Programs at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center - Crawford County ...

On the cover: Conservation District Manager Lynn Sandieson leads a fun-loving group ona summer wildflower identification walk at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center.Educational programs are presented weekly at the WCNC. Check out the latest scheduleon our web site: www.crawfordconserve.com.Crawford County Conservation DistrictWoodcock Creek Nature Center21742 German RoadMeadville, PA 16335(814) 763 5269OUR MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Crawford County Conservation District isto protect, conserve, and restore the natural resources of thecounty for present and future generations by actively seekingresources and partnerships to achieve these goals throughvoluntary cooperation.WHO WE ARECrawford County Commissioners: Morris Waid, C. Sherman Allen & Jack Preston(Photos, from Left) Commissioner Morris Waid at the District’s Annual Dinner Meeting; Commissioner-Director C.Sherman Allen swearing in Director Greg Kedzierski; Commissioner Jack Preston speaking at the District’s Open House.We are grateful for the help and assistance that we receive from the Crawford County Commissioners. A conservationdistrict is guided by a district board consisting of local people who understand local issues and natural resource needs.The Commissioners appoint those board members from a list of nominees received from county-wide nominatingorganizations. Over the years the Commissioners have been careful to appoint responsible District Board members whorepresent all geographic areas in the county and who have the vision needed to provide for the conservation of naturalresources that will insure the prosperity and well being of current and future Crawford County residents. With the help ofcounty financial and moral support, we are able to provide the services that the community requires.2

Crawford County Conservation DistrictDistrict DirectorsOur District Directors, appointed by the County Commissioners, are your neighbors. Theyserve voluntarily to provide for the Conservation of Natural Resources in CrawfordCounty.District Directors: (In photos, from left) Chairperson Sarah Sargent, Treasurer Heidi Moorhead, Vice-Chairman VernKnapp; Farm Director George Greig, Farm Director Glenn Kenny. Also serving: Greg Kedzierski and CommissionerSherman Allen (shown in previous set of photos.)Associate Directors : Associate Directors are appointed by the District Chairman. They are non-voting boardmembers who contribute to district planning and projects. Currently serving are: Robert Agnew, Carol Custead, AndyHyde (shown below left, learning about methane digesters), Ryan Nageotte (below center, doing a program on furbearers), Jason Pears, Dennis Rynd, Matthew Shaffer, Rob Waddell, Lewis Walker, and Roger Williams (shown belowright, inspecting a Dirt and Gravel Road Project.). Associate Directors, like Directors, provide their community servicevoluntarily.3

District StaffThe staff of the Crawford County Conservation District is charged with executing programs of theCrawford County Conservation District and providing service to the public.(Photo, front row, from left: Kathy Uglow, Environmental Education Coordinator, Tracey Crawford, AgriculturalEngineering Technician; Maria Anderson, Erosion and Sediment Control TechnicianBack Row, from left: Kevin McCaslin, Nutrient Management Specialist; Lynn Sandieson, District Manager;Brian Pilarcik, Watershed Specialist; Laura Dengler, Administrative AssistantInternsThe Conservation District was pleased to host two interns in 2009. Nick Darrow, from Allegheny College, (pictured, belowleft), co-produced “Fun Mondays”, a special children’s story and activity hour each Monday in July. Mary Ann Menanno, astudent from Edinboro University, shadowed all District personnel to get an understanding of what a conservation careercould entail. She also did a program on making used “CDs” into Christmas Ornaments. (Mary Ann is pictured standing, atright.)4

What is a Conservation District?Conservation Districts are responsible for the conservation of soil, water, air, and natural resources within their counties.First formed by national legislation in the 1930s to combat the affects of the dust bowl’s soil erosion, Districts are nowfound in every state and territory in the United States. The Crawford County Conservation District was established by theCounty Commissioners on February 17, 1956, after over 100 farmers signed a petition requesting that a district beformed. In Pennsylvania, Districts are subdivisions of state government as defined by Conservation District Law. They fallunder the umbrella of the State Conservation Commission.How is the District Administered?The guiding principal behind Conservation Districts is that local people are best suited to identify and protect the naturalresources in their areas. The Conservation District is administered by a local board of 7 Directors who are nominated bycounty-wide organizations and appointed by the County Commissioners to serve four-year terms. Board members servetheir communities voluntarily. They set the policy and the goals and objectives of the Conservation District. The Districtstaff is charged with carrying out the conservation district’s program.Nominating OrganizationsAs stated above, county-wide organizations approved by the State Conservation Commission nominate community leaderswith a conservation ethic to serve as Directors on the Conservation District. The County Commissioners then appointcandidates from the list to serve four-year terms as Directors on the District Board. We are grateful to our nominatingorganizations for their help in providing us with a strong, committed Board of Directors.Our nominating organizations are: Crawford County Cooperative Extension Service; Crawford County Farm Bureau;Crawford County Pomona Grange; League of Women Voters, Meadville; Crawford County Farm Service Agency; TitusvilleArea Chamber of Commerce; Cochranton Cooperative Association; Crawford County Holstein Club; and Dairyleas Co-OpAssociation.District Annual Dinner MeetingThe Crawford Conservation District held its Annual Luncheon Meeting on February 19, 2009 atthe Conference Center at the Days Inn, Meadville.A catered luncheon was enjoyed by over 100 attendees, followed by a talk on Global Warmingby Aquatic Biologist Ed Perry, recently retired after 30 years with the US Fish and WildlifeService. Ed discussed some of the changes to fish habitat he has personallyobserved on the Susquehanna River. He outlined how global warming will affectPennsylvania wildlife, agriculture and fisheries and provided a list of things all of us can do to helpprevent or slow global warming.What can we do to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide we’re putting into the atmosphere?For our homes - Buy only appliances with an energy star rating, add more insulation, lower thethermostat, lower the water heater’s max temperature to 120 degrees, use fluorescent bulbs, dryclothes on a clothes line, try geothermal or solar heating/cooling systems, and use power strips toturn off appliances when not in use.For our Cars -Drive a car that gets 30+ mpg; drive at 55 mph; keep your tires properly inflated;avoid drive-throughs, & take off the roof rack.PS - These tips also save money.Director Sarah Sargent served as Master of Ceremonies for the dinner, where Awards were presented to the followingpeople for their outstanding accomplishments in Conservation:5

