ABOUT US
Our mission is to empower the community through leadership, education, and collaboration to protect and wisely use our soil, water, and natural landscapes while advancing conservation and safeguarding Somerset County’s natural resources for generations to come.
History of the Somerset Conservation District
The Somerset Conservation District was organized at the request of county citizens interested in soil and water conservation, land use planning, and flood prevention. The county was declared a Conservation District on March 22, 1957, in accordance with the provisions of the "Soil Conservation Law" of 1945, Act 217, of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
The District was organized to provide for the conservation of soil and water resources, assist in watershed protection and flood prevention, prevent damage to dams and reservoirs to help in maintaining the navigability of rivers, preserve woodland and wildlife, protect public lands, preserve the tax base, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people.
Today, the Somerset Conservation District activities serve a broad range of interests from tree planting to environmental education in schools.
During the 1950s and 1960s there were modifications to state laws governing conservation districts that allowed districts to expand their services to meet emerging resource needs. This increase in responsibility caused district officials to assume a greater leadership role in resource use and development in their communities.
The Somerset Conservation District is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).
OUR TEAM
Jonathan Yoder
District Manager
Greg Shustrick
Watershed Specialist
Greg-scd@wpia.net | 814-289-4247
Aimee Steele
Resource Specialist
Aimee-scd@wpia.net | 814-289-4236
Keith Largent
Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Technician
Keith-scd@wpia.net | 814-289-4250
Kristy Scarmack
Financial Manager
Don Williams
Nutrient Management Technician
Don-scd@wpia.net | 814-289-4248
Terry Tallion
Dirt & Gravel Road Coordinator
Terry-scd@wpia.net | 814-289-4251
Sandra Schmidt
Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) Specialist
Sandra-scd@wpia.net | 814-289-4260
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Roger Latuch
Chairman, Farmer Director
Bud Weyand
Secretary/Treasurer, Urban Director
Irv Kimmel
Commissioner Director
James Ringler
Farmer Director
Justin VanGilder
Farmer Director
Shawn Saylor
Vice Chairman, Farmer Director
Robert Feather
Urban Director
Glenn Stoltzfus
Farmer Director
Richard Berkley
Urban Director
Tom Croner
Associate Director
How Directors Are Nominated and Selected
The Conservation District Law states that each Conservation District Board of Directors shall consist of one member of the county governing board. District directors are nominated by county-wide nominating organizations which are designated by the State Conservation Commission. The County Commissioners make appointments from the Nominating Organizations nominees and notify the State Conservation Commission of their selection. Each Director serves a three-year or a four-year term, with the appointment of directors scheduled so that no more than three directors' terms expire in any one year. Directors volunteer their time and talent to their communities' conservation efforts. It is the District Directors' responsibility to plan and direct the District program, guide the District's professional staff, coordinate the help of governing agencies, and serve as a community clearinghouse for information services and environmental program assistance. District Directors are volunteers from all walks of life who understand their county's unique natural features and concerns. Ultimately, the success of conservation districts depends on the efforts of each District's Board of Directors. Without their dedication in addressing local problems and overseeing programs, much of what has been accomplished by Conservation Districts would not have been possible.
Associate Directors
Associate directors are officially appointed by the Board as advisors. Associate directors do not vote on board decisions, but add their knowledge and experience in assisting with conservation district programs.