What Does the BCCD Do?

Miranda Neville, Agricultural Resource Specialist
At the Bradford County Conservation District, there are a lot of service that we provide that overlap with some of our partnering agencies. It often leads to the question “Well, what exactly DOES the BCCD do?” In the most basic summarization, we are here to provide informational and technical assistance to Bradford County landowners and farmers with environmental needs and education.
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At the BCCD we have several teams dedicated to specific areas, but we all work closely. The Agriculture Team, Education, Engineering, Forestry, the Stream Team (Watershed Restoration), 102/105 Erosion & Sediment Control (Permitting), Dirt and Gravel Roads, and West Nile Virus Services (in no particular order).

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The Agriculture Team works with farmers, crop and livestock producers who require Manure and Nutrient Plans and/or Erosion and Sediment Plans (E&S). We aim to help manage natural resources (water, soil) effectively through grant funding sources and management decisions. We also work, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to resolve agricultural related complaints and educate ourselves on current things happening in the county that concern our farmers and landowners. The Farmland Preservation Program is also a program managed by Ag Team members in the hopes of preserving Bradford County agriculture. Engineering is also a key asset to the Conservation District as we work to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve upon the solid foundations within the county.

The Education department works with the community and local schools to teach about wildlife, natural resources, and everything in between. Participation in FFA programs, Envirothon’s, Career Days, Field Days offer a unique point of view that students enjoy and look forward to at each event. Our BCCD Forester also assists with education in between assisting the public with forest management, tree and pest identification, stream buffers, and reforestation.

The Stream Team is here to assist county landowners as well as municipalities with watershed concerns such as stream bank erosion, stream crossings and access. The Stream Team provides assistance for the entire process from diagnosis to design and permitting to installation. They work diligently to secure project funding for project implementation.

102/105 Erosion & Sediment Permitting section works to minimize soil erosion for earth disturbance sites and the sediment pollution these events make when they reach our waters of the Commonwealth. Offering personal in-office and in-field technical/educational guidance, complaint assistance, and also reviewing and processing NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Construction, ESCGP-2 (oil-gas related) and E&S (timber harvesting and road maintenance related) permit applications as well as standard (non-permit) erosion control plans.

Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road department assists Bradford County municipalities with grant applications through the Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road program.  They provide technical assistance and training related to construction and maintenance of their municipal owned roads.

The West Nile Virus program is available to sample locations in and around our county to collect data and report on the mosquito and tick populations.  This allows us to have up-to-date information on West Nile Virus and other tickborne illnesses in our area. 

We offer on-site evaluations, office consultations or simply give us a call. ​Our District Vision is a vibrant and healthy environment supported by an educated, connected, and involved community.
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The Bradford County Conservation District is committed to helping people manage resources wisely.  You can visit the Bradford County Conservation District at 200 Lake Rd in Wysox across from the Wysox Fire Hall. Contact us at (570) 485-3144 or visit our web page at www.bccdpa.com.