PACD Front Page 09.09.13

The Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) hosted a kayak trip down the Susquehanna River on August 29 to showcase the positive impacts district projects have had on the river.

PACD Executive Director Robert Maiden joined Representative Kurt Masser (R-107), Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108), and staff from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA Game Commission on the four-mile trip.

One of the projects highlighted on the trip was the work on Little Shamokin Creek. NCCD received $195,000 in Growing Greener funds to help with the project. NCCD staff spoke to the importance of the project and the connection of water to the area during the day's trek.

"We wanted to make very clear to our legislators and the media that the projects and work we do has an ultimate impact on the Susquehanna River," said Judy Becker, NCCD District Manager. "The river is a great treasure, and by taking them out to experience a fun activity such as kayaking, we hope they realize how important the river is to everyone. With Fish and Boat Commission, State Parks, and Jim Charles (a Susquehanna River historian) along, we knew they could also provide information emphasizing the critical role the river plays in our area."

Click here to read news coverage of the event.

When asked if this could become a yearly event, Becker added,

PACD Executive Director Robert Maiden on the river. Photo provided by NCCD.

"We received such a positive response from everyone who attended the event that we are seriously considering making this an annual outing. I personally

cannot think of a more fun way to educate our legislators and media about the importance of water quality."

Photos from Berks Tour Posted on Flickr
As reported in the September 3 issue of Front Page, Berks County Conservation District hosted a Tulpehocken Creek Celebration tour on August 29. Click here to view a slideshow of photos from the tour.

Building a Buzz for Your Project

The Communications, Public Relations & Marketing Tips Series

Why create buzz? Creating buzz and getting people actually talking about your projects will allow you to reach audiences you may otherwise never access. It's almost like the telephone game. I tell one person who tells one person who tells one person, etc. We need to maximize our partnership outreach efforts, creating buzz in order for even more people to connect the dots between their actions at home and having enough clean water for consumption, recreation and the environment.

We've put together a guide on why word of mouth is a powerful tool and how to identify those who can help you build buzz for your projects. Click here to view this resource.

Check Out the Homeowners Guide to Stormwater Video and Booklet

Check out Penn State's Homeowners Guide to Stormwater resources. The 14 ½-minute video follows along with the booklet.

These resources would be great for a homeowner's workshop or other event. To view the video in sections, click here.

NRCS Trains Conservation Planners
September 23 - 27, State College

NRCS will train a dozen conservation planners attending a week-long field based workshop starting September 23rd in State College. Five attendees from NRCS, four from conservation districts and three from private entities will demonstrate their knowledge and skills in providing conservation planning assistance.

Walking along a local farmstead, pastures and crop fields and adjacent other agricultural lands, they will show instructors they know how to analyze natural resource conditions, develop feasible alternatives to address identified concerns and opportunities, and advise landowners and business operators to make wise decisions for meeting their conservation objectives. After completing the training, attendees who submit an acceptable conservation plan and are recommended by a NRCS District Conservationist will be certified to provide conservation planning assistance for NRCS programs.

Susquehanna River Town Workshop Taking Place Sept. 30, 2013

Join the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Bloomsburg University for the Susquehanna River Towns Workshop: Creating Greener, More Flood Resilient Communities.

This workshop will help municipal leaders and residents understand why residents are experiencing more frequent and severe flooding and what can be done to help minimize future flooding. Experts will present examples of successful programs of using green infrastructure and floodplain ordinances to help control flooding and beautify communities. State and federal agency representatives will present information on technical assistance and funding programs for green infrastructure projects.

The event will take place at Bloomsburg University in 345 Kehr Union Building. Registration cost is $15 and includes lunch.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.susquehannagreenway.org/river-towns-workshop-sept-30.

World Water Monitoring Day

Sept. 18, 2013 is World Water Monitoring Day. Established in 2003 by the America's Clean Water Foundation, the designation was established to build public awareness about protecting the world's water resources. In 2012, this initiative was taken a step further to include a World Water Monitoring Challenge. For more information about the challenge and how your district can participate, please click here.

National Farm Safety and Health Week

As we head into harvest time, it is important to remember basic safety on and around the farm. September 15-21 is National Farm Safety and Health Week. This year's theme is "Working Together for Safety in Agriculture." Together we can farm productively and stay safe throughout the season. If your district is planning an event during National Farm Safety and Health Week, please email a photo and caption to brandi-davenport@pacd.org for inclusion in an upcoming edition of Front Page.