The PA Association of Conservation Districts this week hosted a conservation awards program to acknowledge efforts of individuals and organizations to further the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

The Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award, Conservation District Employee Excellence Award, and the PACD President’s Award were presented on July 21 in State College, Pa.

The Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award is given to a conservation district director or associate director for his or her outstanding volunteer efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

The 2009 award was presented to Dennis Beck, director at the Cambria County Conservation District for the past six years.

Recently Dennis showed his strong and enthusiastic leadership skills by procuring a $172,000 grant for the conservation district to treat an acid mine discharge on the Trout Run Stream in Portage Township, Cambria County. In addition to volunteering as a conservation district director, Dennis has been a clan energy advocate and organized the Trout Run Watershed Association.

The Conservation District Employee Excellence Award is given to a conservation district employee for his or her outstanding efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

The award was presented to Charlotte “Chotty” Sprenkle, Watershed Coordinator and Educational Coordinator for the Chester County Conservation District. She has been with the district for the past eight years where she has been involved in the Envirothon competitions for elementary through high school students. She has also developed educational projects that work to encourage everyday citizens to take action reducing water pollution. Her accomplishments set an example for all who work with her that one person can make a difference.

The PACD President’s Award was selected by PACD President Larry Kehl. The award is given to an individual, organization, or agency for their outstanding efforts that have resulted in furthering the accomplishments of the non-profit organization, PACD.

President Kehl presented the award to Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Water Management John Hines. Deputy Secretary Hines oversees statewide policy and program development related to all aspect of water management.

In this capacity Mr. Hines oversees activities related to nonpoint source pollution management, stormwater management, water allocation and planning, conservation districts, state water planning efforts, and overall water management. In all of these areas, Deputy Secretary Hines has shown his commitment and desire to promote policy initiatives mirroring conservation district goals and activities.

For more information, visit the newly redesigned PACD website.