History

Established in response to the devastation of the 1930s Dust Bowl, conservation districts have operated as a critical interface between government policy and local communities since 1937. The initiative, spearheaded by President Roosevelt and Hugh Hammond Bennett of the Soil Conservation Service, laid the groundwork for modern resource management. Today, this locally driven network continues to protect natural resources and enhance landscape resilience across the country. 

1945 - Pennsylvania Adopts the Conservation District Model 

Pennsylvania established its first conservation districts under the State Conservation District Law (Act 217), which created a county-based system dedicated to protecting soil, water, and related natural resources across the Commonwealth. Potter County led the way, becoming the first officially recognized conservation district in the state. 

1956 - Creation of the District 

Pike County Conservation District (PCCD) was established by resolution of the Pike County Commissioners on June 18, 1956. 

The goal, per the resolution, was “to provide for the conservation of the soil and water resources of Pike County … for the control and prevention of soil erosion … and thereby to preserve natural resources,” as well as to assist with flood control, protect public lands and wildlife, preserve the tax base, and promote the health and welfare of county residents.  

1973 - District Renamed to Reflect Expanding Mission 

The Pike County Soil and Water Conservation District officially became the Pike County Conservation District, reflecting a broader focus on environmental protection beyond soil and erosion control. 

1981 - Erosion & Sediment Control (Chapter 102) Program Begins 

PCCD entered into a delegation agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (DER), Bureau of Soil and Water Conservation, to administer the Erosion and Sediment Control Program. 

1987 - Launch of Unique County-wide Programs 

Launched in 1987, Pike County’s surface water monitoring program initially targeted point-source pollution and regulatory compliance, becoming one of the earliest conservation district monitoring efforts in Pennsylvania. 

1989 - Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Added 

The District expanded its Water Quality Monitoring Program to include benthic macroinvertebrate collection and identification, strengthening biological assessments of stream health. 

1993 - NPDES Delegation & Office Relocation 

PCCD entered into a delegation agreement with DER to administer National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.

That same year, the District relocated from the County Administration Building basement to the former Blooming Grove School on Route 402. 

1994 - Start of Ch. 105 Waterways & Wetlands Delegation 

PCCD began administering Pennsylvania’s Dam Safety and Waterway Management Program on August 10, expanding its regulatory role in protecting streams, wetlands, and floodplains. 

PCCD entered into an Adopt-A-Highway agreement with PennDOT for a two-mile stretch of PA Route 402 in Blooming Grove Township. 

1996 - Fish Community Monitoring Added to Surface Water Program 

The District broadened its scientific monitoring by incorporating fish community assessments into its long-term water quality work. 

1997–1998 - Dirt & Gravel Roads Program Implementation 

Pennsylvania enacted the Dirt & Gravel Road Program in 1997.  In July 1998, the District formalized its role by contracting with the State Conservation Commission to administer the program and support municipalities in reducing sediment pollution. 

2001 - Upper Delaware Council Community Service Award 

PCCD received the Upper Delaware Council’s Community Service Award, recognizing the District’s contributions to regional conservation and watershed protection. 

2005 - Environmental Education & District Improvements 

The PCCD Environmental Education (EE) Project Grant Program was created to help schools and youth groups carry out hands-on conservation projects. 

The District received funding from the Pocono Mountains Vacation Bureau to support beautification at the Blooming Grove office, with additional support from Pike County Commissioners, Blooming Grove Hunting and Fishing Club, and Vennie Builders of Tafton, expanding space for education and outreach. 

2006–2007 - Early Source Water Protection Collaboration (Pre-formalization phase) 

PCCD partnered with regional groups to support development of Source Water Protection Plans across the county. This demonstrated a shift in District efforts beyond just soil and erosion control, toward integrated water resource management and community-scale planning. 

2012 - Groundwater Monitoring Program Extended (2012–2015) 

PCCD received a Scenic Rural Character Preservation grant to extend its cooperative groundwater-level monitoring with USGS through 2015. 

2013 - Formation of the Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative (PSWPC) 

Early 2013:

A coalition of local partners — PCCD, Hemlock Farms Conservancy, Milford Water Authority, Twin & Walker Creeks Conservancy, Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, Penn State Extension, and others — organized to form a regional source water protection collaborative. 

Later 2013:

The League of Women Voters WREN Project officially recognized and launched the Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative, supported by a $5,000 WREN/DEP/EPA start-up grant. 

2015 - Conservation Excellence Award 

The State Conservation Commission honored the District with a statewide Conservation Excellence Award, recognizing innovative programs and leadership. 

2016 - New Branding & Digital Outreach 

PCCD adopted a new logo, modernized outreach materials, and launched a new District website.  

On May 20, 2016, the District held an open house at its office to launch a new, reader-friendly website showcasing its programs, resources, and services.

2018 - Expanded Priorities 

PCCD expanded its focus on stormwater and watershed protection. The District received grant support to run drinking-water workshops and streamlined internal operations, updating staff roles to better meet modern environmental challenges. 

2019–2020 - Source Water Podcast Project 

A DEP Environmental Education Grant supported development of PCCD’s first public podcast on drinking water protection, released in January 2020. 

2021 - 65th Anniversary & Recognition of Long-Term Service 

On June 18, 2021, PCCD celebrated its 65th anniversary. The District was formally honored by the County Commissioners for more than six decades of service to Pike County’s environment and natural resources.  

By this point, the District had significantly expanded its role: beyond soil conservation and flood control to water-quality monitoring (surface water & groundwater), regulatory oversight (erosion/sediment control, wetlands & waterways permitting), public education, community technical assistance, and outreach. 

2023 - Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Delegation Agreement 

On February 27, 2023, the District completed its Chapter 102 Program Evaluation and entered into a Post Construction Stormwater Management (PCSM) Delegation Agreement with PA DEP. 

The agreement formalized PCCD’s role in administering PCSM requirements, strengthening local oversight of stormwater controls that protect water quality after construction activities are complete. 

2024 - Conservation Achievement Awards & New Mascot 

In 2024, PCCD established the PCCD Conservation Achievement Awards, recognizing individuals, groups, organizations, educators, or youth who demonstrated leadership in conservation in Pike County.  

PCCD also introduced Stoni Stonefly, a friendly Acroneuria stonefly mascot designed to help residents, students, and families connect with the importance of clean streams and aquatic life. 

2025 - Strategic Renewal & Planning for the Future 

PCCD initiated a full redevelopment of its strategic plan to better reflect the District’s mission, the needs of Pike County communities, and the District’s evolving role in promoting conservation-minded land use and sustainable development through collaborative approaches.