About

Total acreage saved with saved with direct LERC
involvement: 1,742 acres or 2.72 square miles

Our mission:

The mission of the Lake Erie Region Conservancy is to identify, conserve, and enhance the Lake Erie region's unique natural resources. We also promote sustainable development through research and outreach.

Board of Directors:

Dave Skellie, President

Tom Cermak, Vice President

Patrick Traphagen, Treasurer

Sarah Peelman, Secretary

Don Benczkowski

Dr. Dolly Crawford

Dave Dohanic

Christine Hetz Phillips

Shayne Hoachlander

Ed Kissell

Mark Kwitowski

Terry Olsen

Glenn Thompson

Our History:

The Lake Erie Region Conservancy (LERC) is a land trust that was formed in 2000 to identify, conserve, and enhance the natural resources in Pennsylvania's Lake Erie watershed. It was initially formed to preserve the Coho site on the shoreline of Lake Erie, which in 2004 successfully became the 540-acre Erie Bluffs State Park, the first new state park in 25 years. The Elk Creek Access Area, formerly owned by Girard Township, was incorporated into Erie Bluffs in 2009 making the park 587 acres. The park has nearly two miles of frontage on Lake Erie and two-thirds of a mile on Elk Creek.

LERC owns 12 properties totaling 237 acres.
LERC holds easements on 6 properties totaling 170 acres.
LERC has assisted with the transfer of 9 properties to state agencies and local municipalities totaling 1,335 acres.
Total acreage saved with direct LERC involvement: 1,742 acres or 2.72 square miles.

Our Vision:

The Lake Erie Region Conservancy will be:

The premier organization in the region working to preserve land and water resources for public access and recreational use.
The one stop resource for land owners seeking the best approaches to permanently preserve their property for conservation purposes.
The leading advocate working with local municipalities to encourage them to use environmentally responsible development practices and avoid sprawl.
The first choice as a partner for collaborative efforts when other community organizations are pursuing conservation projects.
An organization with strong financial and volunteer resources that will enable it to further its mission and pursue projects that will enhance the quality of life for all the communities served by the Conservancy.