The Crawford County Senior Environmental Corps was awarded the ConservationEducator of the Year award. Presenting the award on behalf of the Conservation District,Watershed Specialist Brian Pilarcik praised the dedication of the volunteer group in providingwater quality testing and in instructing students in stream ecology and the importance of cleanstreams. (Photo, left, shows Dick Runnels accepting the award on behalf of theorganization.)The District’s Conservation Farmer of the Year awardfor excellence in Conservation Farming was accorded to PatMahoney. The award, presented by Jody Lasko, DistrictConservationist for the Natural Resources ConservationService, is granted by the Conservation District to a farm operation that has donean outstanding job of installing Conservation Best Management Practices toconserve soil and protect water quality.Crawford Conservation District is Presented with State ConservationCommission Leadership AwardDistrict Chairperson Sarah Sargent receives Leadership Award from DEP Deputy Secretary John Hines (left)and Mr. Ted Kuckuck, State Conservation Commission.The Crawford Conservation District Board of Directors was proud to receive the State Conservation Commission’sConservation Leadership Excellence Award for 2009. The award was presented to the board “In recognition of theirexemplary leadership and excellence in conservation district governance and management.”6

Woodcock Creek Nature CenterPrograms at the Woodcock Creek Nature CenterThe Crawford County Conservation District runs the Woodcock Creek Nature Center and Stainbrook Park, both locatedjust north of Meadville on German Road in Woodcock Township. The Districtoffers year-round educational programs for the public at the center, and keepsthe park open in the summer for the enjoyment of Crawford County residentsand visitors.Kathy Uglow, Environmental Educator for the Conservation District, isresponsible for setting up a wide variety of programs at the NatureCenter. To see our current schedule of events, please check out theDistrict’s web site at: www.crawfordconservation.com, or call Kathyat the Nature Center. (Kathy is shown at right doing Earth Dayactivities at the Nature Center.)Almost all of the District’s programs are offered free of charge. If you wouldlike to attend a program, please call to reserve your spot!In 2009, we offered 51 education programs to approximately 1,025attendees. Listed below is a sampling of the programs offered.Thanks to all our program presenters for their time and expertise!DCNR Forester Mark Lewis does a summer tree ID walk7

Programs!Whole House Thinking” (Lisbet Searle-White);“Show Us Your Mussels” ( Darran Crabtree);“Backyard Sugaring” (Laura Dengler, Mark Lewis),“Winter Nature Magic” (Jim Fitch),;“Great Backyard Bird Count” (Pat Howell),“Rockin’ at the Nature Center”(Geology) (Sam Reese, Kathy Uglow); “Pennsylvania’s FurryCreatures” (Ryan Nageotte);“What About Rabies?” (Karen Martin);“Winter Tree ID” (Mark Lewis);“Eagles” (Linda Armstrong);“Making a Bird Call” (Liz Fager, Kathy Uglow);“Pruning for Spring” (Scott Sjolander);“Global Warming” (Rich Bowden);“Tree Adventure Walk” (Mark Lewis);“Planning Your Veggie Garden” (Cindy Soltys);“Rain Barrels” (Brian Pilarcik, Tracey Crawford);“Gardening for Fun” (Bertha Mesarch);“Wind Energy Seminar” at Allegheny College(James Sonnenmeier);(Pictured at Right, above) Lillian Moorhead and Watershed Specialist Brian Pilarcik on Family Fishing Day(At left, Sam Reese expounds on Glaciers and Rocks)“Composting” (Gloria Kelly);“Family Fishing” (Chad Foster);“Introducing GPS” (Scott Sjolander,“Dragonflies and Damselflies” (Darran Crabtree);“Fish Printing”(Kathy Uglow, Nick Darrow);“Bats at Night” (Terry Lobdell);“Butterflies” (Lynn Sandieson);“Preserving Program” (Janice Ronan);“Fun Mondays” children’s story and activities hour programs on each Monday in July (Nick Darrow, KathyUglow);“Basic Compass” (Brian Pilarcik);“Basic Maps” (Brian Pilarcik);“Summer Tree ID” (Mark Lewis);“Wondrous Wildflowers” (Lynn Sandieson);“What is that Purple Box” (Mark Lewis);“Bee Spaces” (Charlie Vorisek);“Busy Bees” (Jessica Longobardo);“Geocaching” (Kathy Uglow, Scott Sjolander);(Tracey Crawford, ACT Technician, demonstrates rainbarrel operation to agroup of homeowners during a talk on Stormwater management.)8

