The Commission was created by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by the Conservation District Law, Act 217 of 1945, and is charged with providing administrative and policy oversight, and administrative, financial, educational, information and other assistance to Conservation Districts in planning and implementing conservation programs to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) and the State Conservation Commission (SCC), the Conservation District Support Section provides wide variety of support, coordination, and evaluation services to Pennsylvania conservation districts which are organized statewide in accordance with Act 217, the Conservation District Law. Section staff serve on technical and advisory committees including Leadership Development Committee, Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Roads workgroups, Conservation District Advisory Committee and the Pennsylvania Envirothon Board.