Conservation District
Overview
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) is governed by a seven member board of volunteer directors. The Board of Directors meet monthly to plan and direct local conservation issues. To accomplish their goals and objectives, the board relies on their staff, paid employees of the Conservation District, and cooperating agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), PA State Conservation Commission (SCC) PA Game Commission, PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA Bureau of Forestry, Farm Service Agency, Penn State Cooperative Extension, among others.
Funding for the conservation district’s programs is obtained from the Snyder County Commissioners, PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and other agencies.
Services
Agricultural Conservation Assistance →
Agricultural Erosion Prevention (Agriculture Erosion & Sedimentation) →
Agricultural Nutrient (& Manure) Management →
Agricultural Land Preservation →
Dirt, Gravel & Low Volume Road Improvement →
Worksite Erosion Prevention (Excavation Erosion & Sedimentation) →
2024: Spongy Moth in Snyder County
Many people have been noticing large groups of small caterpillars on their property or other outdoor places within Snyder County. There is a good chance that they are spongy moth caterpillars, the larval stage of what was formally known as gypsy moth. The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) has no spray program available and are not experts to reach out. However, you are encouraged to go to the PA DCNR (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) Spongy Moth webpage for more information. If you suspect that you have spongy moth caterpillars and wish to leave a message, call the DCNR’s Bald Eagle State Forest District office near Laurelton at (570) 922-3344.
DEP Releases New Manure Management Plan Format
The PA Manure Management Plan (MMP) workbook and guidance (formally known as the “Land Application of Manure-Manure Management Plan Guidance) has been updated by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and published in the PA Bulletin on April 27, 2024. This means that any agricultural operation 1.) that produces or applies manure, and 2.) is not a concentrated animal operation (CAO) under Act 38, and 3.) does not have a volunteer nutrient management plan (NMP), it will need to update its current MMP (if changes have/will occur) or develop a MMP using the new 2024 workbook format. More details can be found in the "News" subsection below.
Upcoming Events & Programs
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) will be holding a rain barrel workshop on Saturday, June 1, at Graybill’s Grove, 6216 Heister Valley Road, Richfield, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
You must pre-register by calling the SCCD [(570) 837-3000] by Thursday, May 23.
Free rain barrels will be given to the first 25 registrants.
- Free barrels limited to 1 per household.
- Snyder County residents receive 1st priority when registering.
- Click here for a flyer .
Financial and other support for this workshop has been provided by the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Environmental Education Grants Program.
The Snyder County and Juniata County Conservation Districts will be holding another Enviro-Camp for Snyder and Juniata County students. It will be held from Monday, June 17 to Wednesday, June 19 at Basom Memorial Park, 6972 Heister Valley Road, Richfield, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Hands-on Learning
- Crafts, Games & Snacks
- Special Guests
- Free for Snyder & Juniata County Students entering 1st to 4th grade in school year 2024-25.
To participate, guardians/parents must:
- Register each student by Thursday, May 30 by going to this web-based registration form , and
- Complete a Participant Form for each student. This form may be uploaded while registering the student, or it can be downloaded and mailed to the Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) at 10541 Route 522, Middleburg, PA 17842.
Registration is capped, so be sure to register as soon as possible. Additional details can be found on this flyer . Questions may be directed to Lauren Cheran, SCCD Program Administrator, at 570-837-3000 x2.
The Snyder County Conservation District’s (SCCD’s) 5th annual run/walk event around Faylor Lake will start at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 20 at the Faylor Boat Ramp at 800 Shale Pit Road, Beaver Springs. Participants can sign up for the 3.75-mile walk/run or 7.5-mile run. A registration link will be available on our Facebook page soon.
Proceeds benefit SCCD educational programs.
Pennsylvania farmers are hearing news about the need to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution in our streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay by the end of 2025. PA Farmers also hear that additional funding is available for farmers to install conservation practices that improve their operations as well as water quality. What is the next step?
