Office of Planning and Community Development
Environmental Resources
A Guide to Conservation Groups in Centre County
There are a number of active conservation organizations in the County comprised of individuals who are dedicated to preserving and protecting our environment. This is a guide to these groups.
Headwaters Resource Conservation and
Development Council
The Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) is a non-biased, rural development program focusing on the conservation, development, and utilization of area resources to improve the standard of living. It joins forces with individuals, agencies, and groups to improve the social, economic, and environmental opportunities of the local area.
The RC&D program was established by federal legislation in 1962. This act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help units of government conserve and properly utilize all resources in solving local issues. Citizens who are aware of the opportunities first hand provide leadership and work together to set program priorities. A variety of individuals, government agencies, organizations, environmental groups, and business institutions provide assistance to these people in accomplishing their program goals.
Centre County is a member of this 8-county, non-profit organization formed to coordinate both public and private agencies for projects developed to address the needs of the counties in the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Area.
Current Projects
Here are just a few of our current projects:
- 13th Annual Northwest Pennsylvania Grazing Conference
- Central PA Biomass Energy Workshop
- Jefferson County Conservation District Cover Crop/Aerial Seeding Field Days
- Weed management assistance to landowners with wildlife plantings
- Installation of dry hydrants in rural communities
- Planning and implementation of agricultural and energy workshops and field days
- Grant management for watershed organizations
- Acid mine drainage treatment system installation
- Management of regional trails and canoe access
- Sinnemahoning Endowment project management
- Grants for local farmers to install sustainable grazing systems
- Grant management to enhance a local farmer's market
- PA Fuels for Schools and Beyond
Officers and Staff
Chair: Matt Marusiak (Elk Co)
Vice-chair: Beth Rider (Centre Co)
Secretary: Jan Hampton (Cameron Co)
Treasurer: Debbie Lunden (McKean Co)
Fiscal Assistant: Brittany Anderson
USDA-NRCS Program Assistant: Terry Marsh
USDA-NRCS RC&D Coordinator: Adam Dellinger
Links
Area Map of Headwaters Counties
Natural Heritage Inventory [PDF]
Centre County Natural Heritage Inventory is a document that outlines significant natural places through investigation of plant and animal species and natural communities that are unique or uncommon in the county.