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Conservation Project Helps Family Farm Manage Water and Reclaim Growing Space

On Sept. 22, Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) joined owners Lindsay McKee and Brian Wiltrout, Senator Lindsey M. Williams' office, and partners at Good Dog Farm to celebrate the completion of a conservation project years in the making. The project addressed severe erosion and flooding on the farm while reclaiming growing space for flowers, vegetables, and poultry. 

Photo: Heather Manzo, ACCD Executive Director, Brian Wiltrout and Lindsay McKee, Good Dog Farm Owners, and Madeleine Sheinfeld, ACCD Agriculture Resource Conservationist celebrate the completed water management project. 

 

We’re celebrating the completion of a project that took years of planning, problem-solving, and partnership. Just as importantly, we’re recognizing the stewardship of landowners who are proactively investing in their farms and improving our soil and water resources,” said Heather Manzo, ACCD Executive Director. "Good Dog Farm shows what’s possible when farmers have access to funding, resources, and technical assistance. Continued investment in farms like Good Dog helps provide fresh, local food, strengthens our local economy, and protects the soil and water we all depend on.” 

Unmanaged springs, steep terrain and eroding soils had caused significant runoff across the farm's fields, making the land difficult to work. Mckee and Wiltrout worked with ACCD and partners to develop a plan that would address those challenges while making better use of their land. 

Photo: A system of constructed wetland basins manage water flow and reduce flooding, protecting the Deer Creek Watershed.

 

Our Pennsylvania constitution guarantees us all access to pure water, and that starts with the health of our streams,” said Senator Williams. “That’s why I prioritize supporting the work of partners like Good Dog Farm and the Allegheny County Conservation District, who are working to improve the health of our shared waterways as they help feed our community.” 

The completed project uses a coordinated system of conservation practices to manage water across the property and protect the Deer Creek Watershed. The system includes two spring developments, a three-tiered constructed wetland, pipelines, drains, and underground outlets that capture and redirect water, reduce erosion, and create wildlife habitat. 

The improvements also provide water for the farm's poultry by capturing spring water and eliminating the need to haul water uphill. 
 

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Diagram: Improvements to Good Dog Farm

  

Responsible stewardship of the land under our care is our primary goal. Managing the flow of water through our farm, which directly enters the local watershed, was an issue that required professional assistance," said Brian Wiltrout, Good Dog Owner and Operator. "As first-generation farmers, support from the combined efforts of the conservation district and Sen. Williams’ office was absolutely crucial in realizing our goals. Without programs like ACAP and the support of local government, farmers like us would be at a loss to both provide food to our local community and protect natural resources."

Bringing Resources Together 

The project combined funding and technical assistance from several sources. 

• ACCD awarded $185,000 through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) and provided technical assistance and planning support.
• Penn State Extension CACAT provided additional technical assistance and planning support and secured an Engineering Assistance Request award for HRG Engineering to provide design and engineering services.
• The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provided $65,000 in funding, secured through the office of Senator Lindsey Williams. 
• McKee and Wiltrout also invested their time and resources in planning and implementing the improvements on their property. 

 

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Supporting Farms Across Allegheny County 

Good Dog Farm is one of 372 farms in Allegheny County. About 87 percent of county farms are small operations, selling less than $250,000 in agricultural products annually, and 95 percent are family-owned and operated. 

Working with Good Dog Farm has been a great opportunity to showcase the environmental impact of investing in small farms,” says Madeleine Sheinfeld, Agriculture Resource Conservationist at ACCD. “We are able to protect the Deer Creek watershed while creating wildlife habitat and supporting agricultural production. These proactive and eager landowners made this transformation possible.” 

Farms across the county contribute to food production, the local economy, and the stewardship of farmland and natural resources. Conservation improvements help farmers address challenges on their properties while maintaining productive land for the future. 

For 80 years, ACCD has worked with farmers across Allegheny County to connect them with technical assistance, conservation planning, education, and funding opportunities.