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Conservation district has broadened its scope
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SUNBURY — People quickly associate the Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) with farming.
In a world of “green” thinking, West Nile virus and a growing realization that water supplies aren’t endless, however, its workload and its scope have broadened considerably.
The district’s modest crew of seven full-time and one part-time employees want county residents to know they are dealing issues that affect all citizens, not just those connected to agriculture.
The NCCD offices are along Plum Creek Road, just outside of Sunbury.
“When people hear the county Conservation District, they thinking of farming only. But we have grown so much,” said Judy Becker, district manager for NCCD.
“We want people to know we are here to help, and we will get answers,” she added.
Formed in 1943
The NCCD was formed in 1943 under the Conservation District Law and is one of 66 throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Formerly called the Northumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, it was formed in reaction to the Dust Bowl, to give farmers advice about proper farming procedures, Becker said.
Governed by a seven member board of directors, the purpose of the Conservation District is to promote protection, maintenance, improvement and wise use of land, water and other natural resources.
Among the many programs within the NCCD, they are also at the forefront of any state or local legislation affecting any conservation issues.
In the early 1990s, the NCCD began to expand its focus from farming to watershed organizations. Cleaning up the local water sources will affect the Susquehanna River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay, Becker said. The Susquehanna River alone contributes more than 50 percent of the Bay’s fresh water.
As each employee discussed their role in the NCCD, a common thread among the employees emerged — each said education is key in conservation.
Environmental Education Program
Jaci Lucas, who is the education coordinator for the NCCD, strives to bring to attention and provide education regarding timely conservation issues.
A relatively new edition to the NCCD, there are programs for the farming community, students and the population in general.
Lucas, most recently, has been working with a summer youth program in conjunction with Penn State Extension. For grades seven through 12, she organized a Youth Agriculture Conservation and for those in kindergarten through second grade, a program called Ag-citment.
Other programs include high school and middle school Envirothons, National Wildlife Week presentations, Birth of a Tree, Water Quality Education, Soil Stewardship Week, Contractors Workshop, Winter Conference, Educator Workshops, Furman Foods Poster Contest and Scholarships.
Topics for many educational programs are recycling and conservation in general, soils, forestry, aquatics and wildlife.
The NCCD will also be hosting two Twilight Meetings, one on each end of the county. The meetings cover the most up to date issues that the farming community may be dealing with, such as bio-fuel options and pesticide regulations.
Many of the educational programs through the NCCD work in conjunction with state agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Agriculture and Fish and Boat Commission.
Lucas, who lives on a dairy farm in Klingerstown, said she feels lucky to be combining her education degree with her farming experience.
Chesapeake Bay/Nutrient Management Program
Because much of Pennsylvania lies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, cleaning up the local waters is a concern for Conservation Districts across the state.
The purpose of this program is to reduce sediment and nutrient loading by assisting landowners in implementing the installation of Best Management Practices to correct existing manure and nutrient problems from agricultural operations.
Amy Croll, Chesapeake Bay and Nutrient Management Technician, is involved in the management and implementation of many projects.
For example, with the Cover Crop Grant, a farmer agrees to keep a crop planted in a field for five years and receives a stipend for the first two years.
The purpose of this grant is to keep a crop planted over the winter months so the soil is less likely to erode.
In another program, Croll has 10 farmers who will be receiving a partial grant to install roof gutters onto their barns.
The purpose of the roof gutters is to prevent rain water runoff from mixing with manure and dirt and ultimately polluting a water source.
In addition to many other programs, Croll also designs and reviews Nutrient Management plans, which is a plan for the manure that is produced on a farm. The state Nutrient Management Act requires all concentrated animal operations that have 2,000 pounds or more of animal weight per acre to submit a Nutrient Management plan to the conservation district for review and approval.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Adam Voorhees, Erosion and Sediment Technician, issues and reviews Natural Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits, which regard storm water discharge from construction activity.
Voorhees also performs site inspections to ensure the plans are properly implemented.
In addition to Voorhees’ many responsibilities, he is also the Dirt and Gravel Roads Coordinator. This program is designed to fund environmentally sound maintenance of unpaved roadways that have been identified as sources of sediment pollution.
He is also the county Gypsy Moth Coordinator.
Watershed Specialist
Jaci Harner, watershed specialist, implements programs to provide education to improve stream waters in Northumberland County.
She works with Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance and also the Little Shamokin Creek Watershed Association, two area volunteer watershed groups.
Some of the challenges that Harner has to combat involves agriculture erosion, sedimentation and stream bank stabilization.
Harner said she wants to educate the public about things they can do to save their stream banks.
Stream bank erosion is a pollution problem because with land eroding away, creating sediment, and affecting aquatic life, even small streams will eventually effect the Susquehanna River and eventually there will be less fish life in rivers and oceans.
With a phone call to the NCCD, Harner can guide a homeowner as to what to do with their eroding stream banks.
“People can make small changes and education is the key to know about causes and effects,” she said. One example of a tool to begin to save a creek bank would be to make them “no mow” zones. The vegetation along the bank will keep the dirt from sliding into the water.
Harner also teaches the building of fish habitat structures, which also work to stabilize a stream bank.
