ClearWater Conservancy Earns National Land Trust Accreditation

Since 1986, ClearWater Conservancy in Centre County has been conserving and protecting the places people love all around Central Pennsylvania. Now ClearWater Conservancy has been awarded renewal of its land trust accreditation from the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission.

Originally achieved in 2012 and now renewed through 2022, this accreditation award proves once again that, as part of a network of only 389 accredited land trusts across the nation, ClearWater is committed to professional excellence and to maintaining the public’s trust in its conservation work.

“Renewal of our accreditation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to permanent land conservation throughout Central Pennsylvania,” said Deb Nardone, executive director for the Conservancy. “This national recognition amplifies our dedication to making our local region a healthy and beautiful place for us and our children’s children. Through proactive protection of special places such as the Meyer and Everhart properties in the heart of State College, we will continue to uphold this commitment to our community.”

ClearWater Conservancy had to provide extensive documentation and undergo a rigorous comprehensive review of its policies, protocols and procedures as part of accreditation which must be renewed every five years.  

Nationwide almost 20 million acres of farms, forests and natural areas vital to healthy communities are now permanently conserved by an accredited land trust.

“It is exciting to recognize ClearWater Conservancy with this distinction,” said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. “Accredited land trusts are united behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever. Accreditation recognizes ClearWater Conservancy has demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”

Since its formation in 1980, ClearWater Conservancy has made a lasting positive impact on the Central Pennsylvania through countless land conservation and stream restoration efforts targeting such  vital natural areas such as Rhoneymeade, Millbrook Marsh, the Musser Gap Greenway and The Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor.

In the spirit of an accredited land trust, the organization is currently working hard to raise the final funds needed to complete its most significant source water protection effort to date.

The Slab Cabin Run Initiative, named for the stream that flows through the property, aims to permanently conserve 300 acres of agricultural land located across the street from the State College Friends School and Foxdale Village along University Drive.  

The property lies in a vital portion of the Spring Creek Watershed, within the Source Water Protection Area for the Harter-Thomas wells which supply the majority of the drinking water to Centre Region residents.  

ClearWater Conservancy has raised $2.43 million, or 89 percent of the $2.75 million needed by September 30 to finalize the agreement with the owners, the Meyer and Everhart families of State College.

“We’re thankful to the Meyer and Everhart families for their generosity and desire to partner with ClearWater Conservancy in order permanently conserve their properties,” said Kevin Abbey, land conservation manager at ClearWater Conservancy.  “Landowners take on a huge responsibility when deciding who will care for their land generations from now. I believe the renewal of our national accreditation offers an added layer of trust and confidence when making those big decisions.”

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the ClearWater Conservancy website.

(Photo: Conservation Easement Steward Doug Wion leads the cows in during a rainstorm while on an easement monitoring visit to Nittany Farms.)

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