The ClearWater Conservancy announced Monday it has met the second fundraising deadline of $1.75 million by March 31 for the Slab Cabin Run Initiative, a proactive source water protection effort to permanently conserve 300 acres of agricultural land in College and Harris Townships owned by the Meyer and Everhart families of State College.

A total of $2.1 million has been raised since the project was announced in October 2016 and reaching the recent deadline keeps the project on track.

The property ClearWater targeted for conservation lies in a vital portion of the Spring Creek Watershed, within the Source Water Protection Area for the Harter-Thomas wells, which supply the majority of drinking water for residents in State College and much of the Centre Region.

A portion of the farmland, which supports production of dairy products sold at Meyer Dairy, is visible when looking east along University Drive Extension or directly across from Foxdale Village and the State College Friends School.

The $2.75 million project is the largest financial undertaking in ClearWater’s 36 year history.  Funding sources include $935,000 in private contributions and $1,165,000 from local municipalities and municipal authorities. 

It is noteworthy that State College Borough Water Authority extended a challenge grant of $50,000 to municipalities that commit more funding than originally requested by ClearWater.  To date, State College Borough has responded with a commitment of $10,000 more than ClearWater’s original request of $100,000.

On April 12 Patton Township Board of Supervisors will consider ClearWater’s request for $125,000 for the Initiative.  Funding requests from Benner and Halfmoon Township are pending.

Direct fundraising efforts are underway to fulfill the $2.75 million target by September 30, 2017. 

Deb Nardone, ClearWater’s executive director explained, “We’re looking for the public to invest is this great success story, helping conserve an iconic and much loved place while protecting the region’s drinking water.  We know that local businesses and neighbors will want to look back on and say they were a part of making it happen.”

Upon completion of the project, land conservation of 300 acres will result in Meyer Dairy Partnership owning both farms and ClearWater Conservancy holding permanent conservation easements on both farms.  

The conservation easement is a legally binding encumbrance on the property deed, ensuring protection of the farmland and stream corridor forever.

Once the land conservation easement is in place, ClearWater can begin restoration efforts on Slab Cabin Run, which, according to a 2012 by the Fish and Boat Commission, “supports an excellent Class A wild brown trout population for its entire length and warrants maximum protection against any future degradation to water quality, habitat or biota due to encroachment, water withdrawal, or other impact.”

For more information, visit the ClearWater Conservancy’s Slab Cabin Run Initiative webpage or contact ClearWater Conservancy directly by sending email to: contactus@clearwaterconservancy.org or call 814-237-0400.

[Posted: April 11, 2017]

4/17/2017