District serving Pike County for 50 years

BLooming Grove - On Monday, June 19, the Pike County Conservation District will be celebrating 50 years of service to Pike County at the District’s Education Building on Route 402 in Blooming Grove. The district’s mission is to promote protection, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through education, public awareness and cooperation with local, state and federal agencies. The district was created through a resolution adopted on June 18, 1956, by Pike County Commissioners. “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the County of Pike to provide for the conservation of the soil and soil resources of this County and for the control and prevention of soil erosion, and thereby to preserve natural resources; assist in the control of floods; prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs; assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors; preserve wildlife; preserve the tax base; protect public lands; and protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the County and thereby declaring Pike County a Soil Conservation District.” The early work of the district included farm planning, soil survey, tree planting, flood control measures and timber stand improvement. The Directors also encouraged Soil Stewardship Week participation and the development of watershed programs. The district sponsored poster contests, an annual tree sale, newsletters and fair exhibits. Since its inception, the district has worked closely with local and state government agencies, individuals and organizations to fulfill its mission. Today the district still participates in many of these programs with a few needed additions which relate directly to continued growth and development - a concern of the district’s since the late 60’s. At that time, the district board of directors and staff realized that the building of summer homes and the influx of population and land development were the next big challenges for the district in protecting the natural resources of Pike County. Since the early 1970’s, the district has assisted the Pike County Commissioners, the County Office of Community Planning, state and federal partners and local municipalities in addressing growth issues and educating the public about the importance of resource conservation. These educational and outreach efforts continue today. The Pike County Conservation District Board and staff look back on these 50 years of service in Pike County with pride in the many accomplishments of the district and its residents in protecting the exceptional natural resources that are the essence of our rural way of life. The public is welcome to join in celebrating these accomplishments on June 19 at the district’s Education Building in Blooming Grove on Route 402 starting at 10 a.m. For more information on the district, visit our Web site at www.pikeconservation.org. To RSVP for the June 19 celebration, call 570-226-8220.