Mountain Watershed Assn. To Hold March 23 & 24 Public Input Meetings On Youghiogheny River Conservation Plan (Part 2) In Allegheny, Westmoreland Counties

The Mountain Watershed Association is hosting two public meetings this month to build the Youghiogheny River Conservation Plan (Part 2) from Connellsville to McKeesport. 

The group is looking for input from anyone who lives, works, or recreates in this part of the Youghiogheny River watershed. 

The meetings will be held--

-- March 23 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Library of McKeesport, Allegheny County. Click Here to register.

-- March 24 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.  at the West Overton Museum in Scottdale, Westmoreland County. Click Here to register.

What is a River Conservation Plan?

A river conservation plan is a community-driven document that maps out strategies to protect, restore, and manage a specific watershed. It acts as a guide to improve water quality and ecological health. 

Public meetings are key to building a plan that makes sense for our community. 

Without deliberate conservation planning, we risk losing important ecosystem functions that sustain life. 

Conservation planning helps protect the environment and maintain the watershed as a healthy place to live, work, and recreate. 

What is a Watershed? 

A watershed is an area of land where all the water—whether from rainfall, snowmelt, or springs—drains into a common water body, such as a river, lake, or ocean. 

Watersheds vary in size, from small drainage basins for local streams to massive systems like a river basin. 

The boundaries of a watershed are defined by natural land formations, such as mountains and hills, which direct the flow of water.

What to Expect at the Meeting?

MWA staff will give a presentation about the plan, followed by a question and answer period. 

Everyone is invited to share ideas for outdoor recreation, safety, and the health of the Youghiogheny River. 

Online Survey

Those who can’t make it to the meeting can still be involved -- simply fill out this public survey!

Funders and Supporters

This project is partially funded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. 

The steering committee includes representatives from the local conservation districts, Penn State Extension, Allegheny Trail Corporation, Jacobs Creek Watershed Association, West Virginia University Water Research Institute, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Youghiogheny Riverkeeper, Fish and Boat Commission, and Chestnut Ridge Trout Unlimited.

Questions should be directed to Carla Ruddock, Director of Conservation, at 724-455-4200 or email: Carla@mtwatershed.com. 

Visit the Mountain Watershed Association website to learn more about programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved.

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[Posted: March 12, 2026]  PA Environment Digest