The Penn Soil Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council

The Penn Soil Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council area covers eight counties in Northwestern Pennsylvania. The Council is directing its efforts toward the wise and efficient use of our natural resources:

Penn Soil RC&D has been a leader in providing environmental education and information through its various programs.  It was organized in 1964 as one of the first designated RC&D areas in the nation.  The Council is one of nine members of the Pennsylvania Association of RC&D Councils.

The Penn Soil area includes the eight counties of Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren --  an area of 3,536,640 acres or approximately 5,526 square miles.  The area has an abundant network of creeks, rivers, natural lakes, and manmade reservoirs. These bodies of surface water not only provide a readily available source of water for domestic and industrial use, but also add a special dimension to the scenery and recreational potential.

The region has an abundance of natural resources which have contributed greatly to the regional growth and prosperity. Some, such as coal and oil, are nonrenewable. A large portion of the area's land and water resources has a primary or a secondary use for recreational activities. A wide variety of wildlife abounds - bear, deer, turkey, geese, ducks, grouse, pheasants, woodcock, squirrel, rabbits, and woodchucks. Migratory waterfowl including wood ducks are the most abundant species present.

Our Mission

The mission of this organization is to provide the local leadership necessary to develop and implement a plan that will improve the economy, environmental and social well-being of the people through accelerated planning and development of the natural resources in the project area consisting of Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren Counties.

More About the Resource Conservation and Development Program
Click here to learn more about the RC&D program from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website (Opens a new window)

The Penn Soil Conservancy Charitable Trust Welcomes Contributions

The Penn Soil Conservancy Charitable Trust was created to expand our funding base and establish a permanent endowment fund.  Your contribution is tax-deductible. 

Please contact Dianna Hendrick, Penn Soil RC&D Program Assistant,  (814)-226-8160 ext 192 or dianna.hendrick@rcdnet.net  if you would like more information about how you can contribute to The Penn Soil Conservancy.