Mokoma Conservancy


About the Mokoma Conservancy

Who we are

Established in 2001 by a group of forward thinking and concerned residents of Sullivan County, the Mokoma Conservancy set as its first goal the preservation of key watershed areas of the Lake Mokoma and Laporte areas. With the formation of a non-profit organization having a 501c3 designation, the conservancy was then able to solicit tax exempt donations.

Our initial project was the acquisition of a 243 acre wooded area, key to conservation of the watershed of the lake and also the preservation of the rustic nature of the area. There are a number of rare and endangered plants growing there. The land was named the Conklin Run Wilderness Area, located off Lake Road, one mile in from the intersection of route 220 and route 154. After completing that purchase, a group of Conservancy members and friends held a dedication in August of 2004.

Click here for a more detailed history as submitted by Pat Heim when she was Secretary of the Conservancy.

How we’ve done it
  • With guidance and cooperation from the North Central Pennsylvania Conservancy
  • With a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
  • With a generous contribution from the Lake Mokoma Association
  • With the efforts of many volunteers working together to hold successful fund raising events.
  • With becoming annual or lifetime members
  • With the “Adopt an Acre” program, establishing a memorial sign for families to memorialize or honor a family member or friend
What we’ve accomplished
  • Paid off the debt on the Conklin Run Wilderness Area
  • Obtained an evaluation of the acreage by a certified forester.
  • Established a Pennsylvania Forest Stewardship Program for the Conklin Run Wilderness Area.
  • Installed deer fencing on a forty acre parcel of the area to allow re-growth of native trees, thereby preserving the natural habitat for the benefit of wildlife, plants and birds.
  • Established a plan for maintenance of the woodland, organizing an annual work day to trim and maintain hiking trails
  • Finished trail blazing throughout the area, carried out by our very dedicated volunteers.
  • Established a plan for educational programs, hikes, plus nature walks for adults and children.
...and Planting for the Future, We will...
  • Continue to fund raise to maintain the care of Conklin Run Wilderness Area and plan for and accomplish similar projects of land preservation in the future.
  • Encourage groups to partner with us in contributing in this preservation effort and participate in our various educational and recreational programs.
  • Participate in regional educational programs by becoming a member of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association.
  • Keep the large, woodsy area open for all to enjoy.

Click here for the 2016 Forest Stewardship Plan.