On October 29, the Conservation Partners met at the Masonic Center Temple in Bradford to celebrate 50 Years of Conservation Partnerships in McKean County.

The event was sponsored by the McKean County Conservation District, Penn State Cooperative Extension of McKean County and the Farm Service Agency.

The catalyst for the meeting was the commemoration of the McKean County Conservation District’s 50th Anniversary.

Chairman Kerry Fetter explained that the District was organized at the request of county citizens to provide conservation of the soil, water and the prevention of soil erosion; to assist in watershed protection and flood prevention and to protect and promote the health and general welfare of the people of the county.

The McKean County Commissioners declared McKean County to be a soil conservation district on April 27, 1959 in accordance with the provisions of the "Soil Conservation Law" of 1945, Act 217 of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

The first meeting of the newly organized McKean County Soil Conservation District was held on August 19, 1959 with the founding board members of Russell Comes, Paul Ostrander, R. E. Youngquist, Frank King and Arthur Lindquist.

Since 1959, Fetter stated “the District has worked with local and state government agencies, individuals, and organizations to preserve and protect the natural resources of McKean County.

50 years later, the District is at the forefront of some of the most challenging issues in the Commonwealth, playing a notable role in balancing development pressures, while ensuring protection of the environment.”

In addition Fetter stated, “the District has been a Pennsylvania leader in promoting environmentally sound farm practices to the benefit of McKean County’s agricultural community and the environment through nutrient management and agricultural education outreach.”

Fetter went on to say that the impact of the District extends beyond the farm into watershed protection, environmental education, and protecting public health through the West Nile Virus program carried out by an outstanding staff with recognized expertise.

Guests of the meeting included Deborah Pontzer representing U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson and County Commissioners Joe DeMott and Al Pingie who expressed their congratulations and gratitude for the agencies great conservation efforts for the past 50 years.

The current Board of Directors include: Kerry Fetter, Chairman, Larry Stratton, Vice-Chairman, Cliff Lane, Secretary/Treasurer, Al Pingie, County Commissioner Director, Ernie Hand, Blaine Puller and Chase Miles with Associate Directors of Steve Sherk, Jim McKean, Jim Larson and Bob Butters.

Past directors include: A.J. Harrington, Bill Ditty, Bill Getz, Bill Vandervort, Bob Harris, Bob Huss, Charlie Irons, Charles Osani, Donald Fortner, Ed Kocjancic Eugene Mitchell, Henry Milks, James O’Mara, Jim McKean, Joe Marquart, Joseph L. Cehovin, Larry Ross, Loretta Harrington, Mark Bierbower, Orion Freer, Paul Hoffman, Philip Eberl, Ralph Nelson, Ray Dillenbeck, Ronald Worden, Russell Weston, Sherwood Anderson, Syrus Tanner, Todd Silimperi and William G. McCann.