“The Wonder of Our Native Snakes” (Stephanie Feineigle);“Nature Scavenger Hunt” (Laura Dengler, Kathy Uglow);“Fall Foliage” (Mark Lewis);“Bat Houses” (Terry Lobdell);“Printing on Totes” (Kathy Uglow);“Aquaponics” (T. J. Eatmon’s Junior Seminar Class from Allegheny College);“Reuse CDs to Make Snowmen Ornaments” (Mary Ann Menanno, Kathy Uglow)(Left-Darran Crabtree leads a program on Dragonflies; Linda Armstrong, Environmental Educator from PymatuningState Parks, talks bout Eagles, right)Additional Nature Center ActivitiesSelf-guided Tree Identification Walk - The Nature Center and adjoining Stainbrook Park has a self-guided treeidentification walk set up by Mark Lewis of the DCNR Bureau of Forestry. There are trail keys in the Nature Center, andyou may also access the trail key on the District’s web site, www.crawfordconservation.com.Nature Center.Bat Houses - Bat expert Terry Lobdell has established a number of bat houses (seephoto, right, of Terry showing one of the houses at aNature Center Program) around the Woodcock CreekNature Center. Our winged companions keep troublesomeinsects under control naturally. Bat houses are also for sale at theNative Plant Gardens - The outside of the WCNC features native plant gardens as wellas bird feeders. The natural setting provides a good spot to view wildlife.Interactive Displays are always available at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center, andthe displays are always changing. Some shown in 2009 were: A Touch ScreenEnvironmental Quiz computer, Wetlands, Stormwater, Pervious Concrete, IntegratedPest Management, Insects, Freshwater Mussels, Energy Conservation, “Animal Groups” (touch board display), animaltracks display and play area, Maple Displays, Tree and Leaf Identification, Butterflies, and Birds and Birdsongs.In addition to the displays, lots of free educational materials are available at the Nature Center for people of allages and interests.9

Visible Bee Hive – In 2009 we received a busy addition to the nature center – a live bee colony! Thanks to CharlesVorisek, who donated the bees, and the Meadville Kiwanis Club, who donated the “visible” hive, visitors to the naturecenter can observe bees coming and going right behind the glass panel of their hive structure – which has been built rightinto the wall of the Woodcock Creek Nature Center. Intern Mary Ann Mennano crafted a display to help explain some ofthe bees’ behavior. We spent the summer in awe of the hard working little insects as we watched them pollinate theflowers around the nature center.(Charlie Vorisek installs an active bee colony into the Nature Center’s “see through” hive structure.)The Pete Yeager Memorial Nature Trail – In 2009, using funds from the Peter A. Yeager Memorialfund and the Meadville Kiwanis, District staff blazed a nature trail that leads from the Woodcock Creek NatureCenter down to Stainbrook Park. Featuring meadow, forest, and streamside habitats, the trail has many areason it that highlight natural areas, and makes a nice transition from the Nature Center to the park. Small signshighlighting features are scheduled to be installed in 2010.Educational Outreach Efforts – The Crawford County Conservation District assisted with or led a number ofeducational programs around the county including stream investigations, classroom programs, as well as many others.‣ Partnered with Valesky’s and H&H Grocery Stores and the Saegertown and Second District Elementary Schools tooffer the second annual “Earth Day grocery bag project.”‣ Did “Watersheds” presentations for the First Grades at the West End Elementary School.‣ Did presentations at Conneaut Lake (K, 1, 2), Saegertown (K, 1, 2) and West End (K, 2). Elementary Schools.‣ Did Enviroscape presentations for three groups of fourth graders at Cochranton Elementary School‣ Presented “Watersheds” in-school programs (Dec. 8) for Saegertown Kindergartens‣ We presented “Wetlands Walks” at the Erie Wildlife Refuge for groups of Maplewood 7 th graders.‣ “Outdoor Trash Talking” program at the Pymatuning Sportman’s Club Youth Field Day on June 27. There wereabout 200 youths at the field day.‣ Installed a display on “Vampire Energy” at the Crawford County Fair.‣ Gave a presentation about the Nature Center and our education programs to Professor Eatmon’s EnvironmentalEducation class from Allegheny College.‣ Provided a “turkeys” lesson/activity in November for 60 preschoolers at the Cambridge Springs Head Start‣ Provided a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” lesson/activity for 60 preschoolers at the Cambridge Springs Head Start‣ Offered Tree Identification programs for 63 Calvary Baptist 4th, 5 th and 6 th grade students and teachers.‣ Presented a “Macroinvertebrates” Program for a LEAP Program’s group of 10 on May 7.‣ Set up a display for the two Creek Connections “open houses” in February.‣ Set up a display for the Creek Connections Symposium and offered a breakout session class on making jewelry byrecycling magazines into beads.Set up and manned a display at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center for a Science Partners event for teachers.10

