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Clearwater Conservancy updates Ferguson supervisors on Slab Cabin Run conservation and Hess Farm project
Summary
Clearwater Conservancy briefed the board on the Slab Cabin Run watershed initiative and ongoing Hess Farm conservation project, highlighting partnerships, protection zones for water sources, and secured funding from NRCS and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.
Ryan Hamilton, land conservation manager with Clearwater Conservancy, updated the Ferguson Township Board on the Slab Cabin Run watershed initiative and the Hess Farm conservation project. He described the project geography, the burrow water authority’s source water protection zones, and how conservation easements, riparian restoration, and stewardship are coordinated across municipal, county and state partners.
Hamilton said Clearwater and local partners have conserved over 12,000 acres regionally and completed more than 26 miles of stream restoration. He identified the Hess Farm—a 110‑acre active beef cattle operation currently in Harris Township and highlighted in the Conservancy’s Woodland Stewardship Network—as the organization’s latest conservation priority. Hamilton said Clearwater has secured federal and state funding, including NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program assistance and support from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, and noted private donors and the Hess family have contributed to fundraising.
Hamilton said Clearwater is conducting a feasibility study on groundwater recharge options for Hess Farm and is starting an education and outreach campaign. He asked the township to consider supportive contributions and offered to follow up with materials and the presentation slides. Board members thanked the Conservancy and requested a copy of the PowerPoint and map materials.
