AVC owns four properties maintaining habitat and recreational access and three conservation easements. The Allegheny Valley Conservancy (AVC), working quietly since 2002, is providing assistance to landowners in the Allegheny and lower French Creek watersheds in northwestern Pennsylvania. Our mission includes promoting good land use through the protection, conservation and management of lands impo
rtant to the ecological health of the waterways and the scenic, recreational and economic importance to the residents of the region. AVC also provides public access to lands that we own. AVC is non-profit land trust governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and also with the expertise to provide permanent protection of important natural resources. But this mission cannot be accomplished through one small group of people so AVC partners with other like-minded organizations to further conservation and recreation projects. Most importantly, we invite memberships from those that wish to support these projects. The major tool of the Conservancy is the conservation easement, a voluntary legal agreement between the landowner and the Conservancy that specifies what activities may or may not occur on a particular property. These agreements address such things as timbering, constructing buildings, drilling, farming and so on. Each property owner may make the determination about which of these rights will be placed into protection. Once a legal conservation easement has been negotiated, it is permanent and stays with the land even if it is sold. The AVC currently holds three easements on properties still owned by the original owners and owns three properties in fee. We provide recreational access to local waterways and improve streams through conservation projects. We also educate people on the importance of protecting the ecological functions and conservation value of their lands. Good land use is essential to clean air, clean water and livable communities. Public access creates a connection and sense of stewardship. AVC is made up of local people with the knowledge and ability to provide assistance. With your help, we can continue to work with you and on your behalf in northwestern Pennsylvania. If you have questions, would like to visit one of our properties or would like to talk with us about preserving your property, please contact us. Your support through membership is also appreciated.
