Allegheny Conservation District, State, Federal Partners Invest $1.4 Million In Clean Water, Healthy Soil Farming Projects

On September 15, the Allegheny County Conservation District, in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Community and Economic Development, awarded more than $1.4 million in infrastructure funding to farms across Allegheny County from 2023 to 2025. 

These projects support water quality improvements, reduce soil erosion, and enhance long-term productivity and health of farmland. 

Of the 372 farms in Allegheny County, 87% are small operations, selling less than $250,000 annually. 

However, the existence of and output from these farms is responsible for enhancing local food security for the region and providing meaningful economic support for adjacent business and industry. 

“Small farms are on the front lines of keeping our families fed by providing fresh, local produce for communities, schools, and food banks. They also play an important role as stewards of our environment,” said Sen. Lindsey Williams (D-Allegheny). “Every Pennsylvanian has a constitutional right to pure water, and this funding will help small, local farms like Blackberry Meadows and Good Dog Farm continue to feed our families, while prioritizing sustainability and protecting our waterways for generations to come.” 

Through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), ACCD awarded $953,893 to seven farms located in Findlay Township, Plum Borough, Fawn Township, West Deer Township, Forward Township and South Park Township. 

Additional funding of $539,055 was provided through NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), DEP Growing Greener, and through Sen. William’s support of the DCED Community Economic Assistance Program.  

“By building strong partnerships with state and federal agencies, we bring significant resources to Allegheny County that directly support farmers and protect natural resources,” said Heather Manzo, ACCD Executive Director. “These investments help farmers improve their land, reduce runoff to nearby waterways, and strengthen their operations. ACCD bridges the gaps between agencies, making it easier for local farms to access the tools and infrastructure they need to succeed.” 

The following projects received funding from 2023 through summer 2025. 

-- Mamone Farm – Findlay Township: Merico and Victoria Mamone, both raised in farming families, run a beef cattle operation with their two daughters. Aging infrastructure on the farm presented an opportunity to redesign with a focus on conservation. 

-- Morning Glory Farm – Plum Borough: This fifth-generation family farm was preserved in 2024 under the Farmland Preservation Program, administered by ACCD. The Morrows farm beef, pork, and chicken, while also producing honey and birdseed. Updated infrastructure will protect animal health and safety by improving animal high-traffic areas. 

-- Blackberry Meadows – Fawn Township: Blackberry Meadows Farm produces pork, eggs, and vegetables, while also serving ready-to-eat foods at local farmers’ markets. The farm was preserved in 2019 under the Farmland Preservation Program, administered by ACCD, and operates a Farm Club that encourages community members to get involved in local agriculture. Funded improvements have made operations more efficient while preventing erosion.  

-- South Park Police Horse Barn – South Park Township: The Round Barn at South Park is home to the Allegheny County Police Department’s horses. Manure produced by horses is transported to Round Hill Demonstration Farm and used to fertilize fields. Due to impacts on a nearby stream, this project focused on engineering solutions to prevent manure runoff into surface water.  

-- Good Dog Farm – West Deer Township: Lindsay McKee and Brian Wiltrout produce chicken and duck eggs, fresh vegetables, and cut flowers. They operate their small farm with the help of Ham and Cheese, the namesake “good dogs.” A combination of funding from ACAP and DCED will transform a site of severe erosion into useful growing space and substantial quality habitat for wildlife. 

Two additional projects have been approved by ACCD’s Board of Directors and will be contracted after the Pennsylvania state budget is passed--  

-- Solomon Farms – Findlay Township: Lee and Brittany Hartman raise beef cattle along with a few horses and poultry birds. With guidance from NRCS, they developed a Grazing Management Plan to implement intensive grazing practices to restore land once impacted by strip mining. 

-- Jersey Settlement Farm – Forward Township: The Pasini family raises beef cattle, sheep, and pigs, selling directly to consumers and select local restaurants. Committed to protecting their farm’s natural resources, they have previously partnered with ACCD on stream improvement projects. Now, they plan to replace aging spring developments to prevent erosion and ensure the safety of their livestock. 

Farmers interested in learning more about future funding opportunities can visit the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) webpage or contact Agriculture Resource Conservationist Madeleine Sheinfeld at msheinfeld@accdpa.org. 

Visit the Allegheny County Conservation District website for more information on natural resource conservation.

Contact your county conservation district to take advantage of the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program in your area.

[Posted: September 16, 2025]  PA Environment Digest