What is a Conservation District ?

Pennsylvania's conservation districts were established in 1945 when the General Assembly passed the Soil Conservation District Act, commonly known as the Conservation District Law.  For over 55 years the state's 66 conservation districts have served as leaders, addressing local natural resource concerns at the county level.

Conservation districts were initially established to promote the value of conserving soil and water to farmers.  Today's districts have evolved; their areas of interest and expertise involve almost every area of natural resource conservation imaginable.

The County Conservation District Role

The county conservation districts work to help people and communities take care of the natural resources in their area including soil, water, wildlife, trees and other plants.  Using natural resources wisely helps to insure their availability well into the future.

County conservation districts operate under the belief that conservation works best when local people, those who live and work in the area, play an active role in managing their natural resources.  Because conservation districts are familiar with local issues they are able to manage the resources of a particular area.

Conservation districts stand ready to offer technical assistance and educational guidance to land owners and managers, local governments, teachers, students and people from every walk of life.  They can provide information and help on matters such as reducing soil erosion, protecting water quality, acid mine drainage or preventing hazardous situations such as floods.

Conservation districts work to better the community as a whole.  They help citizens identify available natural resources and establish plans for their wise use.  Because conservation districts have established a solid network of available human resources, they frequently work cooperatively across county and state lines.

County conservation districts are efficient and effective.  They work with private citizens, partner with state and federal government agencies and facilitate the work of many private organizations and other conservation districts.  The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. provides the collective voice for conservation districts at the state and national level.

The Blair County Conservation District

The Blair County Conservation District was founded in 1966.

The Blair County Conservation District holds regular monthly meetings.  Those meetings are generally held on the third Monday of the month.

The District has recently completed the Blair County Conservation District Strategic Plan (2002). 

Outstanding Conservation Individual/ Organization of the Year

        Since 1968 the Conservation District has chosen an Individual or Group that has displayed outstanding contributions to a conservation effort.  Starting out as the Outstanding Conservation Farmer of the Year Award, the district has now expanded their criteria to include non-farm individuals and community partners.  The basis for award consideration is a demonstrated commitment to conservation and enhancement of our natural resources.

2003        Doug Roberts (Central High School)

2002        Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvment

2001        Dave & Janet Hileman (Hilecrest Farms)

2000        John Kennedy                                                                         

1998        Fred Bechtel                                                          

1997        Gerald Smith                                                          

1996        David & Terry Rice                                                 

1995        Robert & John Black                                               

1994        Leroy & Barry Barns                                               

1993        W. Dean & Lucile Stern                                           

1992        Randy & Karen Huntsman                                       

1991        Keller Farm                                                            

1989        Leon & Elaine Dell                                                  

1988        J. Edward Biddle                                                    

1987        John Morrow                                                          

1986        Smith Hollow Farms                                               

1985        Richard E. Eastep                                                  

1984        Harry W. Guyer                                                      

1983        Jerry W. Young                                                      

1982        Harry Gahagan                                                      

1981        Dale Hoover                                                        

1980        Elmer Dilling                                                            

1979        Sheldon Gearhart                                                    

1978        J. Milton Coryle                                                       

1977        Ray Diebold                                                            

1975        Mary Walter                                                           

1973        James Crawford, Jr.                                               

1972        H. Roy Dively                                                           

1971        William England                                                        

1970        Charles Hoover                                                         

1968        Dale K. Fury                                                             

 

How can I find other Conservation Districts

Contacting you local conservation district is simple.  Look in the county government listings in the blue pages of the telephone book or for a comprehensive listing of the state's conservation districts, visit Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. website at www.PACD.org.