About | Conservation

HEALTHY LAND CLEAN WATER FOR LIFE

The Keystone Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society is a multi disciplinary membership organization, that advocates for the protection, enhancement and sustainable use of soil, water and natural resources. Through education and example, we promote an ethic that recognizes the interdependence of people and the environment.

Executive Committee

President

Curtis Dell

Research Soil Scientist

USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit

Past President

Dan Dostie

NRCS State Resource Conservationist, Harrisburg, PA

President Elect

vacant

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Treasurer

Gary Smith

Gary joined SWCS as a student in 1978 in the All Ohio Chapter and has been a member for over 40 years. He has served in many positions including President of the Keystone Chapter. Gary retired after a 39 year career with USDA SCS/NRCS. He has a Business Administration degree from West Liberty University and an Agronomy/Soils degree from Ohio State University.

Secretary

Lisa Blazure

Agricultural Resource Conservationist

Clinton County Conservation District

Lisa works in both the Chesapeake Bay Program and the Nutrient Management Program. Her true passion is soil health outreach and education.

"It's time we stop treating our soils like dirt" - David Montgomery

History of the Chapter

The Keystone Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society was formed on November 14th, 1946. It was comprised of 12 members ranging from a Glarfelter Paper Company, Farm Bureau Cooperative, and SCS employees to name a few. Their mission was "State Chapter Organized to Conserve Soil". Since that time the Chapter won numerous 'Oustanding Chapter Awards' (1984,1987,1991,2007) and has supported student scholarships since 1980. We have over 100 members and have hosted a number of conferences and field days. We will continue to strive to carry on the tradition in the Keystone Chapter SWCS that was started 62 years ago.

Chapter By-Laws

"The objectives of the Chapter shall be the same as those of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (hereinafter referred to as the Society), as a nonprofit educational and scientific organization dedicated to advancing the science and art of good land and water use."

Regional Representatives

Region 1

Geri Montgomery

Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Washington, Westmorland

Region 2

Charlie White

Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Tioga, Potter, Union

Region 3

vacant

Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming

Region 4

Mary Smith

Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, Somerset

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Region 5 & 6

Lamonte Garber

Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, York

Lamonte is the Watershed Restoration Coordinator for StroudWater Research Center

with over two decades of achievement in agricultural water quality protection and natural habitat restoration. He coordinates projects which strengthen the environmental performance and economic sustainability of agricultural producers and rural landowners in Pennsylvania. Lamonte uses a broad suite of tools in his work including outreach, fundraising, media, project coordination, and on-farm assistance.

State wide

Sjoer W Duiker

At-Large: Sjoerd W. Duiker

Professor of Soil Management and Applied Soil Physics

Penn State

HEALTHY LAND CLEAN WATER FOR LIFE

Executive Committee

Curtis Dell

Dan Dostie

vacant

Gary Smith

Lisa Blazure

History of the Chapter

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Chapter By-Laws

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Regional Representatives

Geri Montgomery

Charlie White

vacant

Mary Smith

Lamonte Garber

Sjoer W Duiker