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PA Assn. Of Conservation Districts Recognizes Conservationists Across Pennsylvania

On July 19, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts recognized conservationists from across the state at their annual conference in Harrisburg.

“Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts and their partners work tirelessly to ensure we have enough clean water and healthy soil for future generations. Today, we took time to recognize some of these outstanding individuals,” said Brenda Shambaugh, PACD Executive Director. “Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition.”

The 2023 PACD honorees are as follows:

-- Legislator Leadership Award - Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster): 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.

Senator Martin was nominated by the Lancaster County Conservation District. As Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Martin is a strong advocate for conservation efforts across the state.

Senator Martin worked to enact the legislation that created the new statewide Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program which represents a $154 million investment to help improve water quality and soil health.

Senator Martin was also instrumental in providing additional funding to conservation districts for their operational needs through the state budget process.

-- President’s Award - Tarara Peffer and Piper Sherburne: 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.

Tamara Peffer

Tammie is the Environment & Ecology Curriculum Advisor at PA Department of Education. President Stagen wanted to recognize Tammie for being a champion of science, especially as we navigated the changes to the Science Curriculum standards for our state.

She has also been a great support person to conservation districts statewide for innovative information and resources, many which have been highlighted through our Education and Outreach Committee.

Piper Sherburne

Piper is PACD’s South East Region Director and Chair of the Berks County Conservation District board. Piper is being recognized for her tireless and valiant efforts to eradicate the spotted lanternfly in Pennsylvania.

She is known locally, statewide, and now nationally for her knowledge and input regarding this invasive pest. She is a formidable voice to stop invasives across the Commonwealth.

-- Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award - Thomas Boldin (Centre 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.

Tom served on the Centre County Conservation District Board continuously since at least 1971. He entered farming at an early age, having grown up on a dairy farm and later making the transition to owning his own farm.

In his 50+ years of service to the District, Tom has served as chairman, vice-chairman and has also served on various committees. In the early days, Tom even assisted with the daily operations of the District in the absence of a Manager.

-- Conservation District Employee Excellence Award - Michele Long (Pike 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.

Michele has been with the district for 20 years serving in multiple roles. She is a state leader, respected and listened to by her fellow managers and employees throughout the Commonwealth.

She currently serves as chair for the Northeast Region Managers meetings and statewide breakfasts, and helps lead the PACD Managers Meetings that take place virtually each month.

She is always ready to offer support and assistance to other managers, both old and new, and took a lead role in working with other managers to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

-- Conservation District Trash Champion - Washington County Conservation District: Conservation districts were challenged to compete to see who could collect the most trash during the months of April and May.

The Washington County Conservation District collected 15.6 tons of trash and 746 tires. Congratulations to the Washington County Conservation District for winning this award three years in a row!

-- 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

-- Russell Ryan, Resource Conservation Supervisor, Adams

-- Bill Zavislak, Chesapeake Bay Engineering Assistant, Lackawanna

35 Years of Service

-- Tim Matechak, Erosion and Sedimentation Technician (Retired), Lackawanna

-- James Pillsbury, Hydraulic Engineer, Westmoreland

45 Years of Service

-- Barry Travelpiece, Engineer (Retired), Columbia

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

(Photo: PACD North Central Region Director Dr. Robert Shannon, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Richard Negrin, Senator Scott Martin, Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Greg Hostetter, and PACD President Kelly Stagen.)

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-- Scranton Times Editorial: Don’t Let State Off The Hook On Stormwater Fees

-- Reading Eagle: Reading’s Youth Interns Clear Storm Drains After July 9 Storm

-- Brodhead Watershed Association Aug. 27 Ramble, A Day Of Outdoor Adventures And Educational Programs in Monroe County