Fifteen conservation district managers, as well as representatives from the conservation partnership, attended the New Manager Boot Camp Training in State College, PA, June 18-20, 2019. Topics included the Conservation District Law, partner programs, finances, building board relationships, and managing staff.

Leadership Development Coordinator Matt Miller said, “This training was a great opportunity to bring new conservation district managers together and build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for their position. Perhaps the most valuable part was the networking and sharing that took place among the attendees.”

Financial and other support for the Building for Tomorrow Leadership Development Program is provided through a grant from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission. Guidance for the Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Conservation Partnership’s Leadership Development Committee.

Submitted by Jennifer Lauri, Conservation Specialist, Luzerne Conservation District

On Saturday June 8, 2019, The Lands at Hillside Farms held an official unveiling and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Dr. Doug Ayers Dairy Barn, a two-year project. Amy Brown, formerly with the Luzerne Conservation District (now Program Manager at PACD) originally approached the farm with an idea for a Growing Greener Grant.

The community, donors, conservation district staff, staff from The Lands at Hillside Farms, and members of the press gathered on June 8. Attendees toured the new 15,000 square foot facility.

The Lands at Hillside Farms has worked with the Luzerne Conservation District in the past to plant hundreds of trees along the stream on the farm. The farm has also installed a rain garden, a green parking lot to reduce the amount of impervious surface, and bird boxes all around the property to control the pests.

The total contribution from the Luzerne Conservation District, through a DEP Growing Greener Grant, was $325,000.

Click here to read the entire article.

Submitted by Jennifer Bratthauar, Ag Conservation Technician, Franklin County Conservation District

For the sixth year, the Franklin County Conservation District hosted the First Grade Field Trip at Caledonia State Park on April 30, May 1, May 14 and May 15. This year’s field trip included a variety of educational stations including agriculture, wildlife, water quality (macroinvertebrates and runoff), dairy, forestry and a nature trail scavenger hunt. Approximately 712 first graders from 32 classes across 13 different elementary schools attended.

Click here to read the entire article.

Submitted by Chester County Conservation District

On the morning of June 5, 2019, Chester County Conservation District board members, employees, and representatives from the American Farmland Trust, Chester County Commissioners’ Office, National Fish and Wildlife Federation, and William Penn Foundation had the opportunity to visit two sites where BMPs have been installed with the assistance of the conservation district.

Click here to read the entire article.

The early-bird discount for the PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference expires this Friday, June 21. That’s only five more days to take advantage of the early-bird discount! The conference will take place July 17-18, 2019, at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport, PA. Click here to register and find out more.

Pike County Conservation District (PCCD) hosted a Lunch and Learn workshop for municipalities this spring at the Pike County Training Center. Staff highlighted district services that benefit local townships and boroughs.

Representatives from nine of Pike County’s 13 municipalities attended. PCCD Executive Director Michele Long provided an overview of the district’s mission and core programs such as erosion control, waterways permitting, and the Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program that funds repairs on local roads to improve stormwater management. Senior Resource Conservationist Ellen Enslin outlined the types of permit-related correspondence that is shared with municipalities, and Administrative Manager Chris Ingulli discussed inspection reports.

As the Conservation Technician for the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) in the South Central Region, the incumbent will provide technical assistance to the Growing Greener program and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

This position will: Provide technical assistance to area partnership Growing Greener personnel and the NRCS in the planning, design and construction of engineering practices; Prepare designs of agricultural conservation practices and water quality best management practices (BMPs), which are site specific and require coordination among various groups and individuals; and Provide engineering assistance in conducting preliminary investigations.

Click here for the full job description. Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to the PACD at jobs@pacd.org. All application materials must be received by 4:30pm EDT on June 26, 2019. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will hold Chapter 102 Fall Regional Sessions for conservation districts and DEP staff in October. Registration will be required, but attendance is free and lunch will be provided. Please save the date for the meeting closest to you! Registration will open in July.

Northwest: October 1, 2019, DEP Northwest Regional Office, Meadville, PA

Southwest: October 2, 2019, Westmoreland Conservation District, Greensburg, PA

Northcentral: October 15, 2019, DEP Northcentral Regional Office, Williamsport, PA

Northeast: October 22, 2019, Back Mountain Regional Emergency Services, Dallas, PA

Southeast: October 29, 2019, DEP Southeast Regional Office, Norristown, PA

Southcentral: October 31, 2019, Dauphin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Center, Dauphin, PA

Staff from the Lebanon County Conservation District met with local legislators on May 31, 2019. The meeting included staff discussion on conservation programs in Lebanon County. These include agricultural land preservation, erosion and sedimentation, Envirothon, mosquito-borne disease control, and agricultural programs.

PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell was on hand to discuss the ongoing Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts. The group also discussed MS4 and the state budget as it relates to conservation efforts.

PACD Executive Director Brenda Shambaugh also attended the event.

Erie County Conservation District held an Enviro-lab week where mobile educational labs were brought to the county for students and legislators to tour. Armstrong Conservation District’s H2Oh! on the GO! mobile lab was part of the event.

Click here to read more and to watch a video.