The new agreement significantly extends the lease term, shifts the responsibility for certain capital improvement projects to Talen, and funds the Montour Preserve’s 2026 operating expenses.
Both Talen and MARC have also agreed to work together to pursue pathways that will provide greater certainty around the long-term operation and viability of the Montour Preserve.
The new agreement was approved by MARC’s board during its May 18 board meeting.
“The Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) is sincerely grateful for the confidence and trust Talen Energy has put in our organization for the past eleven years as we have worked together to operate and maintain the Montour Preserve,” said MARC Director Bob Stoudt.
“We know well how important the Preserve has been to generations of residents of Montour County and central Pennsylvania – including our own families – and we look forward to strengthening our partnership as we lay the groundwork for the Preserve’s long-term future.
“The additional support being offered by Talen Energy through the updated lease agreement will significantly increase MARC’s ability to maintain and improve the Montour Preserve for the approximately 100,000 visitors who come to the site each year.”
The new agreement provides for the following:
-- Extends the lease term to 25 years, with the right to further extend to 99 years; the current lease rate of $1per year remains.
-- Talen will be responsible for any future capital improvements to the Visitors’ Center and Environmental Education Center.
-- Talen will work with MARC and other key stakeholders, including the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper, to pursue an ownership and/or operating structure that will ensure the long-term viability of the Preserve, including the potential to make the Montour Preserve a state park.
-- Talen will fund MARC’s 2026 annual operating expenses for the Preserve ($180,000) by making a contribution to the Montour Preserve Fund at the Community Giving Foundation. Future funding will be evaluated pending the outcome of the effort to secure a long-term ownership structure.
-- MARC has the right to terminate the lease for financial hardship reasons.
“Talen is pleased to further strengthen its commitment to MARC and the Montour Preserve. Through ongoing conversations with community members and local leaders, Talen recognizes how important the Montour Preserve is to the region, and we are committed to supporting its long-term sustainability and public accessibility. Thank you to Bob Stoudt and the MARC board for their support and collaboration; we look forward to seeing the planned improvements at the Montour Preserve take shape,” said Talen Chief Operating Officer Brad Berryman.
Talen owns the Montour Preserve and makes it available for public use through a lease agreement with MARC for a rate of $1 per year.
MARC is responsible for the operation of the Preserve, and Talen manages Lake Chillisquaque and its infrastructure, including all permits and insurance, as well as the water and sanitary sewer at the Visitors’ Center.
In addition to any future updates to the Visitors’ Center and Environmental Education Center, Talen will also fund the following capital improvements:
-- Replacing the Chilisuagui Trail’s Middle Branch Chillisquaque Creek Bridge;
-- New lighting at the Heron Cove Boat Launch;
-- Pavilion concrete pad repairs; and
-- Goose Woods trail resurfacing.
Work on the latter three is expected to be completed next month.
Talen has also launched a $15 million project to upgrade the Lake Chillisquaque auxiliary spillway.
The project will slow down the flow of water when the spillway is activated, reduce the risk of erosion during significant rainfall events, further protect the lake and the public, and extend the life of the spillway.
(Courtesy Concerned Citizens of Montour County and Montour Preserve.)
[Posted: May 19, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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