protecting the natural beauty of the preserve.  The BHWP, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, has been maintaining and preserving the land for the past 12 years. 

Under the legislation, the association would be solely responsible for future maintenance, preservation and beautification of the wildflower preserve. 

“The Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is a beautiful local resource, known as one of the best places to view the Commonwealth’s native plants and wildlife,” O’Neill said.  “Our goal is to ensure the preserve is properly cared for so that residents can enjoy it for years to come.  A public hearing in Bucks County will give residents an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what the land conveyance means to the future of the preserve.” 

“A previous public hearing was held at the Visitor’s Center a few years ago,” Petri said.  “Since then, the financial conditions for the state have worsened.  I am concerned about the deterioration of the infrastructure of W.C. Park.” 

House Bill 2126 was approved by the House and is currently in the Senate State Government Committee.  O’Neill and Petri asked McIlhinney to host a public hearing after several Bucks County residents raised concerns about what a land conveyance means for the future of the preserve.   

The hearing will provide closer examination and explanation of the land transfer and the deed restrictions to be included to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth.   

“A number of district residents have requested more information about this legislation,” McIlhinney said. “The land that the preserve operates as a placed property is a valuable natural resource in Bucks County, and it is important to address these concerns before we move forward.”  

Rep. Bernie O’Neill
29th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact:  Tricia Graham
(717) 260-6296
Member site:  RepONeill.com

Rep. Scott Petri
178th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Member Site:  RepPetri.com
Contact:  Donna Pinkham
(717) 260-6452