ClearWater Conservancy Celebrates $2 Million Federal Grant For New Community Conservation Center To Enhance Environmental Stewardship, Local Economy

On October 23, ClearWater Conservancy announced it has received a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative. 

This funding will play a vital role in constructing the ClearWater Community Conservation Center, aimed at  fostering environmental stewardship and boosting ecotourism in Centre County. 

"I was thrilled to receive GT's [Cong. Glenn Thompson]  call on Friday telling me that ClearWater would receive a $2 million ARC grant for their new Community Conservation Center," said Ford Stryker, member of ClearWater Conservancy and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors’ Facilities Committee. “The Congressman's support was essential to secure this grant and is greatly appreciated." 

Stryker emphasized the center's significance, saying: "The ClearWater Community Conservation Center will serve as Central Pennsylvania's hub for education and action in strengthening  the region's ecotourism, agritourism, and agribusiness industries. ClearWater Conservancy takes an active role in conserving land and protecting water resources for the preservation and creation of new outdoor recreation assets, working agritourism assets,  and agribusinesses. These efforts have become increasingly important as Central Pennsylvania's economy becomes more reliant on tourism and agriculture following the decline of Central Pennsylvania's coal-related industries." 

The new center will be adjacent to a historic farmhouse and reminiscent of the barn with elements reflecting its history, alongside the development of an ADA-compliant trail that will  connect the center to Spring Creek, one of the primary focus areas of ClearWater’s work since its founding in 1980. 

These improvements are part of ClearWater’s broader mission to restore and conserve local landscapes and water resources, which are increasingly  critical as the local economy shifts toward tourism and agriculture. 

Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy, expressed the organization’s excitement for this new facility, "Staff and volunteers of ClearWater Conservancy are  planning an expansion of conservation services to meet growing community needs. We are nearing the completion of design and are looking forward to beginning construction in the new year. We can’t wait to move in and open the center to the community in 2026". 

ClearWater is delighted about the opportunities this center will create for volunteers, local businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, partners, and future generations of residents in the region.

The Community Conservation Center will create a space for the ClearWater community to meet, work, collaborate, and inspire one another in the shared aspiration of a healthy and thriving community and environment beginning in the Spring Creek Watershed.  

The ARC's POWER grants are instrumental in revitalizing communities affected by coal-related economic challenges. 

“We look forward to collaborating with the ARC, local partners, and  volunteers to bring this vision to life and contribute positively to the region’s environmental and economic health,” said Crisfield. 

For more information about ClearWater Conservancy and its community projects and opportunities, visit the ClearWater Conservancy website. 

Resource Link:

-- Appalachian Regional Commission Awards $18.5 Million In Pennsylvania To Support Economic Revitalization Of Communities Impacted By Downturn In Coal Industry  [PaEN] 

[Posted: October 23, 2024]  PA Environment Digest