MaryAnn Warren, Second Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts testified this week before the House Appropriations Committee concerning funding for the 66 Pennsylvania conservation districts.

Other witnesses included testimony by Dennis Wolff, Secretary Department of Agriculture, Brian Dietrich, PA Farm Bureau, Dr. Timothy LaSalle, Rodale Institute and Archie Trader, a sheep farmer.

“Today’s conservation districts have evolved to provide expertise in almost every area of natural resource conservation. Conservation districts continue to help people and communities manage the natural resources in their area,” Warren stated. “They provide landowners with the knowledge and the experience to successfully implement state law and regulatory requirements on their land and agricultural operations.”

Funds for Pennsylvania conservation districts are appropriated on the local and state level. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and the State Conservation Commission have indicated that 50 percent of certain personnel financing should be state appropriated, and 50 percent county funded.

Typically the Commonwealth does not provide 50 percent of the costs. In Westmoreland County, for example, 76 percent of the total conservation district funding is derived from the county and only 14 percent comes from the state.

PACD is advocating an $ 11.615 million state appropriation in the 2008-2009 fiscal year for conservation districts. Last year the state appropriated less than one-half of these much needed funds. The Governor’s proposed 2008-2009 budget also calls for significantly less funding than PACD believes is needed to adequately provide technical assistance.

Ms. Warren also told House Appropriations Committee members that future consideration should be given to provide conservation districts with a dedicated source of funding.

“Dedicated funding would greatly simplify conservation district annual budgeting processes,” Warren stated. Additionally Ms. Warren distributed a paper entitled, “Achieving Pennsylvania’s Energy Independence Goals While Strengthening Conservation in Pennsylvania; The Critical Role of Pennsylvania’s Conservation Districts.”

This report shows that Conservation District technical services will be increasingly necessary as emphasis on bio-fuel production alters farm operations and the need for updated and improved conservation plans.

Warren concluded, “An additional $10 million will be necessary for the next 5 years to assist the Commonwealth as we strive to become a leader in renewable energy resources.”

Link: Full Copy of PACD Testimony Presented

PACD 2008-09 Budget Request

2/22/2008