Franklin County Commissioners Robert G. Ziobrowski, David S. Keller, and Robert L. Thomas present Ernie Tarner (3rd from left) with a citation for his commitment to improving our communities through conservation and environmental initiatives throughout his more than 30 years with the conservation district. Photo by Scott R. Metzger.

After more than 30 years of service, Ernest "Ernie" Tarner, Manager of the Franklin County Conservation District is retiring. On Dec. 6 the Franklin County Board of Commissioners recognized Ernie with a citation.

The citation states, "Ernie's hard work, common sense approach, proficient level of knowledge and sound leadership have ensured the success of all the programs under the District's oversight."  He was also recognized for his service on many committees, including PACD's.

While Ernie will be missed, we wish him a happy retirement of snowmobiling, camping, fishing, and spending time with his five grandchildren.

On Saturday December 1, more than 30 student volunteers from local schools gathered to clean up Kelley Road in Warrington, which was listed as an illegal dump site in 2011. The site was covered with approximately three tons of trash. After a hard day's work, the volunteers successfully removed over 200 discarded tires as well as various bottles, cans and scrap metals. Keep Bucks Beautiful is a partnership between Greenbelt Overhaul Alliance of Levittown and Bucks County Conservation District.

For more information about the KPB Illegal Dump Survey click here. For more information about the Bucks County Conservation District, visit www.bucksccd.org. 

Watershed Specialist Adam McClain explains to legislators why Adams County Conservation District's groundwater, stream flow and precipitation monitoring programs are important. He is pictured using a groundwater model to demonstrate the following concepts: hydrologic cycle, how stream flow and groundwater are connected, water table, nonpoint source pollution movement in groundwater, and how groundwater withdraws affect the water table.

The Adams County Conservation District hosted their second annual Legislative Tour on November 28. Participants included House Representatives Dan Moul and Will Tallman along with aides representing Senator Richard L. Alloway II and Congressman Todd Platts.

"This tour provided us the opportunity to explain some of the District's many activities and projects," said Larry Martick, Adams County Conservation District Manager. "Each of these initiatives plays an integral role in our efforts to sustain the county's economy while conserving our soil and water resources."  

The bus tour highlighted four District activities including the PA Fish and Boat Commission's Trout in the Classroom Program, agricultural compliance, the Rock/Marsh Creek Act 220 Critical Area Resource Plan and Best Management Practices (BMP) for erosion and sediment control and stormwater management from the new 35-acre Gettysburg Middle School project. During each stop, District staff explained the successes as well as upcoming challenges with each project.

From left to right: Volunteers Blaine Puller, Steve Sherk, Kerry Fetter, Lindsay Shine, Heather McKean, Frank Weeks and Sherry Dunmire begin loading trash collected along Route 6. Photo courtesy of the McKean Conservation District.

The McKean Conservation District recently joined PennDOT's Adopt-A-Highway program to protect and preserve a two-mile stretch of Route 6 West in Smethport.

"The Adopt-A-Highway program is an effective way of removing trash and debris from areas throughout our home communities," said Sandy Thompson, McKean Conservation District Manager. "By volunteering four times a year, we're able to aid the community and return our pocket of the commonwealth back to its beautiful aesthetic state."

On October 18, members of the District's board along with staff from the Upper Allegheny Watershed Association (UAWA) and other community service workers participated in their first clean-up effort. 

For more about the Adopt-A-Highway program, click here.