Front Page Newsletter May 8, 2023

Participants in the Basic Level of Agricultural Conservation Technical Training pose for a group photo on the first training day.

Agricultural Conservation Technical “Boot Camp” Basic Level Training Week 2 Concludes

Thirty-one individuals attended the Agricultural Conservation Technical Boot Camp Training – Basic Level May 1-4, 2023, at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Attendees included staff from conservation districts, PACD, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and affiliates, Penn State Extension, and the PA Department of Environmental Protection.

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

Elk and Potter County Conservation Districts Hold Realtor Workshop

Elk and Potter County Conservation Districts held workshops geared toward local realtors in January and February.

Project leader Victoria Challingsworth said, “Our goal was to reach new entities that play a role in some of the environmental impacts we see commonly and hoped to prevent issues before they arise. Real Estate Agents play a unique role and have the potential to provide a great deal of information about a property to interested buyers. We hope that educating realtors about environmental regulations will help them convey correct information to new owners about allowable activities near streams or wetlands.”

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.

Photo provided by Elk County Conservation District.

Berks County Conservation District board of director’s county commissioner member Christian Leinbach kicks off the event.

Berks County Conservation District Holds Legislative Breakfast

On April 27, 2023, the Berks County Conservation District held a Legislative Breakfast with the Berks Farm Bureau. Approximately 60 folks attended the breakfast at the Berks County Agricultural Center in Leesport, PA. PACD Executive Director Brenda Shambaugh was in attendance.

McKean County Conservation District Holds Legislative Luncheon

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.

(Left to right): Front row - Riley Thompson, PA Maple Ambassador; Amanda Murdock, District Conservationist, USDA NRCS; Carol Duffy, McKean County Commissioner; Sandy Thompson, MCCD District Manager; Selena King, US Senator Fetterman's Office; Tamara Bleggi, PA Senator Dush’s Office. Back row - Elizabeth Casertano, US Senator Fetterman's Office; Jeff Larson, MCCD Chairman; Rep. Martin Causer; Cliff Lane, MCCD Commissioner Director; Adam Causer, MCCD Watershed Specialist; Ken Kane, MCCD Director; Kerry Fetter, MCCD Director; and Tom Kreiner, McKean County Commissioner. Photo provided by McKean County Conservation District.

Montgomery Completes Multi-Functional Riparian Forest Buffer

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.