Kayak EcotoursSummer Kayak Ecotour Program – During the summer and fall of 2009 the District Watershed Specialistassisted Linda Armstrong of Pymatuning State Park with 5 kayak ecotour programs on area lakes and marshes.Participants had the opportunity to try out loaner kayaks from the park, as well as see wildlife, listen to presentations,and make new friends.EnvirothonFor the second year running, the District hosted an Envirothon Training Day on April 29, 2009 for interested High SchoolStudents. The training was held at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center. Thanks again to all the agency folks who turnedout to help, and to the dedicated teachers who are serving as Envirothon Advisors.(Pictured at left) -PA Game Commission’s John McKellopteaches about wildlife at the Envirothon Training DayThe 2009 Crawford and Mercer County Envirothon, sponsored by theCrawford and Mercer County Conservation Districts, was hosted byPymatuning State Park near Jamestown.The event tests students’ environmental knowledge in five categories:Wildlife, Soils, Forestry, Aquatics, and a current issue, which was on theenvironmental impacts ofrecreational activities thisyear. Students fromgrades 9 through 12represent their schools onfive-person teams that can answer questions collectively as they rotatethrough challenging resource “stations”.One hundred and thirty-two students forming twenty-seven teams fromthirteen area High Schools showed up to compete in the Envirothon onWednesday, May 6 th , 2009.(Pictured at right) PA DCNR Forester Mark Lewis teachesEnvirothon students how to estimate tree size.The event was held along the shores of Pymatuning Lake in sunny, 70 degree weather. In addition to the conservationdistricts, support and prizes were provided by the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, USDA Natural Resources ConservationService, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Game Commission, DCNR Bureau of State Parks, and thePennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.11

The Conneaut Valley #1 High School Team brandishes the First Place TrophyFirst Place in Crawford County and also in the overall Crawford-Mercer Competition was won by the “Conneaut ValleyIndians 1” Team, of Conneaut Valley High School. The winning team is comprised of students Philip Burnham, AnthonySummers, Sam Naas, Evan Kardosh, and Mike Leonard. They are coached by faculty advisor Mr. Frank Bizjak. The“Indians” will go on to represent Crawford County at the Pennsylvania State Envirothon, to be held at Bald Eagle StatePark, Centre County, on May 19 th . Winning teams from all 66 Pennsylvania Counties are expected to compete. Thewinning team from that event will go on to the Canon National Envirothon.Second place was won by Cambridge Springs High School #1, comprised of Josh Caldwell, Michaela Noble, Jake Held,Brandon Weber and Kelsey Moyer.Their faculty advisor is Meghan Dragosavac.Third Place honors were won by “Greco’s Geckos” Team from Saegertown High School, coached by faculty advisors ChrisGreco and Philip Young. Team members are Tasha Leech, Caitlin McGowan, Kayla Brocious, Becky Hude, and BrittniSchlosser.Titusville High School’s “Crowsenravens”, comprised of Corey Henderson, Natalie Ernecoff, Alyssa Lesko, MaureenMillmore, and Rebecca Deane, took Honorable Mention (4 th Place). They are coached by faculty advisor Patricia McKellop.Conneaut Valley Indians #1 Team also won an award for the best performance in the Forestry category. The best scorein both the Aquatics and the Current Issue competition was won by Cambridge Springs High School #1. Best score inSoils went to “Greco’s Geckos” of Saegertown.Best score in the Wildlife competition went to Conneaut Lake High School #1, advised by Mr. Ed Vorisek. Team membersare Sara Keas, Teanna Green, Josh McCurdy, Tim Christie, and Jeremy Howe.All expenses for the trip to the state competition were paid for by the Crawford County Conservation District’sEnvironmental Education Fund, funded by our tree sale. Our thanks to the Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of State Parks,and to Linda Armstrong in particular, for hosting us at Pymatuning State Park. A big THANK YOU goes out to our cohosts,the Mercer County Conservation District. We would also like to thank the USDA Soil Conservation Service (CherylPanciera); the DCNR Bureau of Forestry (Mark Lewis); our PA DEP Field Representative, (John Green); the PennsylvaniaFish and Boat Commission (Chad Foster); and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (Mario Piccarilli) for all their help anddedication.12

