Front Page e-Newsletter
April 12, 2021
Registration Opens for Section 319 Virtual Watershed Planning and Implementation Meeting
The Section 319 Virtual Watershed Planning and Implementation Meeting will take place from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on May 19 and 20, 2021. The event is open to entities involved in Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management projects, including conservation district staff, DEP and EPA staff, incorporated watershed associations, counties, municipalities, councils of governments; 501(c)(3) non-profits, educational institutions, and municipal authorities.
 
Click here for more information and to register.
Drone Footage Captured for Clean Water Academy 
PACD Software Specialist Nick Yeagy obtained his pilot’s license and is now flying a drone. The drone will take footage for training in the Clean Water Academy. Nick was at a construction site in Lebanon County on March 31, 2021, to capture video for training modules under development.
 
Photo caption: PACD Software Specialist Nick Yeagy (left) operates a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone while PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Jay Braund (right) looks on.
USDA Announces May 7 Application Cutoff for CSP Classic; Organic Opportunity
The next deadline for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) applications to be considered for funding this year is May 7, 2021. Organic operations should take a look at CSP as PA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) received funds designated for an Organic category of this program.
 
Through CSP, NRCS helps farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land. CSP also encourages the adoption of new technologies and management techniques. Benefits may include increased crop yields, decreased inputs, wildlife habitat improvements, and increased resilience to weather extremes.
 
While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their applications are considered for 2021 funding.
NACD Announces $13 Million in 2021 Technical Assistance Grants 
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced $13 million in new technical assistance grants that will continue conservation assistance to communities in over 400 conservation districts in 48 states and territories.
 
These funds will support over 425 full- and part-time individuals, resulting in the equivalent of approximately 238 full-time staff. The awards announced will leverage more than $3.83 million of matching funds and will support resource technicians, conservation planners, program support specialists, and technical specialists based on the local needs and priorities identified by state leaders. These funds will support current projects for an additional 12 months beyond their previously awarded funding.
 
In Pennsylvania, Bucks County Conservation District, Jefferson County Conservation District, Lehigh County Conservation District, Northampton County Conservation District, and Tioga County Conservation District received additional funding.
 
Click here to read more.
Conservation Districts in the News
Upcoming Events
April 12-15, 2021 (online portion)

April 16, 2021 | 10:00 a.m. to Noon
PACD North East Region Video Conference
Email mburns@pacd.org for the registration link.