Why is conservation important?
Our natural resources include air, minerals, plants, soil, water and wildlife. We need to care for and protect these resources so they can persist for future generations.
Conservation is similar to preservation. Both relate to the protection of nature. Preservation seeks to protect nature from any human use. Conservation is the sustainable management and responsible use of natural resources.
Many of our conserved lands are open to the public for minimal-impact activities like hiking, cycling, birding, and fishing. Other properties, like most of our abandoned mine drainage treatment systems, are managed for the health of the watershed.
Through science-based strategies and collaboration, MWA seeks to conserve important lands in the Youghiogheny River watershed. We plan to protect and maintain native habitats, plants, and animals so that our environment can function correctly. Read our Land Conservation Priorities.
Rasler Run Nature Reserve
In 2023, MWA purchased a 192.6 acre property in Fayette County that borders Indian Creek, a tributary of the Youghiogheny River, and Rasler Run, a tributary to Indian Creek. This part of Indian Creek is designated as a high quality cold water fishery, and Rasler Run is a Class A Wild Trout Stream.
Considering our work to conserve the Indian Creek gorge, acquiring the property served a natural extension of our mission.
This parcel is a critical conservation area. Along with the high-quality streams, it is also home to native hemlock trees and an abundance of wildlife. If sold to a private party, it could have been used for logging or strip mining (two common land uses in the Indian Creek Valley). Such development would have threatened the land, Rasler Run, and Indian Creek.
In 2028 (estimated) we plan to open the area to the public as the Rasler Run Nature Reserve. In the coming years, we plan to post signage, develop a property map, and eventually build hiking trails on the Rasler Run property!
Inquiry Form to Conserve Your Land
If you are interested in conserving land or mineral rights with Mountain Watershed Association, please fill out this Google form. Questions and concerns can be addressed by Taylor Robbins, Conservation & Recreation Manager. Call 724-455-4200 ext. 5# or email Taylor@mtwatershed.com
