News & Notes April 2007

PACD Sets Legislative Agenda

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) held a Capitol Day Legislative Conference on March 12, 2007, focusing on key legislative issues important to conservation districts across the Commonwealth. Nearly 200 participants attended the event, including representatives from county conservation districts, members of the PA House and Senate, and members of the Governor's cabinet.

Several legislative issues were discussed including the need to obtain consistent and sufficient funding for conservation district activities and staff, amendments to the Conservation District Law, and landowner liability legislation.

"These issues are vital to Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts," stated Victor Cappucci, President of the PACD. "We spoke with our friends in the PA General Assembly explaining the importance of these legislative initiatives."

Susan Marquart, Executive Director of PACD, added, "The focus of our Capitol Day activities is to bring forth ideas and generate enthusiasm for our concerns. This successful event is an extension of an ongoing dialog between the Conservation Districts and our elected leaders."

Prior to the luncheon two workshops were presented concerning the challenges of passing legislation in today's Pennsylvania General Assembly compared to other years, and several legislative highlights including:

Funding for the Conservation Districts
A review of the Operation and Structure of County Conservation Districts released on June 7, 2005 by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee concurs with the position of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) that Pennsylvania's conservation districts are under funded. The study recommends that the state should pay 50% of the costs for certain conservation district staff positions. Additionally, 30 conservation districts are currently administering the Chapter 105 program without a state appropriation. Funding is needed to reimburse those districts and to expand the program to other counties.

Amendments to the Conservation District Law
Conservation districts administer a wide array of delegated and contracted state programs with a number of funding sources. To update and strengthen Act 217, and continue to meet the conservation needs of the Commonwealth, two major enhancements were suggested as amendments to the Conservation District Law: increasing the capacity of districts to deliver locally led conservation; and further defining and strengthening the State Conservation Commission.

Dedicated Funding for the Conservation Districts
PACD is talking with members of the PA General Assembly and the Administration concerning dedicated funding for conservation districts. As was referenced above, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report recommends that the PA General Assembly strive to meet the State Conservation Commission's policy of 50% funding for the district managers and technicians. Districts are continuously undertaking more responsibilities and program implementation with less funding. By instituting a dedicated funding source, districts will be guaranteed a funding base and PA citizens will be guaranteed continuing technical assistance to further their land stewardship activities.

Landowner Liability
PACD is promoting legislation strengthening current landowner liability law to protect landowners who invite individuals onto their land for recreational purposes. A recent Lehigh County civil court case (Burns v. Wetzel) involved a hunting accident in which a farmer was held partly liable for the acts of a hunter that was invited onto his property. While the case was ultimately settled out of court, it accentuated the necessity of landowner protection. Recently introduced legislation, HB 13 and HB 74, enhance current landowner safeguards.

Pennsylvania Secretary of the Budget, Michael Masch, offered the keynote address at the Capitol Day luncheon. He stated that he "understands what conservation districts do and the important role they play." He also recognized the importance of agriculture in the Commonwealth. Secretary Masch gave the group an overview of the financial status of the Commonwealth. He stated that 86% of the state budget is spent on education, medical assistance, and other human service programs. Transportation issues are a major concern for the Pennsylvania Budget Secretary. He stated that the Pennsylvania should be spending approximately 1.16 billion more per year on transportation issues. "Overall," Secretary Masch concluded, "Pennsylvania is a state with enormous potential, but with enormous challenges."

Other highlights of the luncheon were the announcement of Senator Noah Wenger as the recipient of the PACD Legislator Recognition Award. (Full article on page two). Also Senator Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) and Representative Mike Hanna (D-Centre) presented resolutions recognizing March 12, 2007 as Conservation District Day in the Commonwealth.

Victor Cappucci, PACD President, receives
Senate and House Resolutions declaring
March 12, 2007 as “Conservation District Day.”
From left to right: Representative Michael
Hanna, Victor Cappucci, Senator Michael
Brubaker

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