The PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. hosted a conservation awards program this week to acknowledge efforts of individuals and organizations to further the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

The awards were presented at the 61st Annual PACD/JCC Joint Conference.

The 2008 Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award was presented to Patricia Sueck, director at the York County Conservation District for the past eighteen years.

She has held various offices in PACD, including president, and remains the only female president in the association’s history. At the national level, Sueck represents Pennsylvania in the National Association of Conservation Districts and is chair of the northeast NACD board of directors.

The Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award is given to a conservation district director or associate director for his or her outstanding volunteer efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

The Conservation District Employee Excellence Award was presented to Gerald M. Heistand, assistant to the administrator of the Lancaster County Conservation District. He has been with the district for the past twenty-five years in a variety of positions and has organized and hosted tours for conservationists from other states and nations.

The Conservation District Employee Excellence Award is given to a conservation district employee for his or her outstanding efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

The PACD President’s Award was given to the Pennsylvania Fair Share for Clean Water Coalition.

In addition to PACD, the Coalition includes the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Pennsylvania Builder's Association. The Coalition created the PA Fair Share for Clean Water Plan - a funding proposal to support the needs of Pennsylvania farmers and municipalities faced with the challenges of meeting state and federal clean water mandates.

The award, selected this year by PACD President Larry Kehl, is given to an individual, organization, or agency for their outstanding efforts that have resulted in furthering the accomplishments of the non-profit organization.

For more information, visit the PACD website.

8/1/2008