STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. hosted a conservation awards program to acknowledge efforts of individuals and organizations to further the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.
The Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award, Conservation District Employee Excellence Award and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts President’s Award were presented July 21 in State College, Pa.
The Ann Rudd Saxman Conservation District Director Excellence Award is given to a conservation district director or associate director for his or her outstanding volunteer efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.
Dennis Beck
The 2009 award was presented to Dennis Beck, director at the Cambria County Conservation District for the past six years. Recently, Beck showed his strong and enthusiastic leadership skills by procuring a $172,000 grant for the conservation district to treat an acid mine discharge on the Trout Run Stream in Portage Township, Cambria County.
In addition to volunteering as a conservation district director, Beck has been a clan energy advocate and organized the Trout Run Watershed Association.
The Conservation District Employee Excellence Award is given to a conservation district employee for his or her outstanding efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.
Charlotte Sprenkle
The award was presented to Charlotte “Chotty” Sprenkle, Watershed coordinator and educational coordinator for the Chester County Conservation District.
She has been with the district for the past eight years where she has been involved in the Envirothon competitions for elementary through high school students.
She has also developed educational projects that work to encourage everyday citizens to take action reducing water pollution.
The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts President’s Award was selected by Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts President Larry Kehl. The award is given to an individual, organization or agency for their outstanding efforts that have resulted in furthering the accomplishments of the non-profit organization.
John Hines
President Kehl presented the award to Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Water Management John Hines.
Hines oversees statewide policy and program development related to all aspect of water management. In this capacity, Hines oversees activities related to non point source pollution management, stormwater management, water allocation and planning, conservation districts, state water planning efforts and overall water management.
