We all know the importance of clean water and healthy soil to keep our families fed. Did you know that your local county conservation district is working in your community to ensure there is enough clean water and healthy soil for future generations?
Recognized by both the Pennsylvania State House and Senate, April 28 to May 4, 2024, has been declared Conservation District Week.
Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs. Each county has a conservation district office except Philadelphia. Districts work with landowners and local governments to help them manage and protect land and water resources on private and public lands.
Each conservation district is led by a board of directors comprising local people from all walks of life, including members of the agricultural community. These volunteer directors address conservation concerns in their community. These are your neighbors who are working to prevent pollution in your backyard.
Currently, conservation districts receive funding from a variety of sources, depending on the district and their county affiliation. One universal funding source, however, comes from a “Transfer to a Conservation District Fund” line in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) annual budget and a “Transfer to the Conservation District Fund” line in the Department of Agriculture (PDA) annual budget. Fortunately, the PA General Assembly chose to significantly increase the 2022-23 and the 2023-24 fiscal year budgets for the conservation districts to include a $6.8 million increase in funding. The total amount of funding this fiscal year is collectively $10.185 million.
The McKean County Conservation District, representatives said, appreciates the significant increase and are strongly advocating that the increase be continued into the governor’s and General Assembly’s proposed 2024-25 state budget.
To serve its landowners and local governments, the McKean County Conservation District relies on state support to assist with conservation planning, project development and installation, ensuring critical conservation practices are put in place to enhance and protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources. To ensure that conservation districts maintain and increase current programs and services for local communities, the district is respectfully requesting the commonwealth’s 2024-25 budget continue with the current allocations.
“During Conservation District Week, the McKean County Conservation District will be celebrating and highlighting the conservation district’s stewardship of McKean County’s natural resources. Every day the conservation district directors and staff work to ensure there is enough clean water and healthy soil for future generations,” said Sandy Thompson, McKean County Conservation District manager.
