News & Notes September 2002

DEP Secretary Dedicates Erie County
Environmental Center

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David E. Hess helped to dedicate the Erie County Conservation District's new Natural Resource Center at Headwaters Conservation Park in Millcreek Township, Erie County.

"The opportunities provided by this new facility could have long-term impact on the future of the Lake Erie watershed," Secretary Hess said. "This Resource Center is an ideal setting for environmental education programs, and I am pleased that Pennsylvania was able to contribute to its development. We all should thank the Erie County Conservation District for its foresight and environmental commitment."

Headwaters Conservation Park Natural Resource Center is located within Headwaters Conservation Park, a 35-acre tract of land on Wager Road near the I-90/Route 8 interchange in Millcreek Township. The headwaters of Mill Creek, the major sub-basin of the Presque Isle Bay watershed, are located within the park.

Seventy-five percent of funding for the $493,000 center came from private donations. The remainder came from Erie County's landfill closure account, made possible through the Growing Greener legislation that allows the funds to be used for environmental projects.
Erie County Conservation District Manager Leroy Gross said his group concluded a number of years ago that the park could serve as a multi-faceted learning center.

"The park contains a wide variety of natural communities, representative of the entire Lake Erie watershed," Gross said. "The Natural Resource Center at the park will be the heart of multiple educational and demonstration areas, including a parking lot made of permeable material that already is reducing stormwater runoff to Mill Creek. We are looking forward to working with watershed-oriented associations, youth groups, teachers, developers, loggers, environmental groups -- anyone who has an impact on or a concern for the watershed and the environment."
Conservation District Board Chairman C. Jarrett Miller said, "The Conservation District board recognizes a good idea when we hear it. The board has been unanimous in its support for this concept, and we are excited to be at the point where the public now is able to utilize this wonderful resource."

At the building dedication, Secretary Hess presented the Erie County Conservation District with two Growing Greener grants -- $170,123 for implementation of agricultural best management practices in the Lake Erie and French Creek watersheds, and $93,130 for assessment of the Lake Erie Watershed. Prior DEP financial support for the development of Headwaters Park totaled $261,976.

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