The PLAN Watershed Conservation Plan ready to fly

Step by step, section by section, chapter by chapter the grand plan is taking shape. The work on the Sewickley Creek Watershed Conservation Plan is on schedule with the first draft heading for an early spring unveiling.
    
“We are making steady progress on a very exciting project,” said Prof. Ellen Uschak, president of the Sewickley Creek Watershed Association, “The public participation has been encouraging and we look forward to continued input when we present the first draft, May.”

    Carla Ruddock of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is conducting interviews, assembling the material, writing various sections, and conducting steering committee meetings.

    The plan, funded by an $85,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), will have seven chapters and an appendix. Each chapter is broken down into background, existing conditions and future conditions and recommendations..

    The plan also will feature many maps and charts, graphically displaying the region’s demographics, environmental characteristics and socio-economic position.


    Upon completion and acceptance by DCNR, the plan will be placed on the state register, opening the door to possible state grants and loans.

    Public input meetings have been held during two annual Association picnics and sessions in Greensburg and Herminie.


    So far people have expressed concerns ranging from environmental education and clean water (especially abandoned mine pollution), to jobs and hiking/biking trails.

    “We still need more input,” said Tom Keller, Association executive director. “DCNR  wants the conservation plan to be constructed around grassroots concerns and issues.”

    The steering committee meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in Westmoreland County Community College.

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The Sewickley Creek Watershed Association promotes the conservation of natural resources, monitors and improves water quality, and advocates wise land use practices in the Sewickley Creek Watershed.

As such the Association shall use its resources to educate the citizens of the watershed as to sound environmental practices. In addition, the Association will seek out and cooperate with government agencies, interested organizations, businesses and individuals to implement programs to improve water quality and encourage proper land use.