The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) held its annual meeting in New Orleans from February 11-15, 2023. Attending from Pennsylvania were PACD President Kelly Stagen, NACD North East Region Representative Cliff Lane, PACD Executive Director Brenda Shambaugh, State Conservation Commission Member Ron Rohall, McKean County Conservation District Manager Sandy Thompson, Adams County Conservation District Manager Adam McClain, Adams County Conservation District Ag Conservation Supervisor Brian Sneeringer, Indiana County Conservation District Executive Director Doug Beri, Jr., Allegheny County Conservation District Program Team Director Erin Copeland, and NRCS State Conservationist Denise Coleman.

During the meeting, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of Inflation Reduction Act funding to support oversubscribed voluntary conservation programs. NACD applauds this investment in voluntary and locally-led conservation efforts. It is critical for conservation districts to have the tools needed to face the challenges of the future. Click here to read the press release. 

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “The reality is, we can’t get it done without you. There needs to be a strong partnership between USDA and conservation districts. You’re the trusted source in your communities.”

On February 14, 2023, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) administered oaths of office to its new Officers and Executive Board members. Cliff Lane took the oath of office as the North East Region Representative. Cliff is also McKean County Conservation District Commissioner Director, Secretary/Treasurer, and PACD North West Region Director.

Click here to read the press release. 

During the National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) Annual Meeting in New Orleans last week, Brian Sneeringer received the Distinguished Service Award. Sneeringer is the Ag Conservation Supervisor at the Adams County Conservation District.  

For over 30 years, Sneeringer has been a conservation district leader in no-till and implementing conservation practices. His well-established reputation with the farm community allows him to have one-on-one discussions with local farmers, where he challenges them to think outside the box and try new and innovative techniques. He is an innovator, leader, mentor, and outstanding example of a high-performing conservation professional.

Congratulations Brian! Click here to read the press release. 

The Association of Conservation Executive Directors met on February 13, 2023, during the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The group began building its first Plan of Work, discussed upcoming funding opportunities, and held elections.

Cliff Lane was recently elected as the North East Region Representative to the National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) Executive Board. He will take office in early 2023.

“I look forward to representing Pennsylvania and the entire North East in my new role with the national association,” said Lane.

Cliff also serves as the PACD North West Region Director, as well as  Commissioner Director and Secretary/Treasurer for the McKean County Conservation District. He has been a director for McKean County Conservation District since 2004.

Congratulations Cliff!

PACD North West Region Director and National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Director Cliff Lane represented Pennsylvania recently. Cliff attended the NACD annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, from February 12-16, 2022.

Click here to read more about the annual meeting.