The PACD has developed a number of resources to assist conservation districts in their legislative activities.

State Budget FY 2010/11

Report to Candidates for Governor
A Conservation District Policy Priorities for a New Administration report was distributed to the candidates for the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Candidates should consider these items as they develop and articulate their environmental and agricultural platform.

Conservation District Annual Report 2009
PACD produced a Conservation District Annual Report to showcase conservation district projects.  This report will be given to Pennsylvania’s legislators during the state budget process to emphasize the importance of conservation district activities.

General Tips for Connecting with Legislators
PACD offers the following general tips for connecting with legislators:

  • Always invite legislators to all district events, such as awards dinners.
  • Make sure pictures are provided to legislators and press after the event.
  • Send press releases out about once a month.
  • Provide written material for each face-to-face meeting.
  • Always send legislators your newsletters.

PACD Legislative Program
PACD has developed an annual legislative program for members to follow as they educate elected leaders about the important role conservation districts play in assisting people and communities to protect our natural resources. Every month PACD provides conservation districts with a suggested legislative activity and provides support material for our members to accomplish the task. The goal is to enhance advocacy opportunities for local conservation districts.

Legislative Correspondence
PACD regularly corresponds with elected leaders on PACD policy statements and issues of concern to conservation districts.

Legislative News Releases
PACD sends out periodic press releases to the agricultural press and the Capitol Newsroom.

Legislative Newsletters

  • Establishing and Maintaining Relationships with Lawmakers (Summer 2009)
    Includes articles on:

    • Establishing Relationships
    • Maintaining Relationship
    • Hosting Conservation Tours
    • Information Gathering
    • Congressional Schedule
    • Things you Should Do and Not Do
    • Ideas for Effective Tours
  • Legislative Connection (Winter 2008)
    Includes articles on:

    • Why Local Contacts are Necessary
    • The Pennsylvania Budget Process
    • How a Bill Becomes a Law in Pennsylvania
    • Build a Coalition, Broaden your Base Support
    • Media Moments
  • Legislative Connection (Fall 2006)
    Includes articles on:

    • New Legislators…New Contacts
    • Hosting a Legislative Event
    • Sample Invitation
    • Sample Press Release
    • Reaching Your Elected Officials

PACD Policies
PACD policy is derived at the grassroots level and voted on by delegates representing our members at PACD annual conventions. Our committee structure allows members to participate in comprehensive discussions on a variety of issues pertinent to conservation district activities prior to policy development and to identify legislative priorities. After policy statements are passed by the delegate body, PACD strives to implement them through the government relations department.

Template Letters
PACD provides our members with letter and press release templates to assist with communication efforts with their state and federal legislators.

Legislative Testimony
PACD is often asked to provide testimony on conservation issues affecting the Commonwealth, during various House of Representatives and Senate Committee and regulatory agency hearings.

http://pacd.org/webfresh/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/CDPriorities.pdf