The Franklin County Conservation District (FCCD) is proud to announce Dave Stoner, FCCD Manager, received the Conservation District Employee Excellence Award at the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) annual conference held earlier this week.

This award is given to a Conservation District employee for their outstanding efforts that have furthered the activities and accomplishments of conservation districts on a statewide basis.

Dave Stoner celebrated 35 years of service with FCCD this past November. He has served as Manager since 2012, taking over for the retiring Ernest Tarner. He now manages 11 employees and a multi-million-dollar annual budget.

Dave began his conservation career as a part-time employee with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the mid-1980s. Shortly thereafter, he was asked to join the Conservation District to become the first Chesapeake Bay Technician in Franklin and was tasked with setting up the new statewide Chesapeake Bay Program in this county. In 1997, Dave was once again tapped to help start a new program, namely Franklin County’s first Act 6 Nutrient Management program. Given the success of the Chesapeake Bay Program under Dave’s tenure, it was only fitting he be asked to work as the County’s first Nutrient Management technician. As the County continued to develop, he added the responsibility of reviewing Erosion and Sediment control Chapter 102 plans.

Dave’s understanding of the technical side as well as the nutrient management side of his position has afforded him a great rapport among Franklin County farmers and landowners.

As manager, Dave has established an excellent working relationship with the Franklin County Board of Directors. In turn, their strong support enables Dave and his staff to move forward with projects and initiatives in a timely manner, aiding in the successful completion of each.

Current FCCD Associate Director Sam Worley recently commented, “As a Director of FCCD for 25 years and as former treasurer of PACD, I can state that Dave’s ability, energy and understanding of conservation here in Franklin County is unmatched. We would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated caretaker of our land.”

Dave has been a strong supporter of the Ernie Tarner Memorial Scholarship program which is largely funded by the annual FCCD Golf Tournament. To date, FCCD has awarded 85 Franklin County college students nearly $60,000 in scholarship funding, laying the groundwork for conservation efforts to continue for generations to come. Dave enjoys the opportunity to meet individually with each student, discovering their unique goals and aspirations.

At the regional and state levels, Dave has been involved in various workgroups and councils. He faithfully attends regional and statewide conservation-related meetings and offers insightful comments and recommendations based on his years of experience. His career has been a long and successful one due largely to his steadfast commitment to assisting the farmers and residents of Franklin County while serving as their advocate and voice at regional and state levels. His unique and varied background and experience, along with his strong work ethic and persistent attention to detail, is most likely unmatched through the state.

Caption 1: (Group Photo) PA Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary, Office of Water Programs Jill Whitcomb, PA Department of Agriculture Executive Deputy Secretary Gregory Hostetter, award recipient Dave Stoner, PACD President Emil A. Bove, PACD Acting Executive Director Amy Brown, PACD North Central Region Director Dr. Robert Shannon

Caption 2: Franklin County Conservation District Director Mike Ross congratulates FCCD Manager Dave Stoner on his recent state award.