In Snyder County, the Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) is making a list of farmers interested in improving their farm operations with the installation of conservation practices, a.k.a. best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs include:
- Manure Storages & Stacking Areas
- Streamside Riparian Buffers
- Barnyard Improvements & Animal Heavy Use Areas
- Streambank Fencing
- Milkhouse Wastewater Treatment
- Silage Treatment
- Cattle Stream Crossings
- Roof Gutters & Outlets
- Pasture Watering Facilities
- Cattle Walkways
- Streambank & Fish Habitat Restoration
Once a farmer contacts the SCCD and its staff visit the operation, both farmer and the SCCD can work together to see what BMPs and plans are needed, how much it costs, and how to secure potential funding. SCCD District Manager Jason Winey notes that this is the largest amount of funding available for agricultural conservation practices in recent memory. Please contact the SCCD at 570-837-3000 x0 (sccd@snydercd.org) and our staff can start the process in helping local farmers.
Some staffing for this project promoting agricultural environmental compliance was financed by in part by an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant provided by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EPA, DEP, or any of its subagencies.
Snyder County farmers (who are not CAOs or CAFOs) within the Middle Creek Watershed interested in having necessary plans to follow PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations can sign up at the Snyder County Conservation District. The Conservation District can help pay for the following plan(s):
- Manure management plan (MMP)
- Nutrient management plan (NMP, Act 38 or NRCS “590”)
- Agricultural erosion & sedimentation (Ag. E&S) plan
- Conservation plan (NRCS style)
The pressure is on farmers to comply with new agricultural environmental regulations enforced by DEP and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This will also help farmers thinking of seeking financial assistance from various programs to install BMPs on their operations.
Interested farmers must complete an application with the Conservation District. Additional information is available at the office at 10541 Route 522, Middleburg. Contact Barry Spangler, Ag. Conservation Technician at 570-837-3000 x5, or by viewing this fact sheet .
To see a map of Middle Creek Watershed within Snyder County, click here .
Plan funding statement: The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its funding sources. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government, or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or its funding sources.
Snyder County farmers within the Mahantango Creek Watershed interested in having necessary plans to follow PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations can sign up at the Snyder County Conservation District. The Conservation District can help pay for the following plan(s):
- Manure management plan (MMP)
- Nutrient management plan (NMP, Act 38 or NRCS “590”)
- Agricultural erosion & sedimentation (Ag. E&S) plan
- Conservation plan (NRCS style)
The pressure is on farmers to comply with new agricultural environmental regulations enforced by DEP and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This will also help farmers thinking of seeking financial assistance from various programs to install BMPs on their operations.
Interested farmers must complete an application with the Conservation District. Additional information is available at the office at 10541 Route 522, Middleburg. Contact Lauren Cheran, Program Administrator, at 570-837-3000 x2.
To see a map of Mahantango Creek Watershed within Snyder County, click here .
Plan funding statement: The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its funding sources. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government, or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or its funding sources.
For those who do not qualify for the Middle Creek or Mahantango Watershed planning programs: Farmers may hire a qualified consultant to develop or update their MMPs, Ag. E&S plans, nutrient management plans (NMPs) and conservation plans offered through the PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD). CAOs and CAFOs may participate. The only stipulation is that the operation cannot have participated in a similar program recently offered by DEP.
Interested farmers must complete an application with the Conservation District and their consultant. Additional information is available at the SCCD office by reaching out to Barry Spangler, Ag. Technician at 570-837-3000 x5.
Note: This program is “on hold.” Stay tuned for new information as we receive it.
Financial and other support for the Ag Plan Reimbursement Program is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a Growing Greener Watershed Protection grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Some staffing for this project promoting agricultural environmental compliance was financed by in part by an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant provided by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EPA, DEP, or any of its subagencies.
All meetings will be held at the Conservation District Office, 10541 Route 522, Middleburg, PA 17842, on the 1st Tuesday of every month, starting on 4:00 p.m., unless noted otherwise.
- May 7, 2024
- June 4, 2024
- July 2, 2024
- August 6, 2024
- September 3, 2024
- October 1, 2024
- November 5, 2024
- December 3, 2024
News
Many people have been noticing large groups of small caterpillars on their property or other outdoor places within Snyder County. There is a good chance that they are spongy moth caterpillars, the larval stage of what was formally known as gypsy moth. Check out this SCCD Forest Pest Identification fact sheet .
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) has no spray program available and are not experts that you reach out for more information. However, you are encouraged to go to the PA DCNR (Department of Conservation & Natural Resources) Spongy Moth webpage for more information on the following:
- Homeowners’ Tips
- Identification Tips
- Other Information
If you suspect that you have spongy moth caterpillars and wish to leave a message, call the DCNR’s Bald Eagle State Forest District office near Laurelton at (570) 922-3344.
