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Area conservation groups are hoping there is strength in numbers.
A variety of organizations focused on topics such as land, habitat and fishery conservation are joining forces to form a new, four-county group aimed at addressing critical issues including funding.
Laurel Highlands Conservation Coalition will meet for the first time in a daylong forum scheduled for Sept. 30 in Ligonier.
The coalition covers “grass-roots conservation and environmental groups” based in Cambria, Somerset, Westmoreland and Fayette counties.
“We started talking about it several months ago,” said Brad Clemenson, a senior project manager for Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
While volunteer and professional conservation efforts already have had a big impact in this area, Clemenson said the goal is to provide a “significant voice” on important issues.
“If you’ve got one lonely voice out there saying there’s not enough funding for conservation, that’s easy to ignore,” Clemenson said.
The upcoming forum will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ligonier Town Hall.
Topics include the Ohio River basin, efforts to renew the state’s Growing Greener grant program and monitoring impacts from Marcellus Shale gas drilling.
Attendees also will discuss the possibility of setting aside for conservation efforts a “significant portion” of the state’s proposed tax on Marcellus Shale drilling.
At least 60 organizations have been invited to the forum.
Those interested in registering for the meeting can e-mail laurels@pec-pa.org or call Clemenson at 539-1889, ext. 203.
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Clemenson File Photo/The Tribune-Democrat
Discussion
Conservation groups form coalition
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