PACD Executive Director Amy Brown participated in a state partner panel discussion at the National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA) 2026 Annual Conference, held October 4–7 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Brown joined Denise Coleman, State Conservationist, at the PA USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Marty Qually, Executive Secretary of the State Conservation Commission (SCC) for the panel, which brought together conservation leaders to share perspectives, experiences, and insights on conservation efforts across the country.

PACD was pleased to be represented at this national gathering and to help highlight Pennsylvania’s conservation partnership and the important work being carried out by conservation districts across the Commonwealth.

PACD is hiring two 100% remote full-time people. One position is based in Western Pennsylvania (with travel required throughout Western Pennsylvania) and one is based in Eastern Pennsylvania (with travel required throughout Eastern Pennsylvania). The positions will pay $50,000 to $55,000/year, depending on experience.

The Engineering Technicians will provide technical and field support for the design, layout, inspection, and implementation of agricultural conservation practices funded through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).

The deadline to apply is June 29, 2026. Click here for more information. 

Today, we proudly celebrate two remarkable members of the PACD team whose dedication, professionalism, and commitment have helped shape our organization for more than two decades — Molly Burns and Shannon Wehinger.

For over 20 years, Molly and Shannon have brought passion, knowledge, and steady leadership to PACD’s mission to support conservation districts and advance conservation across Pennsylvania.

Reaching more than 20 years of service is an extraordinary milestone and a testament to their dedication to PACD and the conservation community. We are grateful for the knowledge, positivity, and professionalism they bring each day.

Please join us in congratulating Molly Burns and Shannon Wehinger on this incredible achievement and in thanking them for their many years of outstanding service to PACD and conservation in Pennsylvania.

PACD is hiring a 100% remote full-time person based in Western Pennsylvania (with travel required throughout Western Pennsylvania). The position will pay $50,000 to $55,000/year, depending on experience.

The Engineering Technician provides technical and field support for the design, layout, inspection, and implementation of agricultural conservation practices funded through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP).

The deadline to apply is April 24, 2026. Click here for more information. 

On March 18, 2026, PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell C. Redding and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey met at Flinchbaugh’s Orchard in York County. The two agencies signed a letter of understanding on collaborative efforts. PACD Executive Director Amy Brown attended the event.

 

I am incredibly proud of our technical staff. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, staff from the PACD Engineering Assistance Program (also known as TAG), Conservation Planner Program, and Conservation District Umbrella Program delivered outstanding results.

Engineering Assistance Program employees completed 26 Inventories and Evaluations, 21 surveys, 87 practice design layouts, 125.5 construction quality assurance reviews, and 79 practice checkouts. 

Our certified planners completed 21.5 conservation plans, and all planners are nearing full certification—an impressive accomplishment. Congratulations to the entire team.

In addition, conservation districts participating in the Conservation District Umbrella Program completed 24 conservation plans, 9 inventories and evaluations, 44 surveys, 45 practice design layouts, 55 construction quality assurance reviews, and 79 practice checkouts.

Thanks to our program partners, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the PA Department of Environmental Protection, and the PA State Conservation Commission for funding these valuable programs.

Here’s to continuing this important conservation work into 2026!

Amy Brown
PACD Executive Director

The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from January 10-17, 2026, in Harrisburg, PA. The conservation districts will once again share booth space with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Two volunteers are needed for the following shifts:

• Saturday, 1/10 – 8 a.m.­­–Noon
• Sunday, 1/11 – Noon–4 p.m.
• Monday, 1/12 – Noon–4 p.m.
• Wednesday, 1/14 – Noon–4 p.m.
• Saturday, 1/17 – 8 a.m.­­–Noon and Noon–4 p.m.

Volunteers receive a free parking pass for the event. Please email PACD Director of Communications & Education Shannon Wehinger at swehinger@pacd.org to sign up or for more information.

Conservation district directors and associate directors, district staff, and partner agency staff are invited to register for the Virtual 2026 PACD Winter Meeting. The event will take place as a series of videoconferences throughout January. Registration for each videoconference is required and free to participate. Please email the individual listed for a registration link.

PACD Conservation Committee Videoconference
January 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD District Employees Committee Videoconference
January 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Holly Miller at hmiller@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Education and Outreach Committee Videoconference
January 13, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Shannon Wehinger at swehinger@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Legislative Committee Videoconference
January 15, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Ways and Means Committee Videoconference
January 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Operations Committee Videoconference
January 23, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

PACD Executive Council Committee Videoconference
January 29, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.-Noon
Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org for a registration link

The Law Office of Andrew H. Shaw, P.C. offers PACD a legal advice program. PACD Members have access to on-call legal assistance at a reduced rate, including both attorney and paralegal services.

The law office is a general practice law firm and can provide advice and assistance in many practice areas.

Their contact information is:

Andrew H. Shaw, Esquire
andrew@ashawlaw.com
2011 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA 17013
717-243-7135
www.ashawlaw.com