News & Notes January 2005

Winter Region Meeting Preview

Be sure to attend the upcoming PACD Region Meetings to stay informed of issues at the state and regional level. All county conservation district Directors are invited to attend their region meeting to learn about current issues affecting districts.

The meetings will feature program updates from PACD and the State Conservation Commission (SCC). PACD will also be discussing changes to its bylaws. Each region meeting will also include a Leadership Development topic and discussion of current issues in your region.

Keep informed of current issues affecting districts by attending your region meeting. Mark your calendar today!

January 21, 2005
South East Region Meeting

January 24, 2005
South Central Region Meeting

February 1, 2005
Central Region Meeting

February 2, 2005
South West Region Meeting

February 3, 2005
North West Region Meeting

February 15, 2005
North East Region Meeting

February 16, 2005
North Central Region Meeting

DEP Changes State Reimbursement Under CREP

Due to limited funding, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will no longer provide the state reimbursement funds for all eleven of the conservation practices covered under the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). As of February 1, 2005, the DEP will only provide cost-share reimbursement for the following CREP practices: CP22 Riparian Forest Buffers, CP23 Wetland Restoration, and CP29 Marginal Pastureland Wildlife Habitat Buffer (Natural revegetative riparian buffer). Reimbursements for these practices will remain at the current rate. The DEP will concentrate their limited resources on these practices which it determined will most significantly benefit Pennsylvania's waters and watersheds.

These program revisions will not affect farmers who enter into contracts, sign offers, or appear on the County CRP2C waiting lists before January 1, 2005. They will only apply to new contracts executed on acres offered after January 1, 2005. While not all conservation practices will be covered for a state match, farmers and other landowners will still receive the federal portion (50%) for all eleven conservation practices covered under the CREP program.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year from the PACD Staff!

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