Watershed WorkCOMMUNITY WATERSHED INVOLVEMENT‣ The Crawford County Conservation District worked to provide watershed educationto various schools, watershed associations, community groups, workshops, etc.Some of the most notable events were:Clean Water Festival at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center- On September 12 th 2009 the District held the 9 thannual Clean Water Festival. The event was held for the first time at the Woodcock Creek Nature Center. The weatherwas beautiful, and all those that attended had a great time.Titusville Middle School Field Day - On October 15, 2009 the Crawford County Conservation District helped MikeReynolds and Eric Mowrey of Titusville Middle School coordinate a creek investigation for their annual field day. Over 100students participated in watershed activities, including a digital microscope investigation conducted by The Pitt Titusvilleand Clarion University Science in Motion, a streamside critters station led by Allegheny College Creek Connections, as wellas many other events.Pymatuning Lake Clean Up - On November 5th the District worked with Linesville High School, Pymatuning State park,Crawford County Senior Environmental Corp, and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to coordinate a clean up of thePennsylvania portion of the Pymatuning Lake shoreline. A group of over 100 students picked up trash from access pointsalong the shoreline including boat launches and beach areas. The students also covered shoreline areas whereaccessible.Riparian Restoration EffortsConneaut Lake, Cochranton, Cambridge Springs High Schools – On April 23 rd and 28th, 2009 nearly 100 studentsfrom Conneaut Lake, Cochranton, and Cambridge Springs high schools completed a project on the Dunn farm nearCochranton. The students planted 925 trees and 1300 live stakes along an UNT to French Creek over the two day period.Maplewood High School– On April 21 st nearly 80 MHS students returned to the Kenny farm to revisit a planting theyhad done in 2003. The students planted 435 trees and 1200 live stakes. They also walked the original planting andpreformed some maintenance on the site. On November 4 th, 25 students from Maplewood high school visited the Jonesfarm near Titusville for maintenance of project that was completed by Titusville High School in 2006. The studentsreplaced defective tree shelters on the project site.Saegertown High School– On April 30 th 71 Students from Saegertown High School planted 725 trees on the Kostproperty in eastern Crawford County. The project was a combination living snow fence and habitat improvement project.Linesville High High School– On Earth Day, April 22 nd 61 LHS students planted 750 trees and 600 live stakes at awetland restoration project on the Eric Watson property west of Conneautville.Bradshaw Restoration – In April and May of 2009 the District completed a natural stream channel restoration projecton an unnamed tributary of Woodcock Creek. The project area involved a 1300 foot segment of stream that had beenheavily degraded by livestock. The project was the first natural stream restoration effort undertaken by the District.13

Erosion & Sediment Control ProgramMaria Anderson, Erosion and Sediment Control Technician for the Crawford County Conservation District, reviewed 47Erosion & Sediment Control Plans in 2009. She also issued 47 General Permits. The District collected $13,080.00 inErosion and Sediment Control Review fees, and $2000 in NPDES Clean Water Fund permit processing fees. OneIndividual NPDES Permit and 6 General NPDES permits were issued. Maria responded to 29 citizen complaints related toChapter 102 issues and 22 complaints related to Chapter 105 concerns. She performed over 33 inspections related toerosion and sediment control and 29 inspections related to encroachments, and provided technical assistance to 80individuals in E & S (Chapter 102) and to 69 people for encroachments (Chapter 105). (Inspections of sites related tocomplaints are not included in the totals.) In addition, Maria assisted with various riparian and wetland planting projects,made presentations on wetlands and soils for 7 th graders from Maplewood High School, helped with ACT 167 Stormwaterproblem areas inventory, and hosted an SFI Environmental Logging Training.Dirt and Gravel Road ProgramThe District is in its 12 th year of providing funds to townships “to improve the rural transportation network.” The goal ofthis program is to protect the waterways of the county and improve water quality by redirecting and reducing runoff fromdirt and gravel roads. The program also helps townships make a more stable and durable road surface, reducingpotholes, dust, and maintenance. Townships with personnel who have received Dirt and Gravel Road training submitprojects for road improvements which are then ranked and recommended for approval by a Quality Assurance Board(QAB) as funds permit. The Crawford County Conservation District Board issues final project approval. To date, over 1.3million dollars has come to Crawford County townships for this program, making it the fourth most activein the state. The overall program is administered by the State Conservation Commission.The Crawford County Conservation District provided technical assistance to Athens, Beaver, Conneaut, Greenwood,Randolph, Richmond, Summit, Wayne, and Woodcock Townships in 2009. The following Dirt and Gravel Road Projectswere completed in 2009:• Athens Township, Dewey and Three Bridges Roads (Begun in 2008) - $65,500.00• Beaver Township – Jerusalem Hill Road Project $17,500.00• Greenwood Township – Captain Williams Road Project - $82,540.00• Randolph Township – Shaffer Road - $9,900.00• Randolph Township – Hickory Corners Project east of Maillard Road - $11,865.00• Richmond Township – Hickory Corners Road west of Cox Road - $15,665.00• Summit Township – Porter Road Project - $7,817.89• Woodcock Township – Stoltz Road Demonstration Project - $12,710.45E&S Technician Maria Anderson shows off a successfully completed Dirt and Gravel Road Project during theDistrict’s 2009 Conservation Tour14

