News & Notes August 2004

PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference Highlights

The PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference was held July 25-28 at the Wyndham Pittsburgh Airport in Coraopolis, PA. In addition to the awards luncheon (see page 1) the following were highlights of the conference.

Conservation Issues Forum, July 27, 2004

• Dave Reed, PA Department of Environmental Protection provided tips for conservation districts when providing disaster assistance. Dave urged districts to meet their Emergency Management Manager and explain to them what districts do. Also, learn what is funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and what their timeline is for declaring a disaster.

• Fred Fiscus, PA Department of Environmental Protection explained a new resource for districts in the DEP Website called the "County Conservation District Niche." Information is available on this site for programs such as 105, 102, NPDES and PNDI. The website will be updated as time permits. Check it out at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/ccd/default.htm

• Russ Wagner, PA Department of Environmental Protection gave an update on the Pennsylvania Nonpoint Source program. The program is currently being updated by the NPS Liaison Workgroup. After a draft is complete the document will have a 45 day comment period. In March 2005 the document will have a final review. After that, it goes to the Environmental Protection Agency. To request a copy of the draft, email pellison@state.pa.us.

• Ron Rohall, Westmoreland County Conservation District introduced DEP's Small Water System Technical Assistance Board. There is a need for someone to represent PACD on this advisory board to DEP. More information can be found at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/advcoun/techctr/techctr_2003.htm

PACD Executive Council Meeting, July 28, 2004

• The PACD Executive Council voted to adopt a 5% dues increase for July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005. A committee has been appointed to investigate alternate methods to determine dues paid by conservation districts.

• The name of the building fund has been changed to PACD Capital Fund. The goal of the PACD Capital Fund is $300,000. A balance of $35,000 will be kept in the fund at all times for maintenance and improvements to the PACD Headquarters Building.

• Elections were held. The officers will remain the same for the coming year:

President - C. Jarrett Miller (Erie)
1st Vice President - Victor Cappucci (Wyoming)
2nd Vice President - Larry Kehl (Berks)
Secretary - George Hildenbrandt (Centre)
Treasurer - Porter Duvall (Jefferson)
NACD Director - Patricia Sueck (York)

• The silent auction and raffle raised $1,169 for the PACD Capital Fund.

• The 2005 Joint Annual Conference will be held July 24-27, 2005 at the Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA.

• The PACD listserve for Directors will also be made available to Associate Directors. Conservation Districts will be asked to annually submit names and e-mail addresses of those who wish to participate.

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