News & Notes February 2006

PACD Issues Forum

Ombudsman Program - This program involving public relations, education and mediation covers the entire state. Amanda Ritchey and Shelly Dehoff can help districts with funding and logistics in organizing farm tours and conducting workshops.

Growing Greener I and II - Growing Greener I is funded from $4.25 tipping fee on municipal waste. Money from Growing Greener I can be used for projects, administration and salaries. Growing Greener II is funded through $625 million in bond funds. Growing Greener II money can be used for physical improvement projects to land. It cannot be used for salaries unless it is for actual improvements (construction, etc.).

Riparian Forest Buffer Protection Agreement - This tool for permanently protecting riparian forest buffers states what improvements and activities are prohibited. It makes clear to the owners what they may and may not do. A final draft is currently being worked on for this program.

Partnering Opportunities with DCNR Office of Conservation Science - This division ensures that science is included as the basis for decision-making. The Wild Resource Conservation Program offers Research and Implementation grants for recovery and pilot projects, cross-species issues and broad habitat projects reaching the general public. Conservation districts may apply to receive these grants which average $30,000 per project. The deadline is June 30. The grants are awarded in October. The Office also conducts a "Biodiversity in Local Parks" program which helps parks focus on natural resources and not just athletic fields. Conservation districts may suggest local parks to the Office for the program, help remove invasive species from selected parks, or partner with the Office to conduct workshops. Conservation districts are asked to review their annual plant sale and make sure they are not selling invasive species. The Office also has educational materials available that may be of interest to districts.

Special Session on Agricultural Compliance and Nutrient and Sediment Trading

The presenters of the Special Session on Agriculture Compliance and Nutrient and Sediment Trading take questions from the audience. Attendees were most interested in the timeline and logistics of the Nutrient and Sediment Trading program.

Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control Compliance in Lancaster County - The conservation district board of directors sets the tone for compliance. There is a big difference between compliance with farms (takes longer, sometimes there is a lack of education about regulations) and compliance with construction sites (usually takes 30 days).

Nutrient Management Program Compliance - The State Conservation Commission's first goal is compliance. However, they do follow through with enforcement if necessary.

Agricultural Compliance and Trading Baseline - The current definition is confusing and developing a clear, concise description of agricultural compliance is important.

Nutrient Trading Policy - The trading program is statewide. For every trade, 5% of credits will go into reserve in case of a natural disaster. The program is now open and ready to accept proposals.

A lot of policy work and information sharing was accomplished at the PACD Winter Meeting. Copies of the updated PACD Policies will be sent to voting delegates for review in advance of the next Executive Council meeting in July. They will also be posted on the PACD website, www.pacd.org/about/policies.htm

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