Learn more about APIPMA - the new Allegheny Plateau Invasive Plant Management Area
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The Allegheny Plateau Invasive Plant Management Area (APIPMA) is a new group addressing invasive plant problems and solutions across a five county geographic area. Agency staff from a variety of federal, state, and local organizations, non-profit groups, community organizations, and concerned citizens partner with the goals of outreach & training, inventory-monitoring and mapping, early detection & rapid response, and control of invasive plants affecting local ecosystems. Volunteer training is available. The group is led by Dr. Kimberly Bohn, Forestry Educator with Penn State Extension in McKean County, Jody Groshek, Communications & Outreach Director and Maddie Stanisch, APIPMA Project Coordinator with McKean County Conservation District; in cooperation with a steering committee.
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Japanese Knotweed (below) is one of five priority invasive plant species for APIPMA
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Who We Are and What We Do |
The McKean County Conservation District is a local conservation organization formed for the protection and promotion of wise use of land, water, and other natural resources. The District dates back to 1959 and is administered by a board of seven directors. Six full-time staff members 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 coordinates educational events, completes conservation projects, and provides assistance to farmers, citizens, partner organizations, and municipalities.
The Conservation District office is located in Smethport, PA in the old county home ("Poor Farm") complex.
The McKean County Conservation District is a local conservation organization formed for the protection and promotion of wise use of land, water, and other natural resources. The District dates back to 1959 and is administered by a board of seven directors. Six full-time staff members 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 coordinates educational events, completes conservation projects, and provides assistance to farmers, citizens, partner organizations, and municipalities.
The Conservation District office is located in Smethport, PA in the old county home ("Poor Farm") complex.
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Vision: The Conservation District is the steward of McKean County's natural resources and embraces environmentally responsible decisions.
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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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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
The District administers the Erosion & Sedimentation program through a delegation agreement with the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Bureau of Water Quality. Through the program, the District reviews and approves E&S control plans for earth moving sites. Inspections of the sites are conducted to assure the plans are properly implemented and erosion controls are installed. The District works with contractors and landowner, minimizing accelerated erosion and sediment pollution to the waters of the Commonwealth as a result of earth moving activities.
Landowners planning projects that will involve earthmoving need to determine what type of plan or permit may be required. The link below will provide more details. You can also call the District office and speak to our Resource Conservationist. 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 |
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. In addition to reducing stream pollution, these practices are designed to reduce long term maintenance costs.
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. Dirt and gravel road practices are also recommended for rural driveways to remedy erosion and maintenance problems. 
Agriculture Programs
The District is dedicated to helping farmers and landowners in preserving our natural resources for future generations in McKean County. A nutrient or manure management plan should be implemented for any farm in operation. Nutrient management seeks to balance nutrient application and crop removal of nutrients, while attempting to prevent excess nutrient runoff from entering groundwater and waterways. Voluntary nutrient management plans can help all farmers manage nutrients, improve farm profits, protect the environment, and provide some protection from liability.
The District can also provide technical assistance for management practices for agriculture erosion control and other conservation measures. Recycling
The District Recycling Director coordinates special collections of hard to dispose of materials and supports recycling efforts across the county. Citizens or municipalities can contact the office for more information on recycling or to set up a special collection event.
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Office phone: 814.887.4001
Address: 17137 Route 6, Smethport, PA 16749
Address: 17137 Route 6, Smethport, PA 16749
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