News Release

Blair Commissioner Honored for Service to Conservation District

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) is proud to announce John H. Eichelberger Jr., of Blair County, as the recipient of the 2002 PACD County Commissioner District Director of the Year. Since taking office in 1996, Eichelberger has built a reputation in Blair County as a strong supporter of the county conservation district and a stout advocate of agricultural land preservation.

"I doubt that you could find another commissioner in the state with a better attendance record than Commissioner Eichelberger," said Donna Fisher, Manager of the Blair County Conservation District. "Throughout his tenure he has been an active participant with the district board and a strong financial supporter of the Blair Conservation District."

During the time that Commissioner Eichelberger has served on the district board, countywide district operations have grown substantially, the number of staff workers has increased and the district budget has increased by more than 65 percent. He was instrumental in assisting the district to secure funding to create a new staff position for a Conservation District Watershed Specialist, while guiding the advancement of the current district positions.

In addition to his commitments to conservation district activities, Commissioner Eichelberger maintains close ties with numerous conservation-minded organizations and committees. He serves as the Blair County delegate to the Southern Alleghenies Resource, Conservation and Development Council and as an advisor to the Blair County Agricultural Land Preservation Board.

"Commissioner Eicheberger is a lifelong resident of Blair County, has a thorough knowledge of his constituents and is willing to engage in poignant discussions on conservation district programs," Fisher said. "He continues to provide the district with valuable insight to county policy and maintains a hands-on approach to district activities and leadership. Under his leadership, the Blair Conservation District has thrived and continues to grow and expand."

Commissioner Eichelberger will be officially recognized when he receives a commemorative plaque from the PACD during the awards banquet at the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Annual Conference, at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Aug. 7, 2002.

The PACD annually presents the County Commissioner District Director of the Year Award to a county commissioner member of a conservation district board who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of county conservation districts at the local, state, or national levels.

The award is a part of the annual PACD Conservation Awards Program, which honors individuals and organizations that have helped to promote or conduct conservation efforts in Pennsylvania. For more information on the Awards Program visit the PACD website at www.pacd.org. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring a category should call the PACD office at (717) 238-7223.