Conservation District History
The Franklin County Soil Conservation District, originally designated as No. 34, was organized as a result of interest shown among farmers and rural landowners in the development of a Soil and Water Conservation Program for this area. The present County District is a direct outgrowth of the pioneering effort made in Path Valley under the name of the Franklin Soil Conservation District, organized in 1943.
The County District was set up to encourage the development of a program to conserve the five basic natural resources: soil, water, forests, wildlife, and recreational facilities afforded by our natural surroundings.
The original goal of the District was to achieve a complete conservation program on every acre of land in Franklin County. The overall goal was to achieve a successful conservation that would result in better recreational facilities, an improved water supply for the benefit of towns and industry, and increased income to the whole of Franklin County.
A grassroots conservation effort led to the passing of the Conservation District law over 50 years ago. This law stated the need for the development of county conservation districts. The Franklin County Conservation District was created on February 14, 1956.
Every county in Pennsylvania, except Philadelphia County, currently has a conservation district. A board of directors is appointed by the county commissioners and acts as the governing body. The board members must reside within their representative county and are chosen from different economic backgrounds.
Watch a short video about Conservation Districts.