Thirty-eight (38) teams involving almost 200 students from 14 schools in Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union Counties arrived at the Shikellamy State Park Marina for the annual Susquehanna Valley High School Envirothon held on April 30.
Teams test their knowledge in wildlife, forestry, aquatics, soils and a specific current issues topic that changes yearly. Each county conservation district awards medals to the highest scoring team from its county. An overall winning team is also recognized.
Check out here for details regarding the 2024 high school Envirothon. Susquehanna Valley Homeschoolers, representing Snyder County, won the overall 5-county competition.
Contact Jason Winey, District Manager, (570-837-3000 x3) for additional information or if your business would like to make a donation or be a sponsor for future local Envirothons.
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) just held its annual tree, seed, and plant sale for 2024. The deadline to place orders was April 1. Pickups at our office took place on April 24 & 25. Click here for a copy of the 2024 catalog.
Proceeds from this sale go towards SCCD education outreach.
The PA Manure Management Plan (MMP) workbook and guidance (formally known as the “Land Application of Manure-Manure Management Plan Guidance) has been updated by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and published in the PA Bulletin on April 27, 2024.
This means that any agricultural operation:
- that produces or applies manure, and
- is not a concentrated animal operation (CAO) under Act 38, and
- does not have a volunteer nutrient management plan (NMP),
it will need to update its current MMP (if it mees one of criteria below) or develop a MMP using the new 2024 workbook format.
Operations currently having a MMP using the old 2011 format will need to update their MMP using the new 2024 workbook format if at least one of the changes listed below have taken place or will take place (as per DEP email):
- A net increase of greater than 10% occurs in AEUs per acre.
- A change in crop management that results in a reduction of greater than 20% in nitrogen necessary for realistic expected crop yields or the amount the crops will utilize for an individual crop year.
- If calculations in the plan are in error.
- If a BMP different than that called for in the approved plan, is proposed to address a manure management or stormwater management concern.
- If, after the first three (3) years of implementing the plan, actual yields are less than 80% of the expected crop yields used in the development of the plan.
- If alternative organic nutrient sources will replace or augment nutrient sources described in the plan.
- If additional lands are brought into the operation through purchase, lease or renting.
- If there is a change in the manure management system that is expected to result in a different nutrient content that requires a change in manure application rates.
Please note that operational changes may also trigger necessary updates to agricultural erosion & sedimentation (Ag. E&S) or NRCS style conservation plans.
Non-CAO operations who currently have a MMP using the 2011 format will still be valid if changes have not or will not take place.
Some, but not all, of the new 2024 MMP format changes include:
- An animal density calculation,
- An indication if the manure spreader will be calibrated prior to manure application,
- Additional questions regarding agricultural process wastewater (i.e. milkhouse wastewater, and
- Spreading manure based on crop nitrogen (N) needs will require nutrient balance sheets (NMSs). Soil tests less than 3 years-old and less than 20 ppm phosphorus (P) are still required.
A separate simpler MMP version has been developed for very small operations under specific conditions.
- New 2024 MMP Guidance & Workbook (PDF Version)
- Nutrient Balance Sheet (NBS) Materials — required when applying manure based on nitrogen (N) crop needs.
Please note that operational changes may also trigger necessary updates to agricultural erosion & sedimentation (Ag. E&S) or NRCS style conservation plans.
If you have any questions, reach out to Barry Spangler, SCCD Ag. Conservation Technician, at (570) 837-3000 x5, and he will try to answer them.
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD, Conservation District) held another annual Farmers Winter Meeting on February 16 at Christ Community United Methodist Church outside of Selinsgrove. Seventy (70) attended the meeting. Consultants, medical professionals, sales representatives, federal and conservation district staff members, and Penn State Extension staff various presentations. Click here for a brief description.
Attendees paid $5.00 to attend the event. Participants were able to receive pesticide, nutrient management and manure hauler/broker credits through the PA Department of Agriculture (PDA), Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits, and NRCS conservation recertification credits. Local businesses advertised their services in a printed program given to attendees.
For more information, reach out to Barry Spangler, SCCD Ag. Conservation Technician, at 570-837-3000 x5.
