HARRISBURG - The Pike County Conservation District participated in a Capitol Day Legislative luncheon focusing on key legislative issues important to conservation districts across the Commonwealth.  Over 200 participants attended the event, including representatives from county conservation districts, members of the PA House and Senate, and Governor Ed Rendell as the keynote speaker.

Several legislative issues were discussed including the need to obtain consistent and sufficient funding for conservation district activities and staff, amendments to the Conservation District Law, and future renewable energy projects.

“These issues are vital to Pennsylvania’s Conservation Districts,” stated Michele Ulmer, Pike County Conservation District Education and Outreach Coordinator.   “We spoke with our friends in the PA General Assembly explaining the importance of these legislative initiatives. The focus of our Capitol Day luncheon is to bring forth ideas and generate enthusiasm for our concerns. This successful event is an extension of an ongoing dialog between the conservation districts and our elected leaders.”

Some of the legislative highlights included:

• Funding for the Conservation Districts
• Amendments to the Conservation District Law
• Dedicated Funding for the Conservation Districts
• Energy Initiatives

PACD, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization representing Pennsylvania's 66 conservation districts. For more information on the PACD visit www.pacd.org.