Northampton County Council unanimously approved a contract with the Pennsylvania Game Commission at its March 7 meeting.

The contract allows the commission to “perform wildlife habitat management activities and game law enforcement” on 1,766 acres of county-owned land, including the Totts Gap, Mud Run and Archibald Johnston Conservation areas.

The county also agreed to allow hunting on these land parcels.

In other business, county executive Lamont McClure praised first responders and various organizations, including the DEP, for their actions at the Lower Saucon train derailment and collision.

“I am sometimes a critic of bicounty relationships, but our agreement with the Lehigh County hazmat team is one of the best,” said McClure.

The National Transportation Safety Board released their preliminary report March 26.

The report found an estimated $2.5 million in damage to equipment and the track. Additionally, seven crew members were treated for minor injuries. Approximately 50 gallons of diesel fuel spilled into the Lehigh River; an engine can carry up to 5,500 gallons.

According to the report, the investigation is ongoing and “will focus on NS rules, procedures, and crew training related to train handling.”

County council next meets next April 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the county building, 669 Washington St., Easton.