SMETHPORT — Recognized by both the Pennsylvania State House and Senate, April 10-16, has been declared “Conservation District Week.” Locally, the McKean County Commissioners will issue a proclamation for “Conservation District Week” at their meeting today.
“Conservation District Week celebrates and highlights McKean County Conservation District’s 60+ years of the development, improvement and conservation of the County’s soil, water and related resources as well as educating the community in various conservation and environmental practices and methods,” said Blaine Puller, district chairman.
The McKean County Conservation District was declared a District by the Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 19, 1959 under the provision of the Soil Conservation Law, Act 217. This Law enacted in 1945 gives Districts broad powers to provide services, employ and manage staff, charge fees for services, own and manage property, and authorizes Commonwealth agencies (including counties) to cooperate with District in carrying out programs.
The District is administered by a board of seven Directors, Blaine Puller, chairman, Jeff Larson, vice-chairman, Cliff Lane, commissioner director, Kerry Fetter, Ken Kane, Chase Miles and Greg Bell.
“These volunteer directors are your neighbors who are working to prevent pollution in your backyard. That deserves to be celebrated,” stated District Manager Sandy Thompson.
District Directors are appointed by the County Commissioner from a list of names submitted by countywide nominating organizations. The Commissioners also designate one of their members to serve as a Director.
Puller stated, “The board identifies local conservation needs, decides which programs and services to offer, and develops a strategic plan.”
The current strategic plan focuses on three objectives to achieve goals — protect, maintain and improve McKean County’s natural resources (water resources, agriculture, and erosion and sedimentation control); market and increase awareness of conservation district programs and functions, and provide educational outreach (marketing and outreach); and develop resources to sustain and enhance the conservation district and the County’s natural resources.
Staff members include Thompson, Lindsay Trojanowski, resource conservationist, and Adam Causer, watershed specialist.
The District brings funds from a wide variety of sources into the county to complete projects large and small for environmental improvement. While McKean County provides a portion of the District’s budget, for each dollar the county provides the District brings another $24.97 for project work. The staff provide technical assistance to farmers, landowners, municipalities and anyone in need. They coordinate a variety of conservation projects to improve the environment and educate citizens about our natural resources.
For more information on the McKean County Conservation District go to their website at www.mckeanconservation.com.
