ClearWater Conservancy has been awarded a $2 million federal grant for the construction of its planned Community Conservation Center in Houserville.
The funding comes from Appalachian Regional Commission’s Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) grant program.
“ClearWater Conservancy has been working for decades to advance voluntary conservation efforts throughout our region,” U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard, said a statement announcing the grant. “The construction of the ClearWater Community Conservation Center will help boost ecotourism and agritourism throughout the area. With this project, there is going to be something for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations to ClearWater Conservancy and their many partners and volunteers for their continued dedication to Central Pennsylvania’s streams and natural landscape.”
The State College-based nonprofit dedicated to natural resource preservation and restoration plans to create the conservation center along a quarter-mile of Spring Creek on the 9-acre Rockenbeck parcel at 1601 Houserville Road, which it acquired in 2022 to permanently conserve the historic farm property and streambank.
Plans include renovations of the property’s historic barn and farmhouse, along with restoration of streamside and agricultural land to create a community hub for local conservation at the center of the Spring Creek Watershed.
Renovated indoor facilities will provide office space, equipment storage and gathering and training areas, while outdoor demonstration areas will showcase best practices for restoring, conserving and stewarding land. The center will offer year-round space for ClearWater staff to collaborate with the community.
The property is also expected to function as a connectivity hub for walking and biking routes
In late 2023, ClearWater launched the public phase of a $10 million fundraising campaign for the project. Including the ARC POWER grant, nearly $8 million has been raised.
“We appreciate the Congressman’s support to secure this grant, which is a critical piece of the funding strategy because local philanthropy could not cover all the construction costs. The ClearWater Conservancy takes an active role in conserving land and protecting water resources for the preservation and creation of new outdoor recreation assets, working agritourism assets, and agribusinesses. These efforts have become increasingly important as Central Pennsylvania’s economy becomes more reliant on tourism and agriculture following the decline of Central Pennsylvania’s coal-related industries.”
