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ClearWater Conservancy Celebrates $2 Million Federal Grant for New Community Conservation Center Funding to Enhance Environmental Stewardship and Local Economy 



CENTRE COUNTY, Pa., October, 23, 2024 – ClearWater Conservancy is excited to announce a $2 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) initiative. This funding will play a vital role in constructing the ClearWater Community Conservation Center, aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and boosting ecotourism in Centre County. 


"I was thrilled to receive GT's call on Friday telling me that ClearWater would receive a $2 million ARC grant for their new Community Conservation Center," said Ford Stryker, member of ClearWater Conservancy and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors’ Facilities Committee. “The Congressman's support was essential to secure this grant and is greatly appreciated." 

View of Spring Creek

Stryker emphasized the center's significance, stating: "The ClearWater Community Conservation Center will serve as Central Pennsylvania's hub for education and action in strengthening the region's ecotourism, agritourism, and agribusiness industries. ClearWater Conservancy takes an active role in conserving land and protecting water resources for the preservation and creation of new outdoor recreation assets, working agritourism assets, and agribusinesses. These efforts have become increasingly important as Central Pennsylvania's economy becomes more reliant on tourism and agriculture following the decline of Central Pennsylvania's coal-related industries." 


View of farmhouse and barn

The new center will be adjacent to a historic farmhouse and reminiscent of the barn with elements reflecting its history, alongside the development of an ADA-compliant trail that will connect the center to Spring Creek, one of the primary focus areas of ClearWater’s work since its founding in 1980. These improvements are part of ClearWater’s broader mission to restore and conserve local landscapes and water resources, which are increasingly critical as the local economy shifts toward tourism and agriculture. 

Volunteers and community members at Tree-For-All Giveaway (October, 2024) in front of barn at Spring Creek Watershed property

Elizabeth Crisfield, Executive Director of ClearWater Conservancy, expressed the organization’s excitement for this new facility, "Staff and volunteers of ClearWater Conservancy are planning an expansion of conservation services to meet growing community needs. We are nearing the completion of design and are looking forward to beginning construction in the new year. We can’t wait to move in and open the center to the community in 2026". 


ClearWater is delighted about the opportunities this center will create for volunteers, local businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, partners, and future generations of residents in the region. The Community Conservation Center will create a space for the ClearWater community to meet, work, collaborate, and inspire one another in the shared aspiration of a healthy and thriving community and environment beginning in the Spring Creek Watershed.  


Rendering of ClearWater Community Conservation Center

The ARC's POWER grants are instrumental in revitalizing communities affected by coal-related economic challenges. “We look forward to collaborating with the ARC, local partners, and volunteers to bring this vision to life and contribute positively to the region’s environmental and economic health,” said Crisfield. 


For more information about ClearWater Conservancy and its community projects and opportunities, visit ClearWater’s website at www.clearwaterconservancy.org


About ClearWater Conservancy: ClearWater Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust and conservation organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of Central Pennsylvania’s natural resources through land conservation, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach across central Pennsylvania.  


About ARC: The Appalachian Region Commission is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments including Pennsylvania. PA’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) partners with ARC and the {insert your LDD name} Local Development District to identify and support projects that will build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in the Appalachian counties of Pennsylvania to reach socioeconomic parity with the nation. 

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