In a first for Upper Milford Township, supervisors June 20 approved funding for a natural resource conservation easement for the 39.4-acre Mark and Pamela DeWalt property at 5474 Acorn Drive, Emmaus.

Planning Coordinator Brian Miller presented the plan to the supervisors as Mark DeWalt listened from the audience. The supervisors approved the plan 3–0.

Miller requested the cost per acre approved for conservation easement be withheld until the contract has been signed.

In other business, Boy Scout Coy Naugle of Troop 31 briefed Upper Milford Supervisors on his proposed Eagle Scout project. He wants to build a chimney swift tower in Fulmer Preserve across from Jasper Park.

“Chimney swifts [a species of bird that shelters in narrow shafts like chimneys] are a beneficial species,” Naugle said, dressed in his Boy Scout uniform shirt. “We will have less mosquitoes and biting bugs,” Naugle said. He is the son of Chris and Michelle Naugle.

The 16-foot wooden tower will be built on a concrete footer along Quarry Road.

“Chimney swifts nest in chimneys and on other vertical surfaces in dim, enclosed areas, including air vents, wells, hollow trees and caves. They forage over urban and suburban areas, rivers, lakes, forests and fields,” according to the website allaboutbirds.org.

The supervisors gave permission for the future Eagle Scout to proceed with his project.

“If you fall short in funding, see us,” Supervisor Joyce Moore said.

Supervisor Robert Sentner announced the July 4 meeting is cancelled; the next meeting will be July 18.

Emmaus Public Library representative Lisa Martin reported the summer reading club began June 10 and over 300 children and teens and 274 adults have signed up for the program.