On Tuesday, the McKean County Commissioners proclaimed April 18-24 Conservation District Week 2021 in McKean County.
Conservation Districts began nationwide after the Dust Bowl removed valuable topsoil from farms and caused serious health and economic issues for farmers and the environment. Citizens realized the problems if soil and water are not protected. Dust clouds even reached Washington, D.C., from the midwest states.
In 1945, Pennsylvania passed the Conservation District Law which led to the grass-roots effort to establish Districts in each county. The McKean County Conservation District was established over 60 years ago. Potter County is home to the first Conservation District in the state. Each District is overseen by a volunteer board of directors of local people from farms and the public who provide leadership and make decisions about District programs, funding, and policies.
The Conservation District is a department of the McKean County local government. The District brings funds from a wide variety of sources into the county to complete projects large and small for environmental improvement. While McKean County provides a portion of the District budget, for each dollar the county provides the District brings an additional $51 from other grants and sources for District work. A staff of six supports the various programs, completes projects, provides technical assistance, and delivers education programs.
The District is also delegated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to provide local service for permitting for projects involving stream encroachment or crossings, or earth disturbance. Staff are able to process and review many permits locally, expediting processing time to get permits approved and projects to the construction phase efficiently and quickly.
Additional delegation from the State Conservation Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture enables District staff to oversee the nutrient management program. Farmers can get assistance with manure and nutrient management plans to stay in compliance with state regulations.
Locally, Conservation District Week will feature the launch of the spring My Growing Tree program at elementary schools; the “Wild” Envirothon Virtual Awards ceremony; a youth Poster Contest opportunity; and meetings with local legislators.
