By Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator

Editor's Note: Funded largely by PA's Growing Greener program, Pennsylvania's County Conservation District Watershed Specialists have been a vital force in local efforts aimed at watershed restoration, water quality improvements, and environmental education since 2000.

 

With the future of the Growing Greener program in doubt beyond 2010, the future of the Watershed Specialists positions may too be in jeopardy. Tales From The Creeks is a multi-part series dedicated to the Watershed Specialists and their work.

 

Part of an emerging advocacy campaign seeking continued support for their positions, this series will inform you about Watershed Specialists and the positive environmental roles they have played. This is a series about change, about challenge, and about successes and triumph. It's the story of our Watershed Specialists.

 

 

Gathering her test kits into her field pack, Kim Lanich, Elk County Conservation District Watershed Specialist, heads out of the door of her office in Ridgway. Her destination? Dent's Run Watershed near Benezette, home of Pennsylvania's famous wild elk herd. "We're monitoring the effectiveness of several passive Abandoned Mine Drainage treatment systems there", said Lanich. Working with the Bennett Branch Watershed Association, Lanich is heartened by the results she's seeing. "We've seen a big improvement in the water quality there", Lanich explained. "The monitoring data show that the acidity is being neutralized effectively and that's definitely going to have a positive effect on the creek. We're excited about these results!"

 

When asked why she got involved in this type of work, Lanich quickly replied, "This job allows me to work locally in the watersheds where I grew up. It's a great way to do good work for the environment and the community." Often county residents aren't even aware of the myriad of water quality problems in their county, let alone know that there are local folks tackling those issues. "When somebody asks me about what I do, I explain to them that I work on water quality improvement projects, assist local environmental organizations, and educate the public about local water quality issues and ways to improve water quality", she said. Lanich often finds that her interaction with the public results in a realization. "Through my work, people are getting to know the Conservation District where before, they never knew there was a local agency working on local environmental issues", she stated.

 

While Lanich is modest about her own work accomplishments, others have no problem extolling her virtues. Rob Fallon, a District Ranger with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service at the Allegheny National Forest said of Lanich, "She is passionate about her work and the conservation message resonates with every group she encounters...", said Fallon. "Kim is one of the most dedicated public servants I have encountered...".

 

In her position, Lanich deals with challenges of many forms. "One of our biggest challenges is securing project funding", Lanich said. "Another challenge is actually getting multiple partnerships set up and ensuring effective communication between project partners. I think we've met with success on that front with the various agencies that we've been working with."

 

Kim is just one of 67 Watershed Specialists located throughout the state; one in every county. The Conservation District Watershed Specialist Program has its roots in Pennsylvania's Nonpoint Source Management Program which determined that there was a need for local environmental expertise to help minimize impacts of nonpoint source pollution. It wasn't long after that, the statewide system of conservation districts using Watershed Specialists was born.

 

Initially, Watershed Specialists were instrumental in establishing significant numbers of community watershed associations in conjunction with the new Growing Greener program. However as time passed, the Watershed Specialists' jobs have evolved and have become increasingly complex. They include a multitude of issues from abandoned mine drainage treatment to nutrient reduction on agricultural lands to stormwater runoff abatement. They've far exceeded the original goal and have grown to become an invaluable asset to the Commonwealth.

 

In June, 2010, The Watershed Specialist program will be reaching a major milestone, its 10th anniversary. But the cause for celebration is dampened by funding clouds on the horizon. Through 2010, 80 percent of the cost of the Watershed Specialist positions are funded by the Growing Greener program. After that is uncertainty. This is indeed a disheartening prospect, especially given that Pennsylvania's enormously successful Growing Greener Program is such a unique animal in the world of state funded environmental initiatives.

 

How will the Watershed Specialists continue if Growing Greener funding ceases? The answer to that question appears to lie in Harrisburg.

 

In a 2006 Press Release, Gov. Ed Rendell commented about the value of Watershed Specialists:

"Local efforts are absolutely essential to the Growing Greener partnership. Watershed Specialists are an invaluable connection to restoring watersheds and promoting environmental protection at the local level --- helping us achieve continued success in cleaning up the environment and revitalizing our local communities."

 

Governor, we couldn't agree more! However, no concrete proposal has yet been advanced to keep these important positions funded.

 

In an effort to increase awareness and bring light to the value of the Watershed Specialists statewide, WPCAMR has joined forces with the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts to inform the public about Watershed Specialists and their good work. WPCAMR and PACD are currently in the process gathering more information from the Conservation Districts to share with you.

 

Our hope is to showcase the Watershed Specialists who continue to make positive environmental gains throughout the Commonwealth. Also, we invite you to share with us your own stories of how your county Watershed Specialist has helped you or your group to achieve success.

 

This Abandoned Mine Post series will continue over the next several months and as the strategy for advocating for continued support for the Watershed Specialists unfolds, you will learn of opportunities to make your voice heard in Harrisburg. A voice saying loud and clear, "Keep our Watershed Specialists."

 

Video Blog: Kim Lanich On The Ohio River Watershed Celebration

Abandoned Mine Posts are published by the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.