News & Notes July 2005

PACD welcomes findings of Legislative Budget and Finance Committee; Vows to work with state officials to enhance conservation district services

On June 7, PACD commended the state Legislative Budget and Finance Committee for its in-depth study of Pennsylvania's 66 county conservation districts, their growing workload in managing land and water resources and their need for adequate funding to accomplish their vital mission.

"We are extremely pleased that the General Assembly has conducted this important study of our conservation districts and their efforts to protect our water and natural resources," said PACD President Jarrett Miller. "The study confirms what conservation districts and the PACD has been saying for years - Pennsylvania's conservation districts are under-funded."

The legislative study noted that the Conservation District Fund Allocation Program appropriation is intended to cover 50 percent of certain personnel costs, but only covers approximately 40 percent. The study recommended the General Assembly provide one appropriation directly to the State Conservation Commission at a level sufficient to meet the 50 percent funding goal.

In fiscal year 2004-05, Miller noted that DEP budgeted $3.55 million as its share for the Erosion and Sedimentation Program. However, the Governor's proposed budget for 2005-06 provides only $3.1 million for the program. The actual need for this program in 2005-06 would be $5.3 million for DEP to meet its commitment to fund half the costs of the program.

The legislative study also recognized that DEP has stopped funding the efforts of county conservation districts in assisting applicants with permits under the Waterways and Encroachment Program. That left conservation districts with no alternative but to stop managing the program or pay for it themselves. PACD is asking DEP to provide $825,000 for this program in next year's budget.

The legislative study also investigated other conservation district programs and the oversight provided by the 11-member State Conservation Commission. The PACD plans to closely review the study and discuss its recommendations with officials and staff from the State Conservation Commission, DEP and the Department of Agriculture, as well as local officials.

"This extensive report on conservation districts contains many insightful findings and recommendations," PACD President Miller said. "We look forward to working with state and county officials to improve our services and enhance our water and natural resources programs."

A link to the full report is available at http://lbfc.legis.state.pa.us/.

NACD Northeast Area Meeting to Address 2007 Farm Bill

There is still time to register for the National Association of Conservation Districts Northeast Area meeting to be held at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpoint, NJ from August 7-10. The theme will be "Building a Conservation Program for the 21st Century."

Sessions will focus on how the Northeast region can leverage funds in the 2007 Farm Bill for urban renewal and urban interface projects. Each state will provide a report on how they are working with the current Farm Bill program. Bruce Knight has been invited to attend and speak about the NRCS strategic plan and success and shortcomings of the 2002 Farm Bill. Tours, exhibits, and hospitality rooms are scheduled in addition to the regular sessions.

To reserve a room for the conference call 1-800-228-9290 and ask for the NACD Northeast Conference room block. The room block expires July 27. The room rate is $158.46 per night.

For a registration form, visit http://nacdnet.org/meetings/NE/. Be sure to register by July 31 for the reduced registration rate.

Vote on Important Issues Affecting Your Conservation District July 27!

Make sure your conservation district is represented at the PACD Executive Council Annual Meeting on July 27, 2005 at the Avalon Hotel, Erie, PA. In addition to the election of officers, two important items will be voted on: the changes to the PACD Bylaws and the draft PACD budget for fiscal year 2005-2006. Each conservation district and each voting delegate was sent a copy of these items for advanced review. Voting delegates should be prepared to cast their votes on July 27.

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