On January 29, Chesapeake Bay Foundation will present its Conservationist of the Year Award to former Sen. Noah Wenger for his tireless efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania agriculture.

Among his many accomplishments, Sen. Wenger is credited with spearheading the state’s farmland preservation program, launched in 1989.

Pennsylvania now leads the country in the total number of acres permanently protected, and last month month achieved the significant milestone of 3,000 farms preserved.

After 30 years of public service, Sen. Wenger - a respected voice for agriculture, champion of farmland preservation and Chesapeake Bay Commissioner - retired from the Pennsylvania General Assembly in November. He is now focusing his attention on family pursuits, including a 105-acre farm in Stevens, Lancaster County, after a distinguished legacy of conservation.

Sen. Wenger also served as Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state legislative commission dedicated to advising the General Assemblies of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania on matters of Bay-wide concern.

CBF’s PA Executive Director, Matthew Ehrhart, commended Wenger for finding common ground among environmental and agricultural interests. “CBF understands that healthy watersheds and a healthy bay depend largely on well-managed farms remaining profitable. An important part of Sen. Wenger’s legacy is that thousands of Pennsylvania farm families have a more secure future.”

Sen. Wenger was the prime sponsor of the bipartisan Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) proposal in the Senate last session that would give farmers tax credits for installing best management practices to reduce sediment, nutrient and stormwater runoff from farms.

“The agriculture industry is a driving force in Pennsylvania's economy. We need to continue looking for ways to help farmers maintain profitable businesses as we ask them to meet increasing standards in environmental and conservation practices,” said Sen. Wenger. “The REAP Tax Credit will provide this necessary support for agriculture producers, and in turn make Pennsylvania a cleaner and greener place to work and live.”

CBF will present Sen. Wenger with the award at the historic Civic Club of Harrisburg along the Susquehanna River on January 29.

Video Blog: CBF Helping Farmers Help the Environment

1/19/2007