The county conservation district community and its partners met in Scranton from July 15-18 for the 60th annual Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. / State Conservation Commission Conference under the theme of “Conservation is Electric.”

At the PACD annual meeting several policy positions were adopted including:

· supporting the inclusion of “Environmental Education” in state and federal legislative acts;

· supporting an amendment to Senate Bill 1020 to include the practice of engineering in the scope of activities performed by conservation districts;

· supporting legislation to institute a flood control revolving loan program; and

· pursuing a surcharge on all bought and sold fertilizer in PA to supplement conservation district operations that should be an addition to current state and county funding levels for conservation district activities.

PACD delegates also elected new officers including President Larry Kehl (Berks), 1st Vice President Dr. Irvil Kear (Schuylkill), 2nd Vice-President Mary Ann Warren (Susquehanna), Secretary Andrew Gilchrist (Montgomery), and Treasurer Patricia Powley (Dauphin).

A number of educational opportunities were presented during the convention including an opening session where Bradford County Conservation District Manager Mike Lovegreen and Roger Spotts, Environmental Education Coordinator at Monroe County Conservation District presented “Promoting District Programs.”

The session promoted total community integration, and making community participation in district activities a priority. Additional educational opportunities included sessions and tours on topics such as acid mine drainage, renewable energy, and farm bill proposals.

Larry Kehl, President of PACD stated, “It is a real honor to be elected as President of PACD. Conservation districts are an integral part of most communities whether they are located in rural, suburban, or urban communities. I hope to continue promoting the great work accomplished by districts across the Commonwealth.”

Susan Marquart, Executive Director stated, “Our convention gave participants the opportunity to further education themselves on conservation issues, share ideas and solutions, and create sound conservation policies.”

Brenda Shambaugh, Government Relations/Policy specialist concluded, “The policy items our delegates passed will be forwarded to our elected leaders in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. so they understand the thoughts and concerns of conservation districts in Pennsylvania and the entire northeast.”

For more information on conservation districts, visit the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. and State Conservation Commission websites.

8/3/2007