A Message From the Manager

                        What's Current in Conservation ?

What’s new in conservation for 2009?  Everyone seems to ask me this question when I’m at local meetings or talking with associates. Here are some current conservation issues.

 Foremost, the economic crisis has significantly impacted development; there is a big slowdown in residential and industrial land development. But plans for infrastructure projects involving roads, bridges, and utilities continue coming in for review.  Also we expect more activity in reclaiming former mine lands and addressing mining related water issues since there has been a significant increase in funding for those programs. A new federal Farm Bill promises significant funding for landowners for erosion control, water quality, waste management, forestry and wildlife.

 Natural gas well drilling and pipeline construction will finally arrive in Lackawanna County this year. The District staff has attended training and anticipates quite a bit of involvement with permitting and compliance.  It appears the first gas well activity will take place in the northernmost townships.

 As always, the District is working with education. Staff member Alana Roberts focuses efforts with school students, teachers, scouts, and watershed groups. Charlie Miller works with farmers eager to learn about soils, pasture management and no till. Technicians Stiles and Matechak work to educate township supervisors, engineers, earthmoving contractors.

 Finally, with an economic slowdown comes lower tax revenue which will undoubtedly result in cuts to some State and local programs. Hopefully the political leaders will needed  services to the citizens, landowners, and municipal governments of Lackawanna County.