The Lake Erie Region Conservancy (LERC) was formed in 2000 as a local, non-profit, membership-supported organization dedicated to the identification, conservation and protection of the Lake Erie region’s unique natural and cultural resources. LERC also promotes research, education and sustainable development.

The Lake Erie region of northwestern Pennsylvania contains precious natural, historic, agricultural, and scenic resources. The continued existence of the region’s unique character depends on achieving a sustainable balance between the short-term needs of the people who live here, the long-term needs of future generations, the health of the ecosystem, and the area’s economic needs and potential. But despite significant inroads made by a few organizations, a lack of planning in the exploitation of the region’s potential has resulted in the fragmentation and destruction of its precious resources, with little or no appreciation of the consequences. LERC’s members are familiar with the specific needs of and pressures placed on land in our local communities. LERC is interested in pursuing conservation projects of any size or scope.

LERC is a non-profit organization whose central purpose is land preservation. As a land trust, LERC promotes cooperation between government agencies and the private sector.

LERC is qualified to save land through conservation easements, land donations, or outright purchase.

LERC can share information with and help other local and regional conservation organizations develop programs geared to local preservation projects.

The mission of the Lake Erie Region Conservancy is to identify, conserve, and protect the Lake Erie region’s unique natural and cultural resources and to promote sustainable development through research and education. LERC was incorporated as a 501© 3 corporation in 2001 and has been successful in promoting its environmental efforts and quality of life issues in the Northwestern Pennsylvania region in several ways.