Pennsylvania’s County Conservation Districts recently awarded more than $48,000 provided by the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Mini-Grant Program for 20 projects in 21 counties.

Conservation districts will use these grants to work with landowners to prevent pollution in our streams, lakes, and rivers. Projects will take place over the next 10 months.

The CREP Program pays farmers and other landowners to conserve and enhance their land. Over 12,500 landowners in Pennsylvania have received payments since the program began.

“We are thankful to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for making this project possible. The CREP Program helps to ensure clean water for everyone. These projects are a great opportunity for landowners to learn more about the CREP program from their local conservation district,” said Brenda Shambaugh, Executive Director for the PA Association of Conservation Districts.

Projects include field days, workshops and one-on-one visits. Participants can ask questions about the CREP program and learn how to maintain land already in the program.

The CREP Outreach Program Office Mini-grant Program is provided by PACD through a Growing Greener Watershed Protection grant from the Department of Environmental Protection. Additional support is provided by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

A list of grants awarded is available online.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events involving county conservation districts, visit the PA Association of Conservation Districts website.

11/16/2015