The McKean County Conservation District (MCCD) held its annual legislative luncheon on April 27, 2023, to celebrate Conservation District Week and to provide an update on its projects in 2022, including the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) program.

Discussion was also held on the 2023-24 State Budget, invasive species, and the 2023 Farm Bill. “Partnership” seemed to be the running theme of the meeting. Examples were shown of having good partners, proof that we are stronger when working together.

PACD Executive Director Brenda Shambaugh participated via Zoom.

 

Montgomery County Conservation District planted 3.5 acres of multi-functional riparian forest buffer at Sandy Run Park and Open Space in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County. The project cost $13,793.74 and was paid for through PACD’s multi-functional buffer sub-grant program.        

Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

As part of the Lawn Conversion Sub-grant Program, PACD is partnering with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to offer Lawn Conversion Training for Conservation Districts!

A virtual training will be offered via Zoom on June 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. to Noon. An in-person training will be provided on July 11, 2023, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sunset Golf Course in Middletown, PA. Please note that there is a 35-person limit for the in-person training, and it is not required to attend both. Please use the links below to register.

Virtual Lawn Conversion Training for Conservation Districts
June 20, 2023 | Zoom Meeting

In-Person Lawn Conversion Training for Conservation Districts
July 11, 2023 | Sunset Golf Course, Middletown, PA

This training is part of the Lawn Conversion Sub-grant Program for Conservation Districts. It is encouraged to attend one of the training sessions before applying for a lawn conversion sub-grant.

Please get in touch with Holly Miller at hmiller@pacd.org with any questions.

The Lawn Conversion Program for Conservation Districts is financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Environmental Stewardship fund, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

 

Juniata County Conservation District joined the Chesapeake Conservancy, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Milford Township Supervisors, and community volunteers to install 680 live stakes on East Licking Creek. The field day provided instruction in identifying, cutting, storing, and installing live stakes on streambanks for water quality protection. 

Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Centre County Conservation District planted 4 acres of multi-functional riparian forest buffer with Miyawaki fencing on a Spring Mills, Centre County property. The project cost $20,000 and was paid for through PACD’s multi-functional buffer sub-grant program. 

Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. 

April 23-29, 2023, is “Conservation District Week” in Pennsylvania. During this week, district offices will hold conference calls and meetings with legislators. Resources such as letters, a press release, and social media images are available from PACD to promote Conservation District Week.

Conservation District Week materials are available here. 

Thirty-four individuals attended Agricultural Conservation Technical Boot Camp Training – Level II from April 17-21, 2023. Attendees included staff from conservation districts, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and affiliates.

The Level II annual training consists of two learning tracks: agronomy and engineering. The two tracks allow participants to focus more deeply on their area of study. The event features a balance of classroom work and fieldwork to give participants hands-on experience.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the State Conservation Commission sponsor the training. PACD works with these partners to coordinate the training.

 

On March 21, 2023, Fulton County Conservation District held an Ag Winter Meeting in Big Cove Tannery, PA. This was an educational event for local farmers to discuss how to properly use pesticides, manure nutrients, and apply nitrogen fertilizer to reduce the chance of field run-off during a high rainfall event. A presentation was also included on using cover crops to deter pests as an alternative to pesticide applications.

Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Elk County Conservation District planted 0.12 acres of multi-functional riparian forest buffer on a farm in Elk County. The project cost $1,932.59 and was paid for through PACD’s Multifunctional Buffer Sub-grant Program: https://pacd.org/?page_id=17536

Funding is still available. Click here to learn more about the program. 

Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

The deadline is fast approaching to make nominations for the PACD awards. Nominations must be received by April 30, 2023. Click here for more information and a nomination form.

The awards are:

• 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

Contact Molly Burns at mburns@pacd.org or 717-794-6110 with any questions.