PACD Front Page 02.05.18

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PA Association of Conservation Districts

Front Page: Your Weekly News & Updates

Free communication webinars, House Appropriations Committee hearing, and manure management train-the-trainer workshops conclude.

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Free Communications Webinars Offered to Conservation Districts
New: "Cutting the Deal with Rural Landowners"

PACD has scheduled seven free webinar series for conservation districts. Presented by Water Words That Work, LLC, these environmental communication trainings will begin in February 2018 and end in May 2018. How do we get more participation at our programs? How can we effectively reach our target audiences and the general public? What are the most cost-effective means to get the word out about our programs? Find out answers to these questions and more during these webinars.

New for this year, "Closing the Deal with Rural Landowners" will teach the tricks of the trade that top "ag whisperers" use to get voluntary conservation projects on the ground. If you need more landowners to take you up on your offer, this course is for you! This webinar series will be repeated four times - so only sign up for one series.

The dates are (all webinars will be held 9-10:30am):

Water Words that Work

Trainings: February 20, 22, 27

More Than a Message

Trainings: March 6, 13, 15

Perfect Outreach Projects

Trainings: March 20, 22, 23

Cutting the Deal with Rural Landowners Group 1

Trainings: February 7, 9, 14

Cutting the Deal with Rural Landowners Group 2

Trainings: March 27, 29, and April 3

Cutting the Deal with Rural Landowners Group 3

Training: April 10, 12, 17

Cutting the Deal with Rural Landowners Group 4

Trainings: May 1, 3, 8

Click here to register.

Financial support for this project is provided by 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).

Click here to view a flyer with more information.

Shambaugh Attends House Appropriations Hearing

On January 25, 2018, PACD Executive Director Brenda Shambaugh attended a House of Representatives Appropriations Committee hearing at the Capitol in Harrisburg. The committee received testimony related to the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn provided testimony on how their agencies use special funds.

During the hearing, several questions were asked about conservation district funding and timely reimbursements. DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell explained the funding comes from several sources and the balance [of the conservation district fund] has a lot to do with when the fees are actually collected and deposited. Several legislators on the Committee commented about the great work accomplished by conservation districts.

Click here to read more.

Photo caption: The House Appropriations Committee held a hearing on January 25, 2018 in Harrisburg on the use of special funds. Photo taken by Brenda Shambaugh.

Manure Management Facilitator Training Concludes

Thirty-three participants were trained as facilitators through the Manure Management Train the Trainer program this January. The training events were held in Clarion, Perry, and Wyoming Counties.

Participants learned how to use the Manure Management Manual to write plans and guide others through using the manual.

PACD facilitates the trainings for the PA Department of Environmental Protection. Instruction is provided by Jerry Martin, Senior Penn State Extension Associate and Dr. Charles White, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management, at Penn State.

Photo caption: Instructor Charlie White speaks to the attendees of the Manure Management Train the Trainer event in Perry County on January 25, 2018.