PACD Front Page 08.07.17

Your news on Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts is here!

PA Association of Conservation Districts

Front Page: Your Weekly News & Updates

Delaware CREP workshops, NCF Envirothon results, spotted lanternfly videos, and Soil & Water Conservation Society picnic.

Visit Our Website

Registration Opens for CREP Workshops in the Delaware River Basin

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Outreach Program Office (hosted by PACD) is hosting a series of workshops in the Delaware River Basin (DRB). The purpose of the workshops is to ensure CREP partners, associates, and district staff understand the program and to introduce CREP to landowners and producers. The workshops are focused on introducing CREP in the seven PA DRB counties; however, they are open to partners and producers outside those counties.

CREP Partners and Associates Workshop

Attendees will leave with a basic understanding of CREP, including eligibility, benefits, and responsibilities. They will be able to respond to inquiries about CREP, direct potential applicants to the proper agencies, and identify producers and sites that may be eligible for CREP. Click the link below for more information or to register.

Lehigh County - August 22, 2017

CREP Landowner/Producer Workshops

These workshops are open to all landowners who would like to learn about CREP and see if it is a good fit for their situation. Farmers can register online or by calling the Montgomery or Monroe Conservation District offices. See the links below for more information, district contacts, or to register online.

Please feel free to share this information with interested contacts and partners, and to invite any producers in the DRB who may be interested in the CREP program. Contact Terry Fisher at PACD with any questions or for additional information at 717-238-7223 or [email protected].

Pennsylvania Wins NCF Envirothon Competition!

The Penncrest High School Team from Delaware County, Pennsylvania won the 2017 North American Envirothon. The event was held July 23-29 at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The Pennsylvania team had the highest scores in forestry, wildlife, and the current issue. The team from New York took second place and New Mexico was third. Click here to view the scores.

To read more, click here.

Photo caption (Left to right): Bill Gill (Smithfield Foods), Mark Samilenko and Chrissa Kuntz (coaches), Rachel Hughes, Dennis Harrsch, Thy-Lan Gale, Abigail Schwartz, Cole Gaboriault (Pennsylvania team members), and Millie Langley (NCF-Envirothon). Photo provided by PA Envirothon.

Conservation Districts Urged to Share Spotted Lanternfly Message

The PA Department of Agriculture is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the spotted lanternfly. The Spotted Lanternfly is currently only found in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and we're hoping to keep it that way! It is a major threat to some of our most valuable commodities, including grapes, hops, hardwoods, stone fruits, and apples. Early detection is vital to control this invasive pest and protect agriculture and natural resources-related businesses in Pennsylvania.

A video has been produced on this issue. Districts are encouraged to share this video with their constituents. Click here to view it on YouTube. Click on the share button to post the video on your social media outlets.

You're Invited to a Picnic!

The Keystone Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society invites you to attend the annual picnic and membership meeting on Wednesday, August 16, in Centre County. The picnic will be held at Joel Myers' farm so, if you will be in the area for Ag Progress Days, please consider joining us.

The Society offers a great way to network with other conservation-minded professionals in Pennsylvania. In addition to fellowship, the picnic and meeting will feature a guest speaker from Penn State discussing the results of her research on planting a crop into a green standing cover (planting green). We will also be planning future chapter events and partnership outreach efforts. Click here for the membership brochure and here for the meeting agenda.

If you are considering joining the Society, now is the time. The Society is offering to pay the first year membership dues for six individuals interested in joining and becoming active chapter members. The Society hopes to see you at the picnic on August 16!