One individual and 17 organizations, businesses, and local governments in Pennsylvania have been selected by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to receive the prestigious 2019 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

Congratulations to Westmoreland Conservation District for winning with their Stormwater basin retrofitting educational videos. The videos illustrate the function, design, assessment, retrofitting, and maintenance of stormwater basins. During the workshop held by the district, 382 individuals watched the video and provided feedback on their understanding of how retrofitting, inspection, and maintenance impact water quality.

Click here to view the entire list of recipients.

On Wednesday, March 13, conservation district officials from across the nation descended upon the nation’s capital as part of NACD’s 2019 Spring Fly-In. More than 150 district representatives from over 30 states took to Capitol Hill to educate their federal representatives about and advocate for voluntary, locally-led conservation.

Kelly Stagen, PACD Secretary and North East Region Director, attended the fly-in.

Do you know a staff person or director who has gone above and beyond the call of duty?

A legislator who champions conservation legislation? Or a Pennsylvania resident or Pennsylvania-based organization you would like to recognize for their contributions in support of environmental recreation? If so, nominate them for a PACD award!

The awards are:

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

The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2019. Click here for more information and the nomination forms.

Contact Jann McNamara at jmcnamara@pacd.org or 717-238-7223 with any questions.

The 2019 Building for Tomorrow Regional Director Trainings on Sexual Harassment and Respect in the Workplace kicked-off in Wilkes-Barre on March 5, 2019 and State College on March 6, 2019.

This interactive workshop program on sexual harassment was presented by Mary Kay Williams of MindShift Consulting.

There are three workshops remaining:

• Wednesday, March 13 – Cross Creek Resort, Titusville
• Thursday, March 14 – West Meeting Center, West Elizabeth
• Thursday, March 21 – Woodcrest Retreat Center, Ephrata

Click here for more information or contact Matt Miller at 717-238-7223 x107.

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.

The 2019 Building for Tomorrow Staff Conference was held February 27–28 at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. The theme was “Culture & Communication.” The conference aimed to provide inspiration as well as valuable information on values, mission, and culture to Pennsylvania’s conservation districts.

Ninety-seven people representing 32 conservation districts attended the two-day event.

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.

The Allegheny County Conservation District held its second annual Erosion Control Workshop on February 14 and 15, 2019. The district had over 100 participants, ranging from contractors and consultants to developers. This two-day workshop focused on proper installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment controls. Each participant left with an erosion and sediment field guide designed by the district to take into the field while conducting inspections.

The PACD Spring Region Meetings are coming soon! Please review the announcement for your region meeting using the link below and be sure to RSVP to the host as directed.

Topics will include the state budget and environmental stewardship fund, conservation district week, third party reviewer legislation, a motion from the PACD Ways and Means Committee concerning a potential dues increase, a PACD building update, and an update to the PACD Directors Listserve.

PACD North Central Region Meeting
March 14, 2019 
Clinton County Conservation District Office, Mill Hall, PA 

PACD South Central Region Meeting
March 19, 2019
Cumberland County Conservation District, Carlisle, PA

PACD North West Region Meeting
March 27, 2019
Mercer County Conservation District, Mercer, PA

PACD South West Region Meeting
March 28, 2019
Westmoreland Conservation District, Greensburg, PA

PACD South East Region Meeting
April 4, 2019
Henning’s Market, Harleysville, PA

PACD North East Region Meeting
April 5, 2019
DEP Northeast Regional Office, Wilkes Barre, PA 

The Clean Water Farm Award Program recognizes Pennsylvania farmers whose exemplary farm management practices result in improved local and downstream water quality. Pennsylvania’s conservation districts may submit a nomination for a farm in their county. One award will be given in each of PACD’s six regions.

Each district that submits a complete nomination will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 pizza party for their office! Deadline: April 30, 2019.

Award recipients receive a large Clean Water Farm Award sign to hang at their farm, a signed certificate, and an invitation to the PACD/SCC Awards Luncheon in July.

Financial support for this award is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through the Chesapeake Bay Regulatory and Accountability Program and the Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Education Office (administered by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc.).

Click here to read more or contact Shannon Wehinger with questions.