Financial and other support for this project is provided by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some of the staffing promoting agricultural environmental compliance during this meeting and throughout this program, including planning for this meeting, was financed by in part by an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant provided by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EPA, DEP, or any of its subagencies. All Conservation District, USDA and Penn State programs and services are offered on a non-discrimination basis. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Penn State is an affirmative action equal opportunity university. Public agencies participating in the meeting do not indicate any endorsement of any business, advice or products mentioned during the meeting.
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) just released its 2023 Annual Report of what we have done throughout the year on this website. Click here to download a copy.
For more information, reach out to us at sccd@snydercd.org or 570-837-3000 x0.
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) will now be accepting Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) applications from farmers on a continuing basis. Submitted ACAP applications will be reviewed during the next quarterly Local Advisory Board (LAB) meeting. LAB meetings will be held on the third Friday of March, June, September and December unless publicized otherwise.
Project contracts will be ranked and awarded as funding permits and at the discretion of the LAB. The LAB operates in any capacity set forth by the SCCD Board of Directors. All applications for funding must be acted on by the SCCD’s Board of Directors at a “sun-shined” publicly advertised meeting. All applicants should be notified in writing of the funding decisions made by the SCCD Board of Directors.
The SCCD may retain unfunded ACAP applications on file for two (2) years set by the LAB for future allocations. The applicant may revise or withdraw an application at any time.
For more information about ACAP in Snyder County, please reach out to Lauren Cheran, SCCD Program Administrator, at 570-837-3000 x2.
Other Thoughts
Are you building a new house? Perhaps you are expanding your farming operation with a new barn or manure storage facility. Are you moving soil to expand a parking area for your store or business? Any of these activities may require a permit or an approved plan.
The Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) is here to help you through this process. Any project involving 5,000 sq. ft. of earth disturbance requires an erosion and sediment (E&S) plan to be utilized and available onsite. There are times when this plan may need to be submitted to the SCCD for review.
When the earth disturbance reaches one (1.00) acre or more, an NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Permit is required and must be submitted for review and approval through the SCCD.
Your local municipality may have further regulations that could affect your project. For more information or assistance, please contact SCCD Resource Conservation Technisian Tim Hornberger at 570-837-3000 x4.
Note: You can also find additional information on our Worksite Erosion Prevention → web page.
The Snyder County Conservation District wants to remind farmers and agricultural, livestock and equine operations that they need the following plans:
- A manure management plan (MMP) or nutrient management plan (NMP) if you produce or utilize manure, and
- An agricultural erosion & sedimentation plan (Ag. E&S Plan) or conservation plan if you raise crops or hay or graze pastures.
If you do have these plans, check if they are up to date and reflect your current operation.
If you do not have these plans or are not sure if your plans are sufficient to satisfy PA regulatory requirements, please call the Conservation District and set up a meeting with Barry Spangler, Ag. Conservation Technician, at 570-837-3000 x5.
You can also visit our Agricultural Erosion Prevention → and Agricultural Nutrient Management → web pages.
Staff funding statements: Staffing for this project promoting agricultural environmental compliance was financed by in part by an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant provided by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EPA, DEP, or any of its subagencies.
If you, a farmer or agricultural/equine operator, is thinking of building a new facility, manure storage or stacking structure, or other work that involves earth disturbance, please make an appointment with the Snyder County Conservation District (SCCD) during the planning stages. If you are gaining or losing pasture and/or cropland, check with the SCCD staff to see what changes are needed in your plans.
- Depending how much land is disturbed, you will need an excavation erosion & sedimentation control plan (Excavation E&S Plan) and possibly a federal excavation (NPDES, National Pollutant Discharge Eliminating System) permit before building your new facility.
- If you add more animals, you will need to reflect that change in your manure management plan (MMP) or need to hire a nutrient management specialist to develop a nutrient management plan (NMP) because you will be a concentrated animal operation (CAO) due to animal density numbers.
- For certain animal expansion plans, you may need to apply for an NPDES concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) permit through the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
- Any work near, along or in a perennial or intermittent stream may be required a general permit through DEP.
- New CAOs, expanding CAOs or expanding CAFOs will need to hire a certified odor management specialist to develop an odor management plan (OMP).
- If a new liquid or semi-liquid manure storage is planned, a P.E. (Professional Engineer) must be hired to design and certify the new structure.
- For new construction, check with your local municipality to see if you are required to secure a building permit and/or land development plan.
- No matter the situation, you must have your conservation or agricultural erosion & sedimentation plans (Ag. E&S Plans) updated to reflect what you are doing.
