The fight against invasive species is a growing challenge for conservation districts nationwide. In McKean County, Pennsylvania, the McKean County Conservation District has taken a proactive stance, implementing an Invasive Species Program in 2018 in partnership with the Penn State Extension and the U.S. Forest Service. This collaboration led to the establishment of the Allegheny Plateau Invasive Plant Management Area (APIPMA), covering five counties in northwestern Pennsylvania. The initiative focuses on landscape-level management strategies to prevent and control non-native invasive plants, ensuring the health and sustainability of local ecosystems.

The conservation district’s mission revolves around safeguarding and improving natural resources. Through the invasive species program, the district secures funding to implement targeted management efforts, monitors and maps invasive plant infestations, and prioritizes treatment plans. Recognizing that invasive plants do not adhere to boundaries, the district actively fosters collaboration with other conservation districts, agencies, and stakeholders. Sharing strategies, success stories, and best practices is key to developing an effective response to the invasive species crisis. Education and outreach also play a critical role in raising awareness among local residents and landowners about the importance of early detection and control efforts.

One of the biggest challenges facing the district is the ever-growing demand for invasive species management. Public awareness and requests for assistance continue to increase, yet additional funding and resources are needed to expand efforts. Despite these hurdles, the district has made significant progress in treating two major invasive species: Goatsrue and Japanese Knotweed. Both plants pose serious ecological and economic threats, crowding out native species, degrading habitats, and, in the case of Goatsrue, even posing toxicity risks to livestock.

Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the district undertook a major initiative to control Japanese Knotweed within the Tionesta Watershed. This scenic and ecologically significant area was under threat from widespread infestations. The APIPMA collaborative worked diligently to treat small, isolated infestations before they could spread further. Beginning in 2020, 18 landowners agreed to treatment programs, and through further outreach, the number increased to 27 properties. Although initial funding has been exhausted, the district remains committed to providing educational resources to landowners, equipping them with the knowledge needed to continue control efforts independently.

Similarly, Goatsrue infestations within the Upper Allegheny River Watershed required a coordinated response. The district secured $75,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service to inventory, treat, and monitor affected areas across McKean, Elk, and Potter Counties. Goatsrue is particularly challenging due to its long-lived seed viability—up to 26 years—necessitating sustained treatment efforts. The project began with 34 landowners signing up for contractor-led treatment in 2020, a number that has since grown to 47. Managing this persistent invader requires ongoing collaboration between landowners, contractors, and conservation agencies.

The conservation district’s long-term goal is to establish a comprehensive invasive species program that includes public awareness campaigns, early detection strategies, and effective control measures. By continuing to seek funding and strengthen partnerships, the district aims to equip local citizens with the tools and knowledge needed to protect their lands from invasive threats. With sustained effort, collaboration, and education, the district is paving the way for a healthier, more resilient ecosystem in McKean County and beyond.