Front Page Newsletter September 12, 2022

(From top to bottom): U.S. Senator Robert Casey and State Senator Patrick Stefano spoke at the event. Photos were taken by Emil Bove.

Somerset Conservation District Holds Oven Run Ceremony

The Oven Run Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Project Re-Dedication Ceremony was held on September 1, 2022. The tour highlighted the complete reconstruction of five AMD passive treatment systems on the Stonycreek River that will continue to be responsible for the historic improvement in water quality in the watershed. PACD 2^nd Vice President Emil Bove (Westmoreland) represented PACD at Somerset Conservation District’s recent ceremony.

U. S. Senator Robert Casey, State Senator Patrick Stefano, PA Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer, former Congressman John Murtha’s Chief of Staff John Hugya, representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, and local conservation groups spoke during the event.

Click here and here to read articles about the event.

Save the Date: 2023 State Envirothon Competition

The Pennsylvania Envirothon announced the 2023 competition will take place May 24 at Camp Mount Luther in Mifflinburg, PA. The oral component will be the week prior. The 2023 current issue is “Adapting to a Changing Climate.”

DEP to Hold Webinar on Environmental Education Grant Program

The 2023 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Environmental Education Grants Program is accepting applications through December 9, 2022. Program priorities are Water, Climate Change, and engaging people living and or working within Environmental Justice areas.

A free live webinar on the grants program will be held on September 27, 2022, from Noon-1:00 p.m. Registration is required. The session will be recorded and posted.

Information about the 2023 EE Grants Program, including the 2023 EE Grants Program Manual is available on the EE Grants Home page. Questions? Please contact: RA-epEEgrants@pa.gov

Two New Publications Arriving at USDA Service Centers

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has two new publications.

• Get Started: A Guide to USDA Resources for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers

The guide serves as a one-stop shop for minorities, women, veterans, beginning, and limited-resource producers

• 2023 Ag Census Brochures

This brochure provides information to producers about the upcoming Census of Agriculture. Taken every five years, the census provides valuable information used at the local, state, and national levels to plan for the future of U.S. agriculture. The brochures can be used to raise awareness and encourage producers to respond to the census when they receive the questionnaire in the mail this November and December. Responding to the census is vital to ensure producers have a voice and are represented in data.

Email nrcsdistributioncenter@ia.usda.gov or call 888-526-3227 for copies.