News & Notes May 2005

PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference
Coastal Connections: Set Sail for New Horizons
The Avalon Hotel, Erie, PA
July 24-27, 2005

The PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference program has been completed and is in the process of being mailed. In the meantime, here are some highlights of the upcoming conference. (Please note that some activities are open to accompanying families. Check the family program for details.)

Sunday, July 24, 2005

• PACD Executive Board and DEP Region Directors Board Meeting
  
• Perch Fishing on Lake Erie with Captain Rick's Boat Excursions
  
• Silent Auction opens
  
• Welcome Session
  The keynote address, "Ghost Ships of Lake Erie" will feature Dr. David Frew of the Erie County Historical Society. Dr. Frew will discuss the pivotal role the Great Lakes, and Lake Erie in particular, played in the development of the North American continent.
  
• Sunset Beach Party, a hospitality suite hosted by Erie, Crawford and Jefferson Conservation Districts.

Monday, July 25, 2005
Monday is family fun day at the Erie Zoo. See family program for details.

• Opening Session
  Keynote speaker Secretary Kathleen McGinty, PA Department of Environmental Protection (Invited)
  
• PACD Conservation Issues Forum
  An open forum for PACD members to obtain and discuss current information and reports from PACD committees and other sources regarding issues of concern to conservation districts.
  
• Leadership Development Session: Fewer Meetings with More Impact!
  
• Panel Discussion: Running Conservation Programs in Tough Economic Times
  
• District Managers Meeting
  
• Hospitality Suite hosted by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

• PACD Memorial Breakfast
  
• Trip to the Tom Ridge Center and Presque Isle Waterworks
  
• PACD/SCC Awards Luncheon
  
• State Conservation Commission Meeting
  
• Host Night Banquet with entertainment by The Taffettas
  
• Hospitality Suite hosted by Mercer, Venango, Lawrence and Butler Conservation Districts

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

• PACD Region Directors and DEP Field Representatives Meeting
  
• PACD Executive Council Annual Meeting

In addition to all these activities the following committees will meet during the conference: District Employees, Endowment, Legislation, Finance, Soil and Water, District Operations, and Education and Youth. You will not want to miss the tours, sessions and the PACD Executive Council Annual Meeting. Visit http://www.pacd.org/events/JAC05/default.htm for more information on the conference. See you in Erie!

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