Agricultural Best Management Practices and ConservationIn Crawford County, it takes 500 years to form just one inch of fertile topsoil. We all rely on that topsoil to produce ourfood, and family farmers strive to pass their property on to their children in the most productive condition possible. Soilwashed into streams is soil lost from a farm for generations, and a source of pollution in the water. Helping landownersconserve their soil has therefore always been an important objective of the conservation district.Crawford County comprises 1013 square miles of land area. Of the 88,441 people who live in Crawford County, sixty-sixpercent live in the country, while 34% live in the urban areas. Agriculture is one of our most important sources ofincome, with the average value of agricultural products per farm exceeding $41,000.00 per year. Most Crawford Countyfarms are family farms that have been and will be passed down from generation to generation.Installing agricultural best management practices to save soil and protect water quality can often be a simple matter ofemploying good management techniques. Sometimes, though, the job requires the installation of best managementpractices, such as roof runoff systems to divert clean water around barnyards, fencing to keep pastures from becomingovergrazed, establishment of stable access roads, fencing cattle out of streams to prevent streambank erosion, andinstalling Milkhouse wastewater filtration systems. These kinds of practices benefit everyone by protecting water quality,but they can be expensive. To help farmers achieve their conservation goals, the conservation district utilizes grants fromseveral sources to provide cost-share funding for the agricultural producer.In 2009, The Conservation District secured and utilized two grants to help with the installation of Agricultural BestManagement Practices. The County-wide Agricultural Best Management Practice grant funded by the federal 319Program provided resources to establish 5000 square feet of stable access road, stabilize 1500 square feet of heavy usearea (barnyard), establish 1 milkhouse wastewater treatment system, 5598 feet of pasture fencing and 2 roof runofftreatment systems.Also this year, the County-wide Agricultural Best Management Practice (CABII) grant funded by Pennsylvania’s GrowingGreener II program provided funding for 6 roof runoff systems; 2 stable access roads; 9,400 square feet of heavy usearea stablilization; 1930 feet of underground outlet,; 7771 linear feet of pasture/stream fencing; two stable animal streamcrossings and one watering facility.We are grateful for the grant opportunities provided to us and commend the agricultural producers who worked with usto help achieve conservation goals that will benefit present and future generations of county citizens.Agricultural Conservation Planning and Best Management Practices Installed2009 Program ParticipantsConservation Accomplished with the Crawford County Agricultural BestManagement Practice 319 GrantDoug Coulter Farm – 5000 square feet of Access Road; 1500 square feet of HeavyUse Area, 1 Milkhouse Wastewater treatment system, and 1 roof runoff system.Levi Byler Farm – 5598 feet of fencing and 1 roof runoff systemConservation Accomplished with the Crawford County Agricultural BestManagement Practice II Growing Greener II GrantBish Farm – 1 stable access road; 2500 square feet of heavy use area, 2 roof runoffsystems, and 100 feet of underground outletJoel Blair Farm – 1 roof runoff system; 2 stream crossingsRandy & Denise Hulley – 1500 square feet of Access Road; 880 feet of Fencing; 3000square feet of Heavy Use Mound; 3900 square feet of Heavy Use Area; 1 Roof RunoffSystem, 1 Watering FacilityRoncaglione Farm – 1 roof runoff system; 550 feet of Underground OutletRynd Home Farm – 1 Roof runoff system; 1280 feet of underground outlet15

Andy Yurcak Jr. – 5023 feet of FencingYurcak LLC – 1868 feet of fencingSTUDENT RIPARIAN FENCING & PLANTINGUtilizing another Pennsylvania Growing Greener II Grant, the HighSchool Streambank Restoration Grant, the conservation districtand its partners were able to establish 19,058 linear feet ofstream fencing and 6 stable animal stream crossings. Inaddition, students from Cochranton, Conneaut Lake, ConneautValley, Saegertown, Maplewood, Linesville and CambridgeSprings High Schools accomplished riparian plantings on 8 farms,planting 2,961 live trees and 3,100 live stakes.William Barr – 1204 feet of Stream fencingJoel Blair – 5390 feet of stream fencingWilliam Dunn – 702 feet of stream fencingLakeview Farm – 848 feet of Stream FencingMathew Petersheim – 1721 feet of stream fencingDarrel Landis – 1 Stream Crossings; 2483 feet of stream fencingAndy Yurcak Jr. – 2807 feet stream fencing; 3 stream crossingsYurcak LLC – 3903 feet of stream fencingWilliam Dunn - Cochranton High School – 300 trees, 500 live strakesCambridge Springs- Conneaut Lake HS, 625 trees, 800 live stakesPete Kost Property- Saegertown High School,725 treesJeff Jones - Maplewood High School; replace 200 sheltersGlenn Kenny Maplewood High School - 435 trees, 1200 live stakesEric Watson - Linesville High School - 750 trees ,600 live stakesPymatuning State Park, Wilson Launch, Conneaut Valley High School – 126trees/shrubsENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP)The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary federal programadministered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that can providetechnical and financial assistance to landowners to address conservation problems ontheir farm and forestland. All contracts that include animal waste storage or treatmentfacilities require a comprehensive nutrient management plan to be developed andimplemented. Likewise, operations on non-industrial private forestland require theimplementation of a forest management plan.The following conservation practices were installed in 2009 under the USDA’s EQIPProgram:16

