Adams:

The Communications, Public Relations & Marketing Tips Series

This image shows words conservationists use in our profession. Use the Conservation Vocabulary List developed by PACD to find the related layman's terms to use when writing for the public.

The Conservation Vocabulary List can be used when writing about conservation for the general public. Using "lessen" instead of "mitigate", when appropriate, could help readers understand what you are trying to convey.Former PACD intern, Jessica Espenshade, developed a Conservation Fact Sheet as well as a

Both materials are available online for your use.  

When writing for the public, aiming for an 8th grade reading level is standard. Readability can be checked using www.readability-score.com. Once you open the browser, simply cut and paste your text into the form and the grade level appears on the right. For example, "mitigate" comes up as 22nd grade reading level while "lessen" measures as a 7th grade reading level.

Also, there is a readability statistics feature available in Microsoft Word. Here is a great website we found that will walk you through how to turn on this feature within your word file: http://grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleId=14250.

Do we use readability for Front Page? Not usually. We understand that our audience is mostly environmental professionals so we don't use the readability tests. However, when writing for the general public, readability is a useful tool in helping you get your message out to even more residents in your home areas.  We hope you find both of these websites useful as you look to increase your reach throughout your districts.

2014 NACD Poster Contest Materials Available

A combined Pa. Fish and Boat Commission and Somerset Conservation District survey crew electrofish the 1.3 miles of Quemahoning Creek downstream from the Quemahoning Reservoir. Photo by Aimee Steele.

The Somerset Conservation District has been a significant component of the major resource conservation initiatives occurring in the Quemahoning Creek watershed in Somerset County for over 20 years.  Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) abatement projects, stream bank stabilization and the public acquisition of land and water have all lead to restored recreational opportunities and economic benefits.

In 2012, the district began to address the remaining 1.3 miles of Quemahoning Creek below the Quemahoning Reservoir in order to restore in-steam habitat which had been eliminated in the early part of the 20th Century. The district requested and received $58,000 from the Foundation for PA Watersheds GenOn Settlement Fund. The district also requested and received additional funding support from the Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project, Mountain Laurel Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Somerset County Sportsmen's League and the Boswell American Legion bringing the grant total to $65,000.

The project will restore habitat through the placement of rocks, root wads and log vanes that will provide cover for fish and create the substrate for aquatic insect life to prosper as well.  District Manager Len Lichvar comments that, "This project will combine with the coldwater conservation release coming from the reservoir and the fingerling trout stocked by the PA Fish and Boat Commission to create the state's newest tailwater trout fishery that will add yet another key recreational and sustainable economic opportunity for the entire region."

The project will begin in late summer.  For more information click here.