FCCD Hires Additional Ag Technician: Jonathon Ott
The Franklin County Conservation District is pleased to announce the hiring of Jonathon Ott as a new Ag Conservation Technician. A native and resident of Franklin County, Ott’s schooling and past employment experiences include agriculture and turf grass management. In his new position, Jonathon will assist local farmers with their nutrient management plans and manure management plans while working to help conserve our soils and improve our water quality. Ott can be reached at 717-264-5499 or [email protected]. Outside of the office, Jonathon enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, being outdoors, traveling, gardening and fishing.
Franklin County – Home of the 5-Millionth Tree!
This past fall, Watershed Specialist, Emily Hartley, and Clean Water Coordinator, Caitlin Lucas, attended the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s celebration of the 5-millionth tree planted as part of the Keystone 10 Million Trees initiative. In addition to the milestone white oak tree, 100 other native trees, including serviceberry, American beech, and white pine, were planted in our very own Furnace Run Park in Southampton Township. These trees were planted by over 30 volunteers, including members of Arbor Day Foundation, who travelled to Franklin County from Nebraska to celebrate this monumental achievement.
More information and photos from the tree planting can be found HERE.
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FCCD Ag Technician Scott Metzger Receives State Conservation District Employee Excellence Award
Left to Right: FCCD Award Winner Scott Metzger, FCCD District Manager Dave Stoner
Click HERE for full article. For complete posting, click HERE.
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Applications from Franklin County farmers are being accepted for:
Conservation Excellence Grant (CEG) – Click HERE for more information
Streamside Grass Buffer Program – Click HERE for more information
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY QUARANTINE AREA INCLUDES FRANKLIN COUNTY
TO REPORT A SIGHTING: Please call 1-888-422-3359 or use the reporting tool found: HERE
For treatment and management information, please contact the local Penn State Extension office: 717-263-9226
Spotted Lanternfly Circle Traps
Emily Hartley, FCCD Watershed Specialist, met recently with PA Department of Agriculture to learn how to deploy circle traps for spotted lanternfly control. These circle traps capitalize on the lanternfly’s tendency to migrate upwards on the tree and captures them in the bag at the top! For instructions on how to create and deploy your own circle traps, please visit the following link: https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-build-a-new-style-spotted-lanternfly-circle-trap.
Left: Spotted Lanternfly Circle Traps – Located in the Eco Park behind the Ag Heritage Building, 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg
Right: PA Department of Agriculture representatives Paul Smith & Jenna along with FCCD Watershed Specialist Emily Hartley
BUSINESSES (includes farming) that operate in or travel through quarantined counties are required to obtain a Spotted Lanternfly permit.
Click HERE for permit training.
Click HERE for more information on the permit.
HOMEOWNERS and FARMERS with questions about treatment are encouraged to contact the Franklin County Penn State Extension office (717-263-9226) to learn about management, including approved sprays. You may also visit: www.extension.psu.edu
Pennsylvanians who live inside the quarantine zone should also review and sign the Compliance Checklist for residents. Click HERE.
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FIND US ON FACEBOOK! 
The district now has a Facebook page to share the latest news and events happening in Franklin County, as well as informational tidbits of interest.
You can find us HERE! LIKE & SHARE our page!
Franklin County Conservation District Board Meeting
Franklin County Conservation District Board Meeting
Wed, Dec 14, 2022 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM (EST)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/922678845
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 922-678-845
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install
*As per FCCD policy, “advance notice of individuals wishing to make comments during the Franklin County Conservation District Board meeting shall be made with the District Manager by calling 717-264-5499. Only two (2) representatives of the same issue will be permitted to address the Board of Directors for a total of 10 minutes (5 minutes per person).”
What Does The Conservation District Do?
Implements soil and water conservation programs with various funding sources and partnerships. Duties include: Erosion and Sedimentation Controls, Nutrient Management/Act 38, Chesapeake Bay, Watershed, and Environmental Education. The Conservation District also conducts annual events such as the Envirothon (state and county), Eco-Days, tree seedling sales, school presentations, and many other activities.
Watch a short video about Conservation Districts.
TO REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES AFTER HOURS:
Please call DEP at 800-541-2050