News & Notes March 2002

300 Attend Nutrient and Sediment Control Forum

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David E. Hess and Department of Agriculture Secretary Sam Hayes welcomed attendees to the first-ever Pennsylvania Nutrient Management and Sediment Control Innovative Technology Forum held Feb. 12 in Grantville, Dauphin County.

The forum, sponsored by 18 organizations and companies, featured 16 technical sessions and 50 speakers from Pennsylvania, as well as other states and countries, who covered a wide range of innovative nutrient- and sediment-control technologies and pollution-prevention practices relating to municipal wastewater and stormwater management, agricultural activities, bio-solids, and manure management.

Staff from the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) assisted with the planning and administration of the Technology Forum and managed the registration desk and the exhibit area throughout the duration of the event.

"There's a renewed concern about the environment and nutrient management," Secretary Hayes said. "This forum provided an opportunity for anyone interested in the subject, not just those closest to it, to learn about the latest challenges and technologies surrounding watershed management."

Approximately 300 local, state and federal officials, farmers, consultants, watershed groups, educators, technology vendors and other interested citizens attended the forum to learn more about how they can clean up streams and share their expertise.

A technology exhibition area showcased new and innovative technologies and techniques for controlling nutrients and sediments.

"The Forum proved to be a great success for all of the partnering agencies involved," said Susan Fox, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD). "Conservation district staff, farmers and private citizens who attended were provided with important insights to nutrient management and innovative technologies that are changing the way conservation practices are implemented in Pennsylvania."

For more information on the forum, visit DEP through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: "Innovative Technology Forum."

PACD Wraps Up Winter Region Meetings

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) recently concluded its seven winter region meetings, held throughout the state during the last six weeks. During these sessions conservation district directors and staff were provided with an update of conservation activities throughout the state.

PACD members in attendance were provided with an interactive conservation district director orientation program, conducted by Joanne Nardone, representing the "Building for Tomorrow," Leadership Development Committee of Pennsylvania's Conservation Partnership.
The program included a break down of the duties and responsibilities of a conservation district director, such as: participating in county statewide meetings and events, serving on statewide and county committees, advising district staff, handling district finances and managing the various district operations and programs. Also included was a thorough review of Act 217 - The Conservation District Law.

In addition, the directors were provided with an overview of the Conservation Partnership and the vast network of resources that are available to them for support, such as the DEP Regional Field Representatives, PACD, the State Conservation Commission, Penn State Cooperative Extension, as well as other conservation district personnel from across the state.

PACD Executive Director Susan Fox said, "The meetings proved to be a very worthwhile event for the new directors to attend. There was a lot to be learned from the orientation program and it was also very useful for the new directors to interact with district staff and directors from other districts in their region."

Experienced district directors regarded the orientation as a beneficial "refresher" of their many roles and responsibilities.

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