Three Public Presentations Slated for Redbank Creek Conservation Plan

(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  January 9, 2007)  Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC), in cooperation with Sandy Lick Conservation Initiative and North Fork Watershed Association, will be presenting a draft of  the Redbank Creek Watershed Conservation Plan at a series of public meetings in January. Meetings are scheduled for January 16 at the DuBois V.F.W., January 18 at the New Bethlehem Moose Club, and January 24 at the Jefferson Conservation District – next to the fairgrounds in Brookville. The meetings are designed to give the public an opportunity to review plan contents and will be open to the public from 3 – 8 p.m. for review and comment on the draft, with a formal presentation of the draft being held at 7 p.m. In addition, public comments on the plan will be accepted until February 26, 2007.

The watershed conservation plan, developed through a locally driven planning process, created a vision for the watershed community. The plan focuses on conserving the natural resources (land, water, and biological) and cultural resources (historical and recreational), while considering and enhancing the socio-economics of the watershed. The plan also offers recommendations, based on public input, to conserve and enhance its valuable assets.

The goal of the plan, developed by a steering committee of local stakeholders, is to actively engage the watershed community, increase recreational opportunities, address water quality concerns, promote planning, and protect cultural and historical resources.

The plan was partially funded by a Community Conservation Partnership Program grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

Area residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and provide comments about the plan. For more information please contact Carla Ruddock of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy at (724) 459-0953 ext. 107.