The take home message: Check with the SCCD (570-837-3000) early so we can point you in the right direction. We may also be able to point you toward some funding or tax credit options available for farmers who hire a plan writer or install certain farm best management practices (BMPs) such as barnyard improvements, manure storage structures or stream buffers.
Snyder County CAP
Taken from PA DEP CAP Website:
“Forty-three of Pennsylvania’s counties contain waterways that drain to either the Susquehanna or the Potomac rivers. This effort is part of the Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan (Phase 3 WIP). State agencies, led by the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), are working with interested parties in the counties whose local waters run to the Chesapeake Bay to create Countywide Action Plans (CAPs). These plans will outline how each county’s share of the state’s 2025 pollution reduction goals will be met. EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program has modeled Chesapeake Bay pollution sources including pollution entering Pennsylvania’s waterways and where it originates. Each Pennsylvania county has its own goal to reduce its share of pollution. Some counties have more work to do than others. The Phase 3 WIP Steering Committee grouped the 43 counties into tiers. Tier 1 counties have the most pollution to reduce, and Tier 4 counties have the least.
“The state believes that the path to success starts at the local level. County partners understand their communities, economy, waterways, and challenges better than anybody. If you get involved in this process at the local level, you will have a say in how the county’s pollution reduction goals are met. You can shape the mix of solutions that are chosen within your county—and make a difference for your community.
“It is important to note that the county clean water goals do NOT establish any new requirement of regulatory obligations on counites. The goals are simply a way for Pennsylvania to engage with local partners on shared issues and focus resources on efforts that help Pennsylvania reach its Chesapeake Bay goals. This empowers communities to lead efforts to improve their own local water quality using the most beneficial methods for their stakeholders and residents Designated countywide groups (partnerships, local governments, county conservation districts, and other identified stakeholders) will utilize the following templates, to report priority initiatives and planned actions to achieve necessary reductions.”
To view the Snyder County CAP, click here to go to the DEP CAP website .
Rapid Stream Delisting Program
From Chesapeake Conservancy’s website:
“Chesapeake Conservancy is a nonprofit organization based in Annapolis, Maryland. We are a team of conservation entrepreneurs. We believe that the Chesapeake is a national treasure that should be accessible for everyone and a place where wildlife can thrive. We use technology to enhance the pace and quality of conservation, and we help build parks, trails, and public access sites.”
The Conservancy uses technology to identify small watersheds (currently containing DEP identified impaired streams) where a.) nutrient and sediment conservation best management practices (BMPs) are installed (such as streambank fencing, riparian buffers, etc.) and b.) when implemented, these stream segments can be removed from DEP’s impaired streams list.
Three small watersheds within Snyder County were identified by Chesapeake Conservancy. They are:
- Western section of North Branch Mahantango Creek
- Western section of West Branch Mahantango Creek
- Headwaters of Susquehecka Creek
To view these and all the central PA watersheds identified with hopes to have them delisted if more BMPs are on the ground, go to the Chesapeake Conservancy arcgis.com site here . For more information about Chesapeake Conservancy and its Rapid Stream Delisting Program, contact Adrienne Gemberling, Senior Project Manager, Natural Sciences Center at Susquehanna University, 514 University AVE, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 (570-444-9200).
Forms, Documents & Links
Cooperating Agencies
PA Dept. of Environmental Protection
PA State Conservation Commission
PA Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources
PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development
PA Dept. of Transportation (District 3-0)
Penn State Cooperative Extension (Snyder Co.)
Other Groups
PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc.
National Association of Conservation Districts
PA Nutrient Management Program
PA Manure Management Plan Web Page
PA Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies
PA Woodland Owners Associations
Spotted Lanternfly: PDA Website
Spotted Lanternfly: Penn State Extension Website
Other Interesting Sites
Snyder County Countywide Action Plan (DEP Website)
Rapid Stream Delisting Program (Chesapeake Conservancy Website)
Contact
- (570) 837-3000
- (570) 837-7300 (Fax)
- sccd@snydercd.org
-
10541 Route 522
Middleburg, PA 17842 - Monday - Friday: 8 am - 4 pm
Conservation District Staff
Courtney Raker
PA Envirothon Executive Director/Conservation Technician
- (570) 837-3000 x8
- constech@snydercd.org
Position Being Filled
Watershed Specialist
- (570) 837-3000 x9
- watershed@snydercd.org
