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McKean County Conservation District Changes to Office Access
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the McKean County Conservation District will be operating under restricted procedures from March 19 - April 13. We are still open for business; answering phone calls and emails, receiving plans and processing permits; but to protect the health and safety of our staff we are operating under a Partial Closure status. We have cancelled or postponed group meetings and training events and have limited public access to our office. You may continue to mail or drop off documents for MCCD staff to review from 8:30 am-4:00 pm but call ahead to be met at the door by a district staff member. Staff may be working remotely, will have access to email and voicemail, and will review your documents and contact you regarding next steps in the process. General email requests can be sent to conservation@mckeancountypa.org Thank you for your patience as we work to minimize the detrimental impacts of containing the coronavirus. INVASIVE PLANT TREATMENT PROJECTS: LANDOWNERS SEEKING HELP WANTED
Two upcoming projects focus on two priority populations of invasive plants. New grants from the PA Dept. of Agriculture, Rapid Response Fund, will help to treat Japanese knotweed in the Tionesta watershed in the Kane area, Warren, Elk, and Forest counties; as well as Goatsrue in the APIPMA area. Japanese knotweed (photos on right above) is characterized by large, heart-shaped leaves that grow from hollow, bamboo-like stems. Knotweed is able to grow in a variety of environments, such as riparian areas, right-of-ways, and disturbed areas and spreads rapidly once established. The plant produces flowers through the late summer and early fall, but mainly reproduces through its root system below ground, which makes it extremely difficult to control. Goatsrue (photo on left above) is a perennial legume plant commonly growing along roadsides and disturbed areas. It is a PA and Federally listed Noxious Weed and it is illegal to propagate, spread, plant, or sell this plant. Goatsrue is poisonous to livestock. It resembles crown vetch, but is taller and with pea-like white to purple flowers. The plants produce numerous seeds which can last up to 27 years in the soil. If this is on your property, you will want to eliminate it from the landscape to prevent it’s spread. Have these plants on your property? If you live in the Tionesta watershed (southwest McKean, Warren, Forest, or Elk County) and have Japanese knotweed on your property; OR have Goatsrue on your property, call Maddie Stanisch at the McKean County Conservation District (814-887-4020 or mmstanisch@mckeancountypa.org) to learn about our FREE treatment program. About Us |
The McKean County Conservation District is a local conservation organization formed in 1959 for the protection and promotion of wise use of land, water, and other natural resources. The District has six full-time staff members who implement programs, conservation projects, and educational events in cooperation with a number of partner agencies and organizations.
The primary goal of the District is the protection, improvement, and conservation of the county's soil, water, and related resources as well as educating the community in various conservation and environmental practices and methods. The Conservation District is administered by a board of seven directors.
The District office is located in Smethport, PA in the old county home (Poor Farm) complex.
The primary goal of the District is the protection, improvement, and conservation of the county's soil, water, and related resources as well as educating the community in various conservation and environmental practices and methods. The Conservation District is administered by a board of seven directors.
The District office is located in Smethport, PA in the old county home (Poor Farm) complex.
Water Resources
The District’s water resource program provides technical information and assistance, and support for efforts designed to improve the quality and health of McKean County watersheds. Projects are completed by the District and partners to improve waterways and improve the environment.
Erosion & Sedimentation Control
The District administers the Erosion & Sedimentation program through a delegation agreement with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Bureau of Water Quality. The District reviews and approves E & S control plans and works with contractors and landowners; minimizing accelerated erosion and sediment pollution to the waters of the Commonwealth as a result of earth moving activities.
Those planning projects that will involve earthmoving need to determine what type of plan or permit may be required. Education & Outreach
Educational programs and workshops are provided to adults and youth on a variety of conservation topics. School programs, summer camps, field trips, and the annual Envirothon provide students conservation and environmental information that will help them be responsible caretakers of natural resources in the future.
Adult workshops provide landowners, farmers, and professionals knowledge of management practices and technical information. Programs area available to suit your group upon request by contacting the District office. StaffSandy Thompson, District Manager
Sherry Dumire, Resource Conservationist-Erosion & Sedimentation Plans and Permitting, Agriculture and Nutrient Management Lindsay Shine, Resource Conservationist-Stream Permitting; Dirt, Gravel, & Low Volume Road Program Jody Groshek, Communications & Outreach Director Adam Causer, Watershed Specialist Maddie Stanisch, Resource Specialist |
Dirt, Gravel, & Low Volume Roads
Pennsylvania's Dirt, Gravel & Low Volume Road Maintenance Program allocates funding to Conservation Districts for eligible municipalities to practice environmentally sensitive road maintenance (ESM) to reduce runoff and sediment pollution due to public roads.
Townships and other road-owning entities apply to their local Conservation District for funds to address identified pollution problems using environmentally sound road maintenance practices. Agriculture Programs
The District is dedicated to helping farmers and landowners.
The District can provide technical assistance for nutrient or manure management plans, best management practices for agriculture erosion control, and other conservation measures. Recycling
The District supports recycling efforts across the county. Educational programs are offered to promote recycling. Municipalities can contact the office for more information on increasing recycling for their residents or to set up a special collection event.
Vision: The Conservation District is the steward of McKean County's natural resources and embraces environmentally responsible decisions.
Mission: The Conservation District provides leadership and stewardship to ensure the protection and sustainability of McKean County's natural resources by fostering public and private partnerships.
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Office phone: 814-887-4001
Address: 17137 Route 6, Smethport, PA 16749 |
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