Lancaster County Conservation District

Key discussions during the meeting included the installation of a new associate director and agency reports from USDA NRCS and PA DEP Field Rep, highlighting staffing changes, extended deadlines for AMA, CSP & EQIP programs, and the release of a new Manure Management Plan guide. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering minutes from the previous meeting, technical assistance requests, nutrient management plan approvals for several operations, and conservation plan acknowledgments. Additional business involved approving the hire for an Ag Conservation Technician, allocating CEG funding for conservation projects, approving a staff member's certification re-classification, approving six watershed projects, authorizing enforcement action against Dutchland Realty Holding Corp. for pollution violations, approving the 2024 audit, and approving an amendment to increase funding for the Wendy Drive Low Volume Road project. Financial reports indicated a significant gain in interest earned, and updates were provided on ExtraGive fundraising and various program reports.

The agenda for the business meeting included agency reports, specifically the PA DEP Field Rep Report for March. Additional business involved the Treasurer's Report. Reports and information covered the E&S/NPDES Monthly Projects Report for February, updates on the Larson Design Group Technical Assistance Program application round, details regarding Agriculture Inspection Training sessions, a call for Pennsylvania Envirothon volunteers, and information on Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road (DGLVR) Program Trainings. Discussions also covered the release of a new wetlands education video, an upcoming Chapter 105 Webinar on Trenchless Technology Guidance, new Chapter 102 Clean Water Academy Courses, updates to the Technical and Educational Resource Webpage, updates on the PennDOT KEES Review process, the expansion of the Chapter 102 Pilot Program, and details for the Chapter 102 Basic Training in June 2026. The Chesapeake Bay section detailed considerations for Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Agreement closeout, and a Webinar Wednesday scheduled for March 18th covering CAP Grant Changes and Growing Greener/319 Grant updates.

The Board reviewed the purpose of the program and held a special meeting to discuss two contract amendments for county road projects. The Board approved a contract increase for the Pumping Station Road project in Elizabeth Township to cover cost overages, and a contract amendment for the Spangler Road project in Rapho Township to accommodate a necessary change order for a larger pipe structure to manage water flow.

The board reviewed the program's purpose and discussed policy updates, including personnel changes and potential revisions to the meeting schedule for upcoming years. Discussions also covered the status of program funds and provided status updates on several active infrastructure and road improvement projects. Additionally, the board recommended the approval of a grant application for a stormwater drainage project on Cold Springs Road.

The board meeting covered several key organizational and operational items, including the reorganization of the board with the installation of directors, election of officers, and various committee appointments. The agenda included agency reports from the USDA/NRCS and the PA DEP, and the review and approval of technical assistance requests, nutrient management plans, and conservation plans. Financial business involved the treasurer's report, authorization of check signers, budget discussions, and the approval of grant funding for multiple conservation projects. Additionally, the board authorized the summer intern position, approved various committee reports, including the E&S and Ag committees, and finalized plans for the upcoming awards banquet.