FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2006
Contact: Kristin Ebersole
(717) 787-3817
kebersole@pasen.gov
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Waugh and Wenger Convene Senate Agriculture Committee Hearing 

Role of Conservation and Conservation Districts in PA is Topic of Discussion

YORK – Wednesday, Senators Mike Waugh (R-28) and Noah Wenger (R-36), Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, held a committee hearing as part of their continuing efforts to "Preserve the Pennsylvania Farmer" through their Farmers First Agenda. 

This was the fourth hearing in a series to be held with respect to the Farmers First Agenda, and yesterday's discussion centered on:

• The role of conservation and Conservation Districts in Pennsylvania
• Laws affecting how conservation districts are managed and funded
• Senate Bill 1323, a comprehensive proposal sponsored by Senator Wonderling amending the Conservation District Law
• Senate Bill 1286, sponsored by Senator Wenger, establishing the Resource Enhancement and Protection Tax Credit.

"Local Conservation Districts in Pennsylvania provide a multitude of invaluable services to our communities," said Waugh.  "They work closely with county, local, state and federal agencies to implement programs that promote stewardship and responsible use of our land, water and other natural resources." 

Some of the services the state's 66 Conservation Districts provide are mandated by law for farmers and landowners, or are required in order to participate in other government programs.  Therefore, Senator Wonderling's SB 1323, which is supported by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, was a topic of discussion at today's hearing. 

"We want to ensure the bill is on the right track with respect to making necessary and feasible changes to the Conservation District Law," said Waugh.

In order to assist agricultural producers with the implementation of conservation measures, Wenger and Waugh also asked the testifiers at yesterday's hearing to comment on SB 1286, their Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) proposal.  The bill would establish a program to provide state tax credits worth up to $150,000 per farm to producers who install conservation practices. 

"All the discussion on the REAP proposal has been very positive so far, and I think the time is right to find sustainable sources of funding for conservation practices on Pennsylvania farms," said Waugh. 

During the hearing Waugh also reflected back on the conservation-related accomplishments already realized through the Farmers First Agenda.  First, Wenger and Waugh were successful in streamlining and consolidating the funding received by the State Conservation Commission for the Local Conservation Districts, the result of which is Act 110, signed by the Governor on July 7, 2006. 

Additionally, through the leadership of Senator Wenger in particular, funding was secured for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission to develop and implement their agricultural consumptive water use project.  This project promises to clean up and restore impaired waterways, as well as to meet the Commonwealth's agricultural operators' compliance requirements under the SRBC's consumptive water use regulations, without further burdening the farmer. 

"Overall, I am very proud of the success we have seen through the Farmers First Agenda, and after today's hearing I am confident we will see continued success, especially with respect to conservation efforts across the Commonwealth," said Waugh.  He also thanked the Governor and his colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives for their support and assistance in realizing many of the goals of the Farmers First Agenda, stating "our success is proof that in Harrisburg we recognize the importance of our agricultural and rural communities." 

The following individuals testified at today's hearing:

• The Honorable Dennis Wolff, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
• The Honorable Cathleen Myers, Deputy Secretary for Water Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
• Karl Brown, Director, State Conservation Commission
• Brenda Shambaugh, Government Relations/Policy Specialist, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts
• Mr. Mark Kimmel, Administrator, York County Conservation District
• Mr. Don McNutt, Administrator, Lancaster County Conservation District
• Mr. Walt Peechatka, Executive Vice President, PennAg Industries Association
• Mr. Lamonte Garber, PA Senior Agricultural Consultant, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Ms. Marel Raub, PA Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Commission