Watershed Support
Funds support Pennsylvania county watershed specialists to lead water quality monitoring, restoration, and adult education projects targeting nonpoint source pollution and watershed health improvement.
Funder: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (project completion) | July 2026 (final reporting)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,250 per county for Watershed Specialist position (requires 20% match) | Up to $5,000 per county for Mini-Grant (no match required), both annual
Summary: Funds Pennsylvania county conservation districts to employ Watershed Specialists and implement water quality, restoration, monitoring, and adult education projects.
Key Information: Only Pennsylvania county conservation districts are eligible; both main grant and Mini-Grant are annual and require separate proposals and reporting.
Description
The Conservation District Watershed Specialist (CDWS) Program provides annual funding to Pennsylvania county conservation districts to employ Watershed Specialists. These specialists lead efforts to improve local water quality by collaborating with watershed organizations, facilitating and implementing restoration projects, conducting water quality monitoring, and delivering educational programming targeted primarily at adult audiences. The program's primary goal is to empower local communities to address nonpoint source pollution and enhance watershed health through hands-on projects, technical assistance, and outreach. In addition to the main Watershed Specialist position, a separate Mini-Grant supports education and outreach activities such as workshops, demonstration projects, and field days.
