News & Notes January 2003

Right to Know Law Changes Affect Conservation Districts

Recent changes to Pennsylvania's Right to Know law create new responsibilities for conservation districts, including tight timeframes for responding to requests for public records and monetary sanctions for failure to comply.

The Right to Know law says that government agencies must provide access to public records requested by Pennsylvania residents. The law specifically defines public record; and, over time the courts have interpreted this definition, leading to various "rules of thumb." Generally, a public record is a document containing a final decision and includes documents which are essential elements to that decision. A nutrient management plan and supporting documents are one example.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the State Conservation Commission are drafting interim guidelines to assist districts in implementing the new legal requirements. Also, DEP's "Interim Public Access to Information Policy" is on the web at www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/pubaccess. Districts are not required to follow this policy but may find it a useful reference until district-specific guidelines are available.

NACD Meeting Will Look at Farm Bill, Smart Growth

You can still register for the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) 57th Annual Meeting, February 9 - 13 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida. With the theme "Conservation: Imagine the Future," the conference will address two major issues, Farm Bill implementation and smart growth, as well as a host of other topics.

Keynote speaker Jim Woolsey will challenge conservation district officials to recognize their role in America's homeland security during his presentation "America's Energy Strategy." Woolsey has held presidential appointments in two Democratic and two Republican administrations. A practicing attorney in McLean,Virginia, he is a frequent speaker on international policy issues.

To register for the conference, go to the NACD website at www.nacdnet.org or phone 202-547-6223.

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