“We can help people that don’t live on farms because they still impact the environment and we all need to be responsible about that. Education is the key and with it we can make informed decisions,” she said.
Agland Preservation
With more and more farms disappearing each year, the NCCD developed a program to save viable farm land so that it can only be used to farming purposes.
According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture County Profile, the number of farms is down eight percent from 1997.
According to Becker, who is the Agland coordinator, the NCCD has purchased easements on 1,730 acres of farming, protecting them from development.
There is a backlog of more than 50 farm owners who would like to have their land secured, Becker said.
West Nile Virus Program
The newest program to enter the array of programs in the NCCD is the West Nile Virus Program.
Peter Ackley, along with Mason Ritter, who is a part-time employee of NCCD, work to education the community about the virus, survey possible areas of infestation and also control of any areas that are determined to be at risk.
Ackley said education explains what is happening with the mosquitoes in the county, details the life cycle, prevention and also answer questions to provide peace of mind.
With more than 50 types of mosquitoes in Pennsylvania alone, Ackley said only about 10 types actually carry the virus.
In high risk area, Ackley will test the type of mosquito and determine if a control is necessary. He surveys more than 140 sites throughout the county.
Tree Sale
Finding funds is one of the biggest challenges for each of the programs in the NCCD. Funding, which has flatlined for the last 10 years, comes from a variety of agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“We are literally doing programs on pennies,” Becker said.
In 2008, the NCCD sold 21,000 trees to 252 people out of the Rockefeller Township building.
Not only is the sale a chance to pull in some funds, it is a chance for educating the public and promoting the planting of trees, Becker said.
The seventh employee at NCCD is Shirley Snyder, administrative assistant. Snyder aids in the organization of the office, answers telephone calls and assists customers.
Also located in the NCCD building is the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Each of the agencies work together to accomplish a common goal — conservation.
To contact the NCCD, call, 570-286-7114, ext. 4.
Prevention and Control of West Nile Virus
Eliminate standing water, which is where mosquitoes breed.
Dispose of any refuse that can hold water, such as tin cans and used tires.
Drill holes in the bottom of a recycling container and check uncovered junk piles.
Clean clogged roof gutters each year and check storm drains, leaky faucets and window wells.
Do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths or any other ornamental pools.
Northumberland County Conservation District Board of Directors:
John Kopp, chairman, farmer director
Leon Wertz, vice-chairman, farmer director
Kurt Masser, commissioner director
John Pfleegor, farmer director
Michael Erdley, public director
David Crowl, public director
Cyril Shaffer, farmer director
In a world of “green” thinking, West Nile virus and a growing realization that water supplies aren’t endless, however, its workload and its scope have broadened considerably.
The district’s modest crew of seven full-time and one part-time employees want county residents to know they are dealing issues that affect all citizens, not just those connected to agriculture.
The NCCD offices are along Plum Creek Road, just outside of Sunbury.
“When people hear the county Conservation District, they thinking of farming only. But we have grown so much,” said Judy Becker, district manager for NCCD.
“We want people to know we are here to help, and we will get answers,” she added.
Formed in 1943
The NCCD was formed in 1943 under the Conservation District Law and is one of 66 throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Formerly called the Northumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District, it was formed in reaction to the Dust Bowl, to give farmers advice about proper farming procedures, Becker said.
Governed by a seven member board of directors, the purpose of the Conservation District is to promote protection, maintenance, improvement and wise use of land, water and other natural resources.
Among the many programs within the NCCD, they are also at the forefront of any state or local legislation affecting any conservation issues.
In the early 1990s, the NCCD began to expand its focus from farming to watershed organizations. Cleaning up the local water sources will affect the Susquehanna River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay, Becker said. The Susquehanna River alone contributes more than 50 percent of the Bay’s fresh water.
As each employee discussed their role in the NCCD, a common thread among the employees emerged — each said education is key in conservation.
Environmental Education Program
Jaci Lucas, who is the education coordinator for the NCCD, strives to bring to attention and provide education regarding timely conservation issues.
A relatively new edition to the NCCD, there are programs for the farming community, students and the population in general.
Lucas, most recently, has been working with a summer youth program in conjunction with Penn State Extension. For grades seven through 12, she organized a Youth Agriculture Conservation and for those in kindergarten through second grade, a program called Ag-citment.
Other programs include high school and middle school Envirothons, National Wildlife Week presentations, Birth of a Tree, Water Quality Education, Soil Stewardship Week, Contractors Workshop, Winter Conference, Educator Workshops, Furman Foods Poster Contest and Scholarships.
Topics for many educational programs are recycling and conservation in general, soils, forestry, aquatics and wildlife.
The NCCD will also be hosting two Twilight Meetings, one on each end of the county. The meetings cover the most up to date issues that the farming community may be dealing with, such as bio-fuel options and pesticide regulations.
Many of the educational programs through the NCCD work in conjunction with state agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Agriculture and Fish and Boat Commission.
Lucas, who lives on a dairy farm in Klingerstown, said she feels lucky to be combining her education degree with her farming experience.
