Submitted by Heather Almer, Watershed Specialist, Columbia County Conservation District

The Columbia County Conservation District organized its 3rd annual Women in Agriculture Conference at the Bloomsburg VFW Post 804 on March 21, 2018. Attendees learned about sustainable building, the future of agricultural education, credit scores and lending, and sheep farming.They also learned about yoga for stress relief and participated in a hands-on product making workshop to highlight the benefits of making your own cleaners and personal care products.

Volunteers are still needed at the Conservation Booth at the 2018 Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) Conference. The conference runs from Sunday April 22 to Tuesday April 24 at the Hershey Lodge, Hershey, PA.

Help is needed for:

• Sunday, April 22 – 12-5pm
• Monday, April 23 – 12-4pm

This is a great opportunity for district volunteers to be able to talk about district programs and build relationships with township officials from across Pennsylvania. Volunteer now by contacting Jann McNamara at jmcnamara@pacd.org or call 717-238-7223. 

On March 19th, PACD hosted a breakout session at the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Spring Conference titled, “Conservation Districts and You.” The meeting was held in Harrisburg, PA.

The session educated attendees on what conservation districts do at the local level to protect natural resources. Speakers included: Carl Goshorn, District Manager, Cumberland County Conservation District; Cliff Lane, Commissioner, McKean County; Dave Rupert, District Manager, Armstrong County Conservation District; Brenda Shambaugh, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts; and Chris Strohmaier, Managing Director, Chester County Conservation District.

 

 

The 2018 Basic/Refresher 102/105 Technical Training course provided concentrated classroom instruction to over 40 employees of Pennsylvania’s conservation districts and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) who work with the Chapter 102 and 105 programs. The four-day course took place March 19-22, 2018, in State College, PA.

The Chesapeake Bay Program Conservation District and PA Agency Staff Meeting was held March 12, 2018 at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA.

Over 160 staff from conservation districts and partner agencies attended the meeting. Topics included program updates, innovative projects, and positive landowner interaction.

The event is facilitated by PACD with financial support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through the Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant, the Clean Water Fund, and the Chesapeake Bay Regulatory and Accountability Program (CBRAP).

 

The April 30th deadline to recognize a fellow conservationist by nominating him or her for a PACD Award is fast approaching.

• Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director or Associate Director Excellence Award
• Conservation District Employee Excellence Award
• Legislator Recognition Award
• Maurice K. Goddard Award for Excellence in Environmental Recreation

Click here for more information and a nomination form. Contact Jann McNamara at jmcnamara@pacd.org with any questions.

PACD is hiring a full-time Program Manager. The Program Manager will be responsible for planning, coordinating and administering special programs, meetings, and trainings. The Program Manager will also represent PACD on assigned committees, assist with grant writing, and assist with PACD building issues.

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to PACD. Please apply by e-mail with subject heading “Program Manager” to jobs@pacd.org. All application materials must be received by 4:30pm on March 21, 2018.

Click here to read the full job announcement. 

PACD is hiring a full-time Leadership Development Program Coordinator. The coordinator will facilitate the development and the implementation of Pennsylvania’s “Building for Tomorrow” Leadership Development Program to meet the evolving needs and growth in professional development for Pennsylvania’s conservation districts, developing the appropriate and comprehensive programs and materials to support professional development for directors and staff.

Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to PACD. Please apply by e-mail with subject heading “LD Coordinator” to jobs@pacd.org. All application materials must be received by 4:30pm on March 21, 2018.

Click here to read the full job announcement. 

See the dates and locations for your upcoming region meeting below.

PACD South West Region Meeting
March 8, 2018
Westmoreland Conservation District, Greensburg, PA

PACD South Central Region Meeting
March 20, 2018
Cumberland County Conservation District, Carlisle, PA

PACD South East Region Meeting
March 22, 2018
Franconia Heritage Restaurant, Telford, PA

PACD North West Region Meeting
March 27, 2018
Forest County Conservation District, Tionesta, PA

PACD North Central Region Meeting
April 12, 2018
Clinton County Conservation District, Mill Hall, PA

PACD North East Region Meeting
April 13, 2018
DEP Northeast Regional Office, Wilkes-Barre, PA

The Wolf Administration announced a $1.1 million grant investment to eight recipients throughout Pennsylvania for planting trees and income-producing species along streams to help keep nutrients and sediments from the land from impacting water quality.

The grants are administered through the PA Department of Natural Resources with funding provided by PENNVEST.

Through the program, PACD will receive $250,000 to support conservation districts in constructing approximately 45 acres of multi-functional riparian forest buffers along waterways throughout Pennsylvania. This sub-grant program will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to complete demonstration projects statewide, in partnership with local conservation districts.

More information on the sub-grant program will be provided to conservation districts.

Click here to read about the other grant recipients.