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News & Notes January 2008
All Bay Meeting Encourages Continued
Efforts to Reach Pollution Reduction Goals
With each December comes the All Bay Meeting - an opportunity for those
with a vested interest in positive outcomes for the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
to gather together. By providing an opportunity for attendees to network
and learn about new programs, the Meeting prepares attendees to better
face the challenges that come with preserving and improving the health
of the Bay. This year's meeting was attended by 134 people: in addition
to representatives from thirty-four Conservation Districts and the PACD,
attendees included staff from the PA Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Geological
Survey, Delaware Maryland Agribusiness Association, Pennsylvania State
University (PSU), State Conservation Commission (SCC), US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR).
Rich Batiuk, Associate Director for Science at the EPA, was the keynote
speaker. While providing current statistics on the health of the Chesapeake
Bay, Batiuk noted, "A tremendous reduction has been made in Nitrogen,
Phosphorus, and sediment." He commended participants for their
work to date and reminded them that it will only be through their continued
hard work that "we will get closer to the 2010 goals."
Steve Taglang, Conservation District / Nutrient Management Division
Chief of the DEP, followed with a presentation on the future direction
of the PA Bay Program. According to Taglang, "Monitoring stations
in the Susquehanna River Basin indicate decreasing pollutant trends."
Because Governors in the Bay jurisdictions express concern that the
2010 goals may not be reached, Taglang emphasized that gatherings such
as the All Bay Meeting are essential for sharing methods for accomplishment
and discussing strategy.
The morning's general session included these diverse presentations:
(1) ACRE Action Packet/Baseline Compliance: This resource packet helps
farmers make a good faith effort in protecting water quality and is
available by contacting Steve Taglang at staglang@state.pa.us,
(2) A Basic Conservation System Initiative/Farm Bill Update: This presentation
encouraged conservation districts to help promote the Core 4 practices
of no-till, nutrient management, integrated pest management, and buffers/covers,
since "Seventy to eighty percent of agricultural runoff affecting
water quality can be controlled using these practices," according
to NRCS representative Craig Derickson, (3) Alternative Uses of Manure:
The presentation covered the use of a manure matching tool developed
by Penn State University to facilitate manure movement, and (4) The
Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Tax Credit Program: This
overview provided an update on the program, including eligibility requirements
and funding guidelines. More information is available at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/REAP.
The "Conservation Districts Activities in the Spotlight" session,
which has historically been a highlight of the Meeting, rounded out
the morning. The three topics covered this year were: "Working
with Different Audiences," "Streambank Work for Private Landowners,"
and "Non-Ag Best Management Practices." Speakers were on hand
during the afternoon networking session to elaborate on their topics.
The afternoon schedule primarily involved breakout sessions. These sessions
included the "New Technicians Breakout" (one of the most highly
rated sessions of the event), "Agriculture and Energy," "Conducting
Successful Workshops/Field Days," "DEP Water Quality/TMDLs,"
and "Connecting with the Equine Industry." Feedback from attendees
indicates that future meetings should continue to include breakouts
as the format allows for more in-depth presentation and time for discussion.
The day ended with a wrap-up by Steve Taglang (DEP). He encouraged participants
to continue protecting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed by returning to
their work with all their existing experience and all the new information
and strategies derived from the day. By all indications, participants
will do just that. Feedback from one participant sums it up, "Excellent
topics and presenters; very worthwhile use of time."
A link to the presentations and handouts from the 2007 All Bay Meeting
are posted on the PACD website at www.pacd.org. Anyone interested in
serving on the 2008 All Bay Meeting Planning Workgroup should email
Kathleen Banski at kathleen-banski@pacd.org.
Eight Chesapeake Bay engineers and technicians were recognized with
"Old Bay Guys" longevity awards. Their combined experience
totals over 140 years of service.
Conservation Districts Mourn
Loss of NACD President Olin Sims
National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) President Olin
Sims died unexpectedly in an accident on his ranch in McFadden, Wyoming
on December 7, 2007. If conservation districts wish to send a memorial
gift to NACD, it can be sent to:
NACD Endowment Fund
Attn: Arthur Ganta
509 Capitol Ct., NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
The NACD Executive Board has named Steve Robinson as acting NACD president
until the Board of Directors meets in February.
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