Lycoming: 

Banquet Honors Work in County Conservation  

Throughout March and into April, conservation district managers and directors, along with representatives from the State Conservation Commission (SCC), the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), are meeting regionally to discuss ways to partner on environmental efforts, following up on local board development and learning from one another. 

"This spring's meetings had close to perfect attendance, meaning just about all districts were represented," said Robert Maiden, PACD Executive Director. "This is extremely important and demonstrates the health of the membership. We are working together to make a positive difference for the environment and I'm looking forward to our future."

Further, many districts discussed implementing the recommendations from Michael Kumer's presentation at the PACD Winter Meeting. If you have questions or need materials please contact PACD or look on the Manger's List serve for new materials managers are sharing. "The membership is capitalizing on the information we gained at the Winter Meeting," added Maiden.

The final region meeting will take place in the north east region on April 2.

A member of Gail's certified organic grass fed beef herd covered in hay.

Gail Phelps Smith has served eight years as a Farmer Director with the Lebanon County Conservation District which has recently become an independent district. Gail operates a 150-acre certified organic farm along the Swatara Creek, raising grass fed beef and organic dairy hay with her husband. She retired from the PA Department of Environmental Protection as a senior Regulatory Counsel in the waste, mining and water programs. 

The PA Envirothon needs you! As a reminder and a plea, the 2013 PA State Envirothon volunteer forms are due by Friday, April 5.  This year's event is taking place Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22 at Juniata College in Huntingdon County. 

 

We need your help! Please consider volunteering for one or more of the available positions for the 2013 state competition.  Every volunteer position is an integral component to a successful Envirothon. And remember, not only is this an educational opportunity for the students but one for all of the volunteers as well. 

 

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Kahler at wkahler@pa.gov or Lorelle Steach at paenvirothon@pennswoods.net.

 

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to seeing you at the 2013 Envirothon! 

The National Association of Conservation District's regional meeting will take place Sept. 15-17, 2013, at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Dover, Delaware. More information will be available as the date nears. Questions can be sent to Wendy Baker or Danielle Dills. 

Conservation district and PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) staff are invited to two upcoming trainings.

 

An Equine Training will be held on April 12th in Lewisburg at the Union County Government Building from 9am-3pm.

 

A Training on using RUSLE2 and DEP Conservation Planning Update Training is May 14th same location in Lewisburg in the training room. 

 

There is no cost to attend the trainings but please pre-register with Beth Rider at 570-524-2549.  

 

 

The Pennsylvania Association of Professional Soil Scientists (PAPSS) is looking to host a field seminar on Wednesday, April 24 or Thursday, April 25 at the Stoll Natural Resources Center in Wysox, PA. The seminar will include technical instruction along with field experience. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is $150 for non-PAPSS members and $100 for members. The seminar date will be confirmed by email once registration is processed. Contact Laurel F. Mueller at 570-924-3694 or Michael P. Callahan at 717-304-5218. To access the registration form, click here. For more information about PAPSS, visit www.papss.org.