During its online Annual Conference July 29, the PA Association of Conservation Districts recognized the conservation work of 11 individuals and districts.

“PACD is honored to announce the recipients of its 2021 awards. During the past year, Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts continued to ensure enough clean water for everyone. Today, we recognize individuals for their efforts going above and beyond,” said Brenda Shambaugh, PACD Executive Director. “Congratulations to all on this Recognition.”

2021 Honorees

The 2021 PACD honorees are--

-- Legislator Leadership Award - Sen, Gene Yaw (PA 23rd District), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

This award is presented to legislators recognized for their outstanding efforts to further the activities and accomplishments of the state's conservation districts or PACD on a statewide basis.

The Sullivan County Conservation District nominated Sen, Yaw. He has played a vital role and participated in the conservation districts programs in his region.

Sen. Yaw is proactive when it comes to conservation and the agricultural community. In addition, Sen. Yaw is the Chairman  of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. He is also a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission and Environmental Quality Board.

-- President’s Award - Lisa Jo Suhr

Selected by PACD Executive Board President, this award is given, at the discretion of the President, to an individual, organization, or agency in recognition of their outstanding efforts that have resulted in furthering the accomplishments of PACD.

Lisa Jo Suhr PACD President Mike Price selected Lisa Jo Suhr for this award is because of her almost 20 years of faithful service to PACD. During her tenure as Director of Operations, she handled all of our accounting operations. She was always willing to help the staff, conservation districts, and partners if needed. In 20 years, all of her financial audits were excellent.

-- Maurice K. Goddard Award for Excellence in Environmental Recreation - DCNR Secretary City Adams Dunn

The award is intended to recognize and reward individuals or organizations at the administrative level for their efforts in environmental recreation.

Cindy Adams Dunn was nominated by the Adams County Conservation District. Cindy currently serves as Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and has an impressive environmental and natural resource activity history.

Early in her career, Cindy was Program Director of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in the 1980s and 90s, when awareness of the impacts of Pennsylvania watercourses on the Bay was in its infancy.

Ms. Dunn and other Alliance staff created partnerships with Conservation Districts that led to the extensive engagement of citizens in water quality issues on the local level.

Many conservation districts across the state have benefited from the eight Conservation Landscape Areas and the grants and partnership networking they provide. This was Cindy's brainchild when she was in charge of DCNR's Conservation and Technical Services.

The common element to her service in her many roles has been enthusiasm, the inclusion of citizens, the creation of partnerships capable of accomplishing goals, and strong personal dedication.

This award is given based on her extensive contributions and accomplishments in environmental resources and recreational opportunities. She truly exemplifies the qualities and administrative abilities the Goddard award was created to recognize.

-- Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award - Bob Robinson (Wyoming County)

This award is given to a conservation district director or associate director for their outstanding volunteer efforts, which have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

Bob Robinson has been with the Wyoming County Conservation District for around 25 years and Board Chairman for many of those. In addition, he served on the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation District Board and as Vice Chairman and North East Regional Director.

Bob is a "giver," which can be easily understood when his record of community involvement is examined. He currently serves as Tunkhannock Borough Council President.

He was a vital part of the Tunkhannock Tree Association and Shade Tree Commission. He has a long service history with the Triton Hose Company in Tunkhannock. He also represents PACD and served on the Board of Directors of the Penn State College of Ag Sciences Alumni Society.

-- Conservation District Employee Excellence Award - Matthew Golden (Washington County)

This award is given to a conservation district employee for their outstanding efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

This year's award winner, nominated by the Washington County Conservation District, is Matthew Golden. Matthew has been with the Washington County Conservation District for 13 years.

He is the Erosion & Sedimentation Technician and has risen to lead this department. He also served as the Dirt & Gravel Road Coordinator.

The district staff count on Matt as a trusted resource for conservation information and a friendly helping hand when needed. His work ethic is beyond reproach, and his dedication and loyalty are unmatched.

Matt has completed more lessons in the Clean Water Academy than any other district employee in the state, and he helps develop new lessons for the Academy. Matthew Golden is a trusted resource for Pennsylvania!

-- Conservation District Trash Champion - Washington County Conservation District.

New this year, conservation districts were challenged to compete to see who could collect the most trash.

The Washington County Conservation District collected 40 bags of trash and hundreds of tires! As a result, they will receive the inaugural Trash Champion Award.

-- Conservation District Employee Service Recognition Awards

The Conservation District Employee Service Recognition Awards recognize conservation district employees for their years of dedication to conserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

30 Years of Service--

-- Brian Sneeringer, Adams County Conservation District

-- James Coslo, Centre County Conservation District

-- Debra Dressler, Juniata County Conservation District

-- Donald Williams, Somerset Conservation District

35 Years of Service--

-- Anthony Quadro, Westmoreland Conservation District

Click Here for the complete announcement.

Questions should be directed to Brenda Shambaugh, Executive Director, PA Association of Conservation Districts, 717-238-7223 or send email to: bshambaugh@pacd.org.

For more information about the work of the state’s 66 conservation districts, visit the PA Association of Conservation Districts  website. You can also follow PACD on Facebook.

(Reprinted from PACD’s latest newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

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