Access to Public Records
Before filing a formal Right to Know Law request, consider requesting a file review first.
How to informally request information or records from the district if they are not posted on this website:
The Luzerne Conservation District has extensive public information at our office. It is easy to access this information oftentimes without filing a Right-To-Know Law (RTKL) request. The District encourages the public to contact our office for a general file review. Documentation reviewed/copied during a file review generally does not differ in quality or quantity from an RTKL request. Also, a file review does not preclude an individual from subsequently filing an RTKL request.
General File Review
The quickest and easiest way to review District records is to call the office and schedule a file review. The District typically fulfills such requests by scheduling file reviews within a few days. A file review may provide access to the information you seek without having to utilize the formal RTKL process. If you do not know exactly what documents you are looking for, a general review of the District’s files regarding the matter of concern is recommended.
Copying Records
The District’s copying abilities are limited to 11” by 17” or smaller documents. Copy fees are listed in the Public Records Access Policy. The District can arrange to have larger documents copied at the requestor’s expense. The requester may also hire a copier service or bring a copier.
Available Records
The extensive range of records the District routinely provides access to for public inspection include: notifications, inspection reports, notices of violation, applications, design plans, permit review letters, permits, approvals, denials, public comments, and external correspondence. Personal identification information within these records will be made available to the public unless the person providing that information requests that it be treated as confidential. Documents exempted as public records under the RTKL are also not available for inspection during a file review.
How to make a formal Right to Know Law records request:
The district’s Right To Know Policy and Procedure establishes the procedures for meeting its obligations under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. It applies to all formal requests for “public records.” The district recognizes the value of making information available to the public and is committed to continually improving access to public information and fostering public participation in the decision-making process.
The Board of Directors has designated the Executive Director as its Open Records Officer. All requests for public records are administered by the Open Records Officer.
Requests must be directed to the Open Records Officer as follows, and it is recommended they be submitted using the Standard Right-To-Know Request Form available from the PA Office of Open Records:
Joshua Longmore, Executive Director
Luzerne Conservation District
325 Smiths Pond Road
Shavertown, PA 18708
Or by email at: josh@luzcd.org
Or by fax at: (570) 674-7989
All Right to Know Law requests must be in writing and received by the District’s Open Records Officer. Anonymous or verbal requests will not be considered. The request should be specific and not seek answers to questions. After filing a request, a response will be issued within 5 business days.
The district’s full policy can be accessed by clicking here.
Call (570) 674-7991 with questions.
In the event the Open Records Officer is unavailable, you may contact the Alternate Open Records Officer, Heather Graham, at the same address or by email at: heather@luzcd.org
How to file an appeal of a decision made by this agency:
When a request is denied or deemed denied, a requester may file an appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The appeal must be filed within 15 business days of the denial or deemed denial date. The appeal must also include the request, agency denial if one exists, and address agency grounds that the request was denied. An appeals officer will determine if the record(s) is subject to public access.
An appeal may be filed to the Office of Open Records via its Online Appeal Form, email, fax, or in person at:
Office of Open Records
333 Market Street, 16th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-2234
Phone: 717-346-9903
Fax: 717-425-5343
Email: openrecords@pa.gov
For more information about accessing public records, the PA Right-To-Know Law, or filing appeals related to records decisions by this agency, visit the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records website.