Roncaglione Farm - Waste Storage FacilityRynd Home Farm - Waste Storage FacilityWilliam Long Farm - 7681 feet of Fencing; 200 feet of Animal Trail; 5 Wateringsystems; and 200 feet of PipelineJohn Kunz – 1710 feet of pipeline; .1 acre of stabilized Heavy Use AreaFrancis Weiderspahn – 6441 feet of fencingDan Burdick – 1566 feet of fencing; .2 acres of filter strip and .1 acre of stabilizedHeavy Use Area.Eric Dersch – 1341 feet of fencing; 346 feet of stable access roadDon Hart – 337 feet of pipeline; 2 watering facilitiesThe following farms signed up for Cover Crop & Residue Management underthe EQIP Program:Allen Farms Robert KingRobert Baughman Lost Acres FarmRon Closky Matt LyonsMark Creacraft Dan MegatCustead Valley Farm Stewart RevakDan Dickey William RoncaglioneHappy Hill Farm Rynd Home FarmDon HartJohn SchmidtCraig Hayes Greg SchweitzerLarry Hoffman Chris ShearerMike Huya Jr Gerald TeedCharles Jackard Ron TroyerJeff JonesRobert WaddellRonald Kalinowski Urbanick DairyConrad Kerr Jerry BearyPROJECT GRASS / GLCILarry HoffmanTracey CrawfordJason SmithCTA__________________Wendy Dodge, 1122 ft of FencingWildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)This program provides landowners with technical and financial assistance to develop andimprove high quality habitat that supports wildlife populations of national, state, andlocal significance.Eugene Morton – Developed 14.5 acres of Wildlife HabitatConservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) – The ConservationReserve Enhancement Program is a USDA program that provides financial and technicalassistance for landowners to manage their land enrolled in CREP for wildlife andconservation benefits and to control certain noxious weeds on the contract acreage.17

In 2009, (CREP) Plans were developed for the following properties:Charles Stevens, Wendy Dodge, Donald Smith, & George DonavanNUTRIENT MANAGEMENTIn 2009, the district was able to secure a 319 grant for farms in impaired watersheds. This gaveus an opportunity to help pay for the development or revision of nutrient management plans forfarms located along impaired stretches of stream. The Plan Development Incentives Program(PDIP) funding was also open once again for volunteer operations. With these funding sourcesthe district was able to help fund three new plans and six plan amendments.NewLevi BylerJeff RaneyChris ShearerUpdated_____________________Lost Acres FarmPaul ManrossDave and Charlene BishCraig HayesKaren and Joe SabylakSperry FarmsThe Conservation District receives funding from County, State, and Federal Sources. It alsodepends on local fundraising efforts.Crawford Conservation District-2009 Financial ReportEXPENDITURESStaff Salary, Travel & Training $ 341,567.54Director Travel & Training $ 1,310.64Office Building/Nature Center + Park Operation & Maintenance $ 36,202.93Office Expenses $ 20,259.28County Ag Easement Program Expenses $ 10,000.00Grant and Work Project Expenses $ 976,483.35District Reimbursement to County $ 65,689.00TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 1,451,512.74INCOMESCrawford County Commissioners $336,629.57State Conservation Commission $147,268.79Grants/Work Projects $969,665.61Miscellaneous $ 20,842.70TOTAL INCOME $1,474,406.6718

FARMLAND PRESERVATIONCrawford County’s number one industry is agriculture. Crawford County residents are used tobeing surrounded by beautiful fields, farms, and forests, and having a land base that is capableof providing the fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, grain, wood products, and maple syrup for thecommunity. That scenario is changing. Because of the automobile, people can now easily moveout of town. With the financial pressures on farms today, some find it easier to sell the familyfarm as real estate for development rather than to continue in farming. Crawford County is nostranger to this trend. Between 1987 and 1997, farm acreage went from 236,481 to 207,215, aloss of nearly 30,000 acres. During that decade, the number of farms in the county alsodecreased from 1,281 to 1,069. Although statistics are not yet available, the trend appears tohave accelerated since 1997, with farms going into bankruptcy and parcels being sold off fornon-agricultural uses. Some of the best farmland is being lost to other uses.The Crawford County Ag Land Preservation Program was established to insure that the bestagricultural land in the county can stay in farming. On December 16, 2004 the State AgriculturalLand Preservation Board approved the Crawford County Agricultural Land Preservation Program.Under the program, a farmer may choose to keep his property in agriculture and receivepayment for the difference between the property’s value as a farm and its value for development.The farm still belongs to the farmer, and he may use the payment for whatever he wishes.Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of agricultural acres saved in this way; assuring thatthere will be sufficient land base to produce food and fiber locally for coming generations.Crawford County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board members are appointed by the CrawfordCounty Commissioners. The CCALP Board is chaired by Jack P. Lynch, Scott Preston is ViceChairman, Richard Deiss is Secretary, and John Tautin serves as Treasurer. Richard Ferguson isa contractor-member; Richard Rendulic and Dennis Hindman are farmer members, and RonaldStaab is an associate member. Board members serve voluntarily.Members of the Crawford County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, (above, from left)Jack P. Lynch, Chairman; Scott Preston, Vice Chairman; Dick Deiss, Secretary; JohnTautin, Treasurer; Rick Rendulic, Board Member.Not Shown: Dennis Hindman; Richard Ferguson, Board Members. Ronald L. Staab,Associate Board MemberIn the spring of 2008, The Crawford County Ag Land Preservation Board purchased AgriculturalEasements on 115.6 acres of the Lloyd and Phyllis Gerber Farm and 194.8 acres of the Douglas19

