What is a Conservation District?

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 unsure their availability well into the future.

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. Conservation Districts can provide information and help on matters such as reducing soil erosion, protecting water quality and preventing hazardous situations such as floods.

Why were Conservation Districts created?

Pennsylvania's conservation districts were established in 1945 when the GeneraAssembly passed the Soil Conservation District Act, commonly known as the Conservation District Law.

Conservation districts were initially established to promote the value of conserving soil and water to farmers. Today districts have evolved and become involved in almost every area of natural resource conservation imaginable.

For over 55 years the states 66 conservation districts have served as leaders, addressing local natural resource concerns at the local level.

Program Areas of Emphasis and Responsibility

  • Chapter 105 - Dam Safety and Encroachment Act (Assist DEP with permit issuance for work in or near a stream or wetland)
  • Chapter 102 - Erosion and Sedimentation Control (Urban Development)
  • Chesapeake Bay Program
  • Biosolids Program
  • Nutrient Management Act 38
  • Ag-Land Preservation Program
  • Dirt and Gravel Roads
  • Gypsy Moth Program
  • Growing Greener
  • Watershed Groups
  • Environmental Education

Cooperating Agencies

  • Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture
  • Department of Environmental Protection
  • Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
  • Natural Resource Conservation Service
  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Farm Service Agency
  • Army Corp of Engineers
  • Pennsylvania Game Commission
  • Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
  • Federal Emergency Management Association
  • Union County Emergency Management Services
  • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation