The State Conservation Commission recently recognized four individuals and three districts for their conservation efforts in the Commonwealth.

“Conserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources is a top priority for the commonwealth,” said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “With the leadership and guidance of those who support our programs, we are able to implement conservation practices that will protect Pennsylvania for future generations.”

William Lange of Clarks Summit was awarded the State Conservation Commission’s 2007 Distinguished Service Award.

Each year, the award is given to an individual who demonstrates service and leadership to the commission and/or conservation districts. Lange dedicated 38 years to promoting responsible stewardship in Lackawanna County and by serving as a member of the commission, the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts and the National Association of Conservation Districts.

Two recipients earned the Conservation Leadership Awards – Ron Rohall, Westmoreland Conservation District, and John Dawes, Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program – for their efforts in promoting the reauthorization of the Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Lands Campaign Fund.

As a result of their efforts, the Commonwealth will receive about $1.4 billion over the next 15 years for abandoned mine reclamation. Rohall, who lives in Rector, is a director for the Westmoreland Conservation District and chairs the Ohio Water Resources Regional Committee. Dawes, who lives in Alexandria, is the administrator of the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program and recently received the 2007 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

Ron Rohall was also recognized with the Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award.

Thomas Dakin of West Chester University is the recipient of this year's Auxiliary Scholarship that provides a scholarship annually to a college student from Pennsylvania majoring in agriculture, environmental studies or conservation.

Dakin, a junior at West Chester University, is majoring in environmental health.

“The PACD Auxiliary is very pleased to award Thomas Dakin the PACD 2007 Auxiliary Scholarship of $500, towards his senior year at West Chester University," PACD Auxiliary President Sharon Sweitzer said. "His studies in environmental health and advanced level courses, such as wastewater process and design, environmental site assessments, industrial waste management, and air pollution control to name a few, convinced us this young man has a bright future ahead in protecting the environment.”

Other awards by the Commission included the District Director Attendance Award which recognizes the efforts of Pennsylvania’s 66 conservation districts working at the local level. Nearly 500 directors volunteer their time to help plan, direct and assist with programs to protect their county’s resources. Topping the list with the highest rate of director attendance is Columbia County, followed by Potter and Lawrence counties.

The departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection oversee the State Conservation Commission, an 11-member panel that provides oversight and support of the state’s 66 county conservation districts.

The commission also enforces the Nutrient Management Act program and supports the local administration of the state Dirt and Gravel Roads Maintenance Program, and several leadership development and public outreach and education programs.

For more information on county conservation districts, visit the PACD website.

7/27/2007