A Little History From the Mckean County Conservation District

As Conservation District week comes to an end we wanted to share a little history about Conservation Districts with you.

Conservation Districts were created in PA in 1945 in response to the dust bowl of the 1930’s to improve soil and water conservation. County governing bodies became authorized to declare their county a conservation district by a majority vote after receiving a petition from the public. Within those counties, a district board of directors was given responsibility for assisting farmers in implementing voluntary erosion control plans.

Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts are managed by nearly 500 directors who invest their time and talent in their communities’ conservation efforts. Collectively these individuals volunteered their time since 1945 in the creation of the volunteering movement in Pennsylvania.

McKean County Conservation District’s Directors come from all walks of life and represent both agricultural and non-agricultural interests. They understand their county’s unique natural features and concerns. Ultimately, the success of conservation districts depends on the efforts of each district’s board of directors. Without their dedication to addressing local problems and overseeing programs, much of what has been accomplished by conservation districts would not have been possible.