Western Pennsylvania has lost a passionate conservationist and an irreplaceable environmental leader with the death of James Lang, Vice President of the French Creek Valley Conservancy (FCVC) and a long-serving member of the PEC Board of Directors. Jim passed away unexpectedly on January 31, 2024. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, February 17 in Meadville, where he grew up and served as FCVC’s board president for 12 years.

An avid fisherman and lifelong western Pennsylvanian, Jim was active in watershed protection and restoration activities for much of his life. He was critical in the formative days of the French Creek Project in the 1990s, and later in coordinating the efforts of PEC, FCVC, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and other organizations active in the watershed. He served on PEC’s board for more than six years, and is remembered for his enthusiastic interest in on-the-ground projects by way of the Program Committee he chaired. Jim had also been a board member for PEC’s affiliate group, the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), since 2019.
“Jim was a dedicated and insightful member of PEC’s board, and a pleasure to work with,” Board Chair Carol McCabe said. “We will miss him greatly.”
Information on Jim Lang’s visitation and funeral service is available from Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home in Meadville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s name to French Creek Valley Conservancy.