Hearings set on watershed conservation plan
The public is invited to view and comment on the draft Raccoon Creek Watershed conservation plan. Two meetings will be held in June to highlight a public vision for the future of the region, including on at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cross Creek Township
The Raccoon Creek Watershed covers 330 square miles in southern Beaver County and northern Washington County. Many changes are in store for this rural region from new energy development industries. The Raccoon Creek Watershed conservation plan maps out suggestions for wise development of natural resource industries while preserving the rural character and beauty of the region.
A watershed conservation plan is a non-regulatory guide developed to restore and maintain a waterway’s natural, historic, economic and recreational values. Nearly every watershed has a watershed conservation plan. Raccoon Creek’s plan is funded by an $89,900 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a $15,000 grant from the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.
Local project facilitator is Vicky Michaels, executive director of Independence Conservancy of Industry. Plan partners include the conservation districts in Beaver and Washington counties and the non-profit Stream Restoration Inc. of Cranberry Township.
The Raccoon Creek Watershed Conservation Plan is slated for completion in the summer of 2014.