The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in cooperation with Sandy Lick Conservation Initiative, North Fork Watershed Association, local municipalities, agencies, and individuals have scheduled public meetings on the Watershed Conservation Plan for Red Bank Creek and its tributaries in Clearfield, Jefferson, Armstrong, and Clarion counties.

The watershed conservation plan is developed through a locally driven planning process, which creates a vision for the watershed community. The plan addresses natural resources (land, water, and biological), cultural resources (historical and recreational), and the socio-economics of the region, including population trends, utilities and infrastructure, and the economy and major sources of employment.

The Plan is partially funded by a grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Informational public meetings will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the following locations--

• July 19 – VFW, 114 Fuller Street, DuBois;
• July 21 – Community Room at the Public Library, New Bethlehem; and
• July 27 –Meeting Room at the Brookville Borough Complex, Brookville.

The steering committee, composed of local community representatives, are actively engaging the watershed community to increase recreational opportunities, address water quality concerns, promote planning, and protect cultural and historical resources.

All area residents are encouraged to attend a public meeting and provide ideas to help guide the future of the watershed. Local support is critical to the success of the project.

For more information please contact Carla Ruddock at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Watershed Assistance Center 724-59-0953 ext. 107.

7/15/2005