WASHINGTON COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT

District News

Community Trash Clean Up

On Thursday April 6th the WCCD partnered with Range Resources, Washington & Jefferson College, and Marianna Borough to clean up trash along Horne Valley Road and Cemetary Road in Marianna. Over 8 tons of trash and tires were removed and disposed of properly. We are thankful for these wonderful partnerships and the hard work of the volunteers on a cold and rainy day!

Old Hickory Ridge Road Clean Up

On the afternoon of April 17th the WCCD staff cleaned up a section of Old Hickory Ridge Road. A total of 11 bags of trash were collected. You will see us out each spring and fall doing our part to keep the County clean!

Each person can do their part. Please be sure to dispose of your trash properly and not along the side of the road!

Notice

Agriculture Secretary Reminds Pennsylvanians Of Spotted Lanternfly Quarantines, Shares Effective Ways To Slow SpreadAgriculture Department Staff Demonstrate How To Use A Circle Trap To Eliminate Large Numbers Of Spotted Lanternflies Without Harming Beneficial Pollinators Or Small Animals07/06/2022
Agriculture department staff demonstrate how to use a circle trap to eliminate large numbers of spotted lanternflies without harming beneficial pollinators or small animals
Monongahela, PA -- In Washington County today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was joined by Penn State Extension Area Master Gardener Coordinator Valerie Sesler, Washington County Conservation District Manager Matthew Golden, and other state and local leaders to discuss the threat that the spotted lanternfly poses and share information and resources to help Pennsylvanians limit the spread of the detrimental, invasive insect.
"Research, public-private partnerships, and boots-on-the-ground efforts have allowed us to learn more about this pest and develop best management practices to help farmers, transporters, homeowners, and communities combat spotted lanternfly. What we've learned is strengthening how we respond as the pest continues to move," said Secretary Redding. "Everyone has a role to play, especially as Pennsylvanians travel for vacations. We ask you to remain vigilant and continue to look before you leave."
Those who find spotted lanternflies on their property can reduce the population and its impact by trapping and squishing them. Penn State Extension's website includes instructions for making your own circle trapOpens In A New Window using easily obtainable items including plastic milk jugs, duct tape, screen wire, twine, hot glue and gallon-sized food-storage bags. Traps can also be purchased through agriculture and nursery supply stores.
Research funded by the state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and private industry has advanced Pennsylvania's understanding of the spotted lanternfly and how to safely control it in our climate and habitat. To learn how to recognize the insect and its eggs, how to separate common myths from factsOpens In A New Window, and how to safely control it on your property, visit Penn State Extension's website, extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternflyOpens In A New Window, or contact your local PSU Extension office.
In MarchOpens In A New Window, the state's quarantine to control the insect expanded to 45 counties, including Washington County, the location of today's event. The quarantineOpens In A New Window prohibits the movement of any spotted lanternfly life stage including egg masses, nymphs, and adults, and regulates the movement of articles that may harbor the insect.
For more information on spotted lanternflies, visit agriculture.pa.gov/spottedlanternflyOpens In A New Window. Help spread the word to stop the spread with the recently released 2022 Spotted Lanternfly Social Media Toolkit.
Note: Video and photos from the event, including the circle trap demonstration, will be available at PAcast.comOpens In A New Window. High quality, public domain photos of spotted lanternflies are also available for download through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Spotted Lanternfly Flickr albumOpens In A New Window.
MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Powers – 717.603.2056, shpowers@pa.gov

ePermitting Update

On January 25, 2021 the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) went live with the new ePermitting system. General NPDES permits can still be submitted as a hard copy or by using the new ePermitting system. Further instructions can be found at DEP’s ePermitting website. Check back in for updates as new permits are added to the ePermitting system.

Streambank Restoration Video

What you can do

Vegetated Streamside Buffers

Did you know there are easy steps you can take to make a difference in your community?
Every day, the state’s sixty-six conservation districts work to prevent pollution in Pennsylvania. But we can’t do this alone. We need your help. Conservation can start in your yard!

By taking a few simple steps, we can all make a difference:
• Don’t mow to the edge of a stream or lake.
• Plant a “buffer” zone of plants, trees, or shrubs next to waterways.
• Don’t dump yard waste near a stream.
These simple actions will help to:
• Stop pollution from entering streams and lakes.
• Absorb rain to control flooding.
• Prevent erosion.

Together, we can conserve our resources. Remember, it’s up to all of us to be good stewards of our commonwealth. Click HERE to view a video about streamside buffers!

Sights Around Our County

Meetings

The Washington County Conservation District holds a district meeting on the second Tuesday of every month. All citizens from Washington County are welcome to attend these meetings. During the year from September - March district meetings begin at 10am, and from April - August meetings will be held at 9am at the Washington County Conservation District Office. The September meeting will not be held at the Conservation District, and the location each year is to be determined.