There are almost 3,000 conservation districts across the United States, nearly one in every county, working directly with landowners to conserve and promote healthy natural resources. After the disruption and devastation of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, President Franklin Roosevelt encouraged all state governors to sign into law the Standard State Soil Conservation Districts Act. This act gave states a blueprint to create conservation districts and listed their powers and responsibilities. The first conservation district, Brown Creek Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), was established in North Carolina on August 4, 1937. Arkansas became the first state to enact legislation regarding conservation districts. By July 1, 1945, all 48 states had passed district-enabling acts.
Recognizing the need to support grassroots conservation efforts, Pennsylvania state legislators passed the "Soil Conservation Law" of May 15, 1945, Act 217 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, which created the State Conservation Commission and made county conservation districts possible. Today there is a conservation district established in every Pennsylvania county, except Philadelphia. A Board of Directors made up of local people from all walks of life leads each conservation district. These volunteers study county natural resource issues and make decisions that enhance and protect their communities. Conservation Districts employ managers and staff personnel to implement programs and activities.
The Bedford County Commissioners declared the county a Conservation District in 1956. The first staff person was hired in 1974 and in 1976, authority for conducting a Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program was transferred to the District. The District began its no-till program with purchase of a no-till corn planter in 1984. That year, twenty-five farmers used this equipment to plant 630 acres.
Today, the nine-member board directs a staff of 9 full-time employees working in programs funded and mandated by the Commonwealth (erosion and sediment pollution control and agricultural programs) as well as local initiatives such as the Clearville Recycling Center, no-till equipment rental, and education programs.
Conservation District Board meetings are regularly held at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of the month, at the Conservation District office. Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program Quality Assurance Board meetings will be scheduled at 6:30 PM before the District Board meeting as needed.