Coulter Farm, both in East Fallowfield Township. In 2009, the program received substantial helpfrom the Crawford County Commissioners and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in theform of a Community Environmental Incentive (CEI) Growing Greener II Grant for $200,000.00.This grant expanded the pool of money for easement purchases available in the County, allowingthe board to purchase the easements on 438 acres of the Al and Betty Hart farm in WayneTownship. Altogether, 748.4 acres of Crawford County farmland have been preserved so far.CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPSUSDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)In December 2008 Jody Lasko (seen left,teaching soils to an Envirothon team), replacedCarl Pelino as the Natural Resources ConservationService (NRCS) Supervisory DistrictConservationist for West Field Team 1 coveringErie, Crawford, Mercer and Lawrence counties.She is stationed in Meadville.2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the USDANatural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)and the beginning of the federal commitment toconserving natural resources on private lands.The Service was originally established byCongress in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). In addition, formal recognition of thefirst conservation district in North Carolina on August 4, 1937, established a method for theService to assist farmers in conservation districts.In NRCS Fiscal Year 2009, cooperative efforts with the Crawford County Conservation District(CCCD) resulted in:• over 3,700 acres of Conservation Plans written on privately owned lands• Conservation practices installed to benefit over 5,000 acres.• $387,075 in USDA Farm Bill contract payments for Agricultural, Wildlife, and ForestryBest Management Practices• A summary of Agricultural “Best Management Practices” (BMP’s) installed through NRCSand CCCD cooperation is located in a separate section of the Annual Report.• $527,166 New USDA Farm Bill funds obligated (to be spent in subsequent years) –• NRCS Earth Team Volunteer work, including student riparian plantings,• public educational outreach,• field visits to farmers and other private landowners providing technical assistance andadvice• Local Workgroup meeting held to obtain multiple agency/organization input intoranking criteria for NRCS Farm Bill Contracting process.Outreach AwardsThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Earth Team Volunteer Program areawarding Conneaut Lake, Cochranton and Cambridge Springs High Schools the Fiscal Year 200920

Volunteer Program Group Award for the efforts they put forth in restoring a riparian area alongtwo small unnamed tributaries to French Creek in April 2009. On two separate days, a total of 90students from all three schools planted 450 softwoods, 476 hardwoods, 1300 live stakes, andinstalled 476 tree shelters on the William Dunn property located in Fairfield Township, CrawfordCounty. The teachers, Megan Spellman of Conneaut Lake, Simoan Ray of Cochranton, and JustinGrubbs of Cambridge Springs, were the group leaders on the project site and accepted theiraward from NRCS for their outstanding efforts in participating in these tree plantings year afteryear. These three separate schools had to work together as one team toward a common goal,restoring these sections of streams back to a more natural state and improving water quality,reducing erosion, and creating a more diverse habitat for wildlife.In addition, Cheryl Panciera was awarded the FY09 Pennsylvania NRCS Volunteer ProgramEmployee AwardUSDA-NRCS field offices have a presence in their respective counties due to Conservation Districtsupport that dates back to the Dust Bowl recovery efforts.PA DCNR BUREAU OF FORESTRYService Forester: Mark LewisInsect & Disease UpdateIt seems that there are a couple “new” insects to be on thelookout for. Emerald ash borer is a small green beetlethat infests only ash trees. It has been found just south ofus in Mercer county so be on the lookout! Asian longhornedbeetle infests mostly maples and has done somemajor damage in New York. It has very long, black andwhite striped antennae. Finally, there is Sirex wood waspthat can infest our native and non-native pines. White, red,and Scots pines are some of its major targets. See yourlocal forestry office or Penn State Extension for moreinformation on these and other insects.Forester Mark Lewis on a TreeID Walk at the Nature CenterTree PlantingWe continue to plant trees throughout the county on riparian waterways. Last year weaccomplished our 50 th project! We now utilize students from every school district in the countyand from seven different schools. Funding for these riparian planting projects is slated tocontinue into 2011! If you have a potential project site, contact the DCNR Forestry office or theCrawford Conservation District. To date we have planted more than 25,000 trees along CrawfordCounty waterways.Timber Stand Improvement (T.S.I.)Timber Stand Improvement is accomplished by thinning out existing timber stands. Removinglow value trees to create more room for high quality individuals can jump-start a timber standinto increased production. The wood generated by these cuts is harvested for firewood or left todecay and be reintroduced in the nutrient cycle of the forest. The Bureau of Forestry marked 95acres of TSI throughout Crawford County. Cutting grapevines out of timber stands can also leadto increased forest productivity. Landowners removed grapevines from 43 acres of CrawfordCounty timber stands in 2008.21

Timber SalesAs timber prices continue to drop around the region, now may not be the best time to sell yourtimber. If you can afford to wait until the markets stabilize, then keep a weather eye on thehorizon for an upturn in prices. If you are not able to wait on the markets then remember thatcompetitive bid is the best way to get the most out of your timber during these financially toughtimes. Use a professional forester for all timber harvests to safeguard your investment.Pennsylvania Department of Environmental ProtectionOur special thanks to John Green, Field Representative for the Northwestern PennsylvaniaRegion of DEP. John serves as a liaison between the District and DEP, and assists us with manyprojects, including riparian buffer planting, tree seedling sales, the Envirothon, educationprograms, policy development, inter-agency communication, and training.Field Representative John Green, on a tour of Conservation Practices in CrawfordCounty22