The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, this week announced its endorsement and support of Senate Bill 1020 (Wonderling-R-Montgomery) which recodifies and updates Act 217, the law creating Pennsylvania’s conservation districts.

Act 217, first enacted in 1945, was enacted to enhance conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

Since 1945 numerous environmental changes have occurred throughout the Commonwealth. During the last 60 years the conservation district role in local communities has evolved as well. Many natural resource programs have changed, others have been created, and still more have been expanded to meet our citizen’s growing needs.

Throughout the last half century, however, one constant has been the presence of conservation districts and their willingness to assist local communities and citizens with their environmental concerns.

Today, conservation districts are such an integral part of the local natural resource protection agenda that Sen. Wonderling and the PACD have realized the need to again update Act 217, matching the growing responsibilities of conservation districts with the implementing law.

“This bill includes changes sought by PACD such as ensuring sufficient staff at the State Conservation Commission level, providing training and state assistance to conservation district staff, and updating the process for local conservation district board members to be appointed,” said Victor Cappucci, President of PACD. “It is an honor to support Sen. Wonderling in his efforts to assist conservation districts by introducing Senate Bill 1020 and allowing conservation districts to make even greater strides toward conservation stewardship. I would like to publicly thank Senator Wonderling for his leadership and willingness to make the Conservation District Law a legislative priority.”

Senate Bill 1020 designates conservation districts as the primary local government unit responsible for the conservation of natural resources in the Commonwealth. It specifically states that districts are responsible for implementing programs, projects and activities to quantify, prevent and control non-point sources of pollution.

An important provision incorporated into Senate Bill 1020 delineates the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environmental Protection in assisting the State Conservation Commission to fulfill its duties. The goal is to establish an improved system facilitating cooperation and coordination between the agencies to eliminate overlapping functions. A single point of contact will be established for the support, funding, administration and oversight of conservation districts.

For more information on conservation districts, visit the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts website.

7/13/2007