Chesapeake Bay/Nutrient Management Program
Because much of Pennsylvania lies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, cleaning up the local waters is a concern for Conservation Districts across the state.
The purpose of this program is to reduce sediment and nutrient loading by assisting landowners in implementing the installation of Best Management Practices to correct existing manure and nutrient problems from agricultural operations.
Amy Croll, Chesapeake Bay and Nutrient Management Technician, is involved in the management and implementation of many projects.
For example, with the Cover Crop Grant, a farmer agrees to keep a crop planted in a field for five years and receives a stipend for the first two years.
The purpose of this grant is to keep a crop planted over the winter months so the soil is less likely to erode.
In another program, Croll has 10 farmers who will be receiving a partial grant to install roof gutters onto their barns.
The purpose of the roof gutters is to prevent rain water runoff from mixing with manure and dirt and ultimately polluting a water source.
In addition to many other programs, Croll also designs and reviews Nutrient Management plans, which is a plan for the manure that is produced on a farm. The state Nutrient Management Act requires all concentrated animal operations that have 2,000 pounds or more of animal weight per acre to submit a Nutrient Management plan to the conservation district for review and approval.
Erosion and Sediment Control
Adam Voorhees, Erosion and Sediment Technician, issues and reviews Natural Pollution Discharge Elimination System permits, which regard storm water discharge from construction activity.
Voorhees also performs site inspections to ensure the plans are properly implemented.
In addition to Voorhees’ many responsibilities, he is also the Dirt and Gravel Roads Coordinator. This program is designed to fund environmentally sound maintenance of unpaved roadways that have been identified as sources of sediment pollution.
He is also the county Gypsy Moth Coordinator.
Watershed Specialist
Jaci Harner, watershed specialist, implements programs to provide education to improve stream waters in Northumberland County.
She works with Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance and also the Little Shamokin Creek Watershed Association, two area volunteer watershed groups.
Some of the challenges that Harner has to combat involves agriculture erosion, sedimentation and stream bank stabilization.
Harner said she wants to educate the public about things they can do to save their stream banks.
Stream bank erosion is a pollution problem because with land eroding away, creating sediment, and affecting aquatic life, even small streams will eventually effect the Susquehanna River and eventually there will be less fish life in rivers and oceans.
With a phone call to the NCCD, Harner can guide a homeowner as to what to do with their eroding stream banks.
“People can make small changes and education is the key to know about causes and effects,” she said. One example of a tool to begin to save a creek bank would be to make them “no mow” zones. The vegetation along the bank will keep the dirt from sliding into the water.
Harner also teaches the building of fish habitat structures, which also work to stabilize a stream bank.
“We can help people that don’t live on farms because they still impact the environment and we all need to be responsible about that. Education is the key and with it we can make informed decisions,” she said.
Agland Preservation
With more and more farms disappearing each year, the NCCD developed a program to save viable farm land so that it can only be used to farming purposes.
According to the 2002 Census of Agriculture County Profile, the number of farms is down eight percent from 1997.
According to Becker, who is the Agland coordinator, the NCCD has purchased easements on 1,730 acres of farming, protecting them from development.
There is a backlog of more than 50 farm owners who would like to have their land secured, Becker said.
West Nile Virus Program
The newest program to enter the array of programs in the NCCD is the West Nile Virus Program.
Peter Ackley, along with Mason Ritter, who is a part-time employee of NCCD, work to education the community about the virus, survey possible areas of infestation and also control of any areas that are determined to be at risk.
Ackley said education explains what is happening with the mosquitoes in the county, details the life cycle, prevention and also answer questions to provide peace of mind.
With more than 50 types of mosquitoes in Pennsylvania alone, Ackley said only about 10 types actually carry the virus.
In high risk area, Ackley will test the type of mosquito and determine if a control is necessary. He surveys more than 140 sites throughout the county.
Tree Sale
Finding funds is one of the biggest challenges for each of the programs in the NCCD. Funding, which has flatlined for the last 10 years, comes from a variety of agencies such as the Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.
“We are literally doing programs on pennies,” Becker said.
In 2008, the NCCD sold 21,000 trees to 252 people out of the Rockefeller Township building.
Not only is the sale a chance to pull in some funds, it is a chance for educating the public and promoting the planting of trees, Becker said.
The seventh employee at NCCD is Shirley Snyder, administrative assistant. Snyder aids in the organization of the office, answers telephone calls and assists customers.
Also located in the NCCD building is the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Each of the agencies work together to accomplish a common goal — conservation.
To contact the NCCD, call, 570-286-7114, ext. 4.
Prevention and Control of West Nile Virus
Eliminate standing water, which is where mosquitoes breed.
Dispose of any refuse that can hold water, such as tin cans and used tires.
Drill holes in the bottom of a recycling container and check uncovered junk piles.
Clean clogged roof gutters each year and check storm drains, leaky faucets and window wells.
Do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths or any other ornamental pools.
Northumberland County Conservation District Board of Directors:
John Kopp, chairman, farmer director
Leon Wertz, vice-chairman, farmer director
Kurt Masser, commissioner director
John Pfleegor, farmer director
Michael Erdley, public director
David Crowl, public director
Cyril Shaffer, farmer director
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