Campaign for Conservation

ClearWater has launched a $500,000 Campaign for Conservation to support our Land Conservation Program.

Over the next two years, ClearWater volunteers will be reaching out to the community of people in central Pennsylvania that values conservation.

Experience over the years with ClearWater’s land deals has taught Walt Ebaugh, chair of the Campaign Committee, how complex the process can be. "The strength of ClearWater Conservancy is our ability to reach out to partners and gather together the financial resources to protect important pieces of property. But projects like Musser Gap take an incredible amount of staff and volunteer time and resources before they ever even get to the fundraising stage."

Ebaugh continues, "our Campaign for Conservation will raise the money we need to take on large land conservation projects in the places that matter most in central Pennsylvania."

Together, ClearWater members can move forward with determination on our next conservation priorities. Help us to protect more of central Pennsylvania’s natural resources, and leave a legacy for the future.

To make a financial pledge of support, please complete and send back a contribution form or contact the ClearWater office at (814) 237-0400.


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		ClearWater has launched a $500,000 Campaign for Conservation to support our Land Conservation Program. Over the next two years, ClearWater volunteers will be reaching out to the community of people in central Pennsylvania that values conservation. Experience over the years with ClearWater’s land deals has taught Walt Ebaugh, chair of the Campaign Committee, how complex the process can be. "The strength of ClearWater Conservancy is our ability to reach out to partners and gather together the financial resources to protect important pieces of property. But projects like Musser Gap take an incredible amount of staff and volunteer time and resources before they ever even get to the fundraising stage." Ebaugh continues, "our Campaign for Conservation will raise the money we need to take on large land conservation projects in the places that matter most in central Pennsylvania." Together, ClearWater members can move forward with determination on our next conservation priorities. Help us to protect more of central Pennsylvania’s natural resources, and leave a legacy for the future. To make a financial pledge of support, please complete and send back a contribution form or contact the ClearWater office at (814) 237-0400. The Need for Conservation in the Nittany Valley The Nittany Valley is one of the most unique landscapes in the state. The greater State College and Bellefonte communities are vibrant and growing, but conservation is not keeping pace with development. We must protect our drinking water, biodiversity, and our community's sense of place as we grow or risk losing these valuable assets. Main threats to our environment include sprawling development, new roads, poor agricultural practices, and spread of invasive species. A Proven Track Record of Success ClearWater conserves the natural land and water resources that contribute to the special character and quality of life that we enjoy in central Pennsylvania. The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County recently honored ClearWater Conservancy with their 2008 Quality of Life Award. ClearWater Conservancy has protected over 4,000 acres of land through conservation easements and partnerships resulting in public ownership of unique habitats and landscapes. The acquisition of the 423-acre Musser Gap was our highest profile conservation project to date, safeguarding the Centre Region's largest source of drinking water, maintaining important wildlife habitat, and developing a recreational gateway into Rothrock State Forest. Future Funding Streams for ClearWater Conservancy Over the next 20 - 30 years we will grow our endowments at ClearWater and the Centre County Community Foundation to $4 million to give off an annual revenue of $200,000. Until then, we rely on annual fundraising, grant writing, special campaigns, and partnership opportunities. A Powerful New Partnership ClearWater Conservancy and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy have joined forces to create a Conservation Action Plan for the Nittany Valley. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy identified the Nittany Valley as one of eight priority areas for protection, conservation, and restoration of land and water that supports native plants, animals, and important habitats. Leveraging New Funding Opportunities Our partnership and Conservation Action Plan lay the foundation for accessing additional funding sources that have been beyond ClearWater's reach until now. Our Plan of Action The Conservation Targets identified for the Nittany Valley include: Forested ridges Large, contiguous valley forests World-renowned limestone streams Central Pennsylvania barrens ecosystems Vernal pools Limestone cliffs and glades Subterranean ecosystems Our Priority Conservation Strategies include: Identifying and mapping properties to be protected; incorporate into government and nonprofit initiatives. Proactively protecting priority lands through land acquisition, conservation easements, municipal open space programs, etc. Advocating the adoption of riparian protection zoning overlays along streams. Advocating the adoption of a mountain overlay zoning district to prevent or minimize development on sensitive or unstable soils and groundwater recharge areas. Restoring critical habitats and buffer areas, especially: Pitch Pine-Scrub Oak Barrens Low elevation and old growth forests and important connections Riparian zones and wetlands Improving habitat management for targeted species through partnerships with major landowners such as the PA Game Commission, Penn State University, the PA Bureau of Forestry and major private landowners. Reducing connectivity of impervious surfaces to prevent, reduce, and/or slow stormwater and mitigate its damage. Managing the spread of invasive species, targeting regional and state land management options. Your Investment Makes it Happen ClearWater is currently developing projects and negotiating conservation options with landowners in the Scotia Barrens, on our forested ridges, and along Spring Creek. We need funding to advance and implement our Conservation Strategies. Our Campaign for Conservation goal is to raise at least $500,000 for this critical effort. This investment will be greatly leveraged through grant and foundation funding for specific land conservation transactions. Our staff and volunteers are committed to picking up the pace of conservation and protecting the places that matter most before it is too late. Please join us by giving generously! Return to Support Us