New certification program expands conservation capacity in Pennsylvania

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Conservation district staff across Pennsylvania now have access to a new certification system aimed at increasing local capacity to implement agricultural conservation projects.

The launch of the Practice Approval System, or PAS, developed by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission in partnership with the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, administered by Penn State Extension, is intended to support more efficient and locally driven conservation efforts.

The system allows conservation district employees to design, review and approve conservation practices funded through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, or ACAP, that do not require certification by a registered professional engineer. Conservation professionals instead can work directly with farmers, reducing bottlenecks and moving projects forward more quickly.

A recent survey conducted at the center’s annual conference indicated strong support for the new system. District staff cited benefits such as “getting projects on the ground a lot faster,” “further education and career expansion,” and “the ability to do projects independently.”

These projects include installing fences for rotational grazing, laying out pipelines for pasture watering systems, and designing grassed waterways to manage stormwater in crop fields.

“We are most looking forward to districts feeling confident in their capacity and ability to move farmer applications for conservation projects into successful contracts and then completed projects,” said Jennifer Fetter, director of the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training and Penn State Extension water resources team leader. “District staff are talented and dedicated. They just needed the infrastructure to provide quality assurance, training and support tools — which is a big part of the new certification program.”

The Practice Approval System is designed for conservation professionals working under a delegation agreement with the State Conservation Commission to implement ACAP-funded projects. The system offers certifications in six conservation packages, each covering practices commonly implemented as a system — for example, installing fences to keep cows out of a stream while also creating an off-stream watering system.

The certification package concept was the brainchild of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc., an infrastructure consulting firm with expertise in civil engineering and innovative water quality solutions. The firm provides engineering oversight, supports technical components and plays a key role in the ongoing development and implementation of the Practice Approval System.

The first certification offered is the Grazing Management Fundamentals package, which includes training in planning, design and certification of best management practices for grazing systems.

“As a newer staff member, I appreciate the opportunity to gain new skills and help move the ACAP process along,” one conservation district employee said.

The certification process includes several components: foundational training for new conservation professionals, coursework tailored to each certification package, real-world examples, mock plan development, and a real-world project design and review. Annual spot checks provide ongoing quality assurance and continuing education.

“The need for water and soil conservation projects on farms in Pennsylvania has long been recognized,” Fetter said. “The first hurdle — a shortage of financial support — has been addressed through ACAP and other programs. The second hurdle is the limited supply of technical assistance personnel. The new Practice Approval System multiplies the total pool of qualified professionals to provide these services across the state. It will reduce wait times, lower costs and embrace local relationships between districts and farmers.”

Jacob Tomlinson, ag conservation assistance extension educator, led the development of the training program.

“I’m excited for districts to finally have access to a program that empowers them to make decisions, design projects and certify those projects independently,” he said. “It’s a major step forward in building local capacity. The launch of PAS will provide critical support for getting Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program funding on the ground.”

Conservation districts historically have relied on outside technical design services, which can increase project costs and delay implementation. Under PAS, district staff will be able to plan, design, fund and install conservation practices in direct partnership with farmers.

One staff member noted the benefit of having “the ability to do simple projects easily and quickly.”

“This shift will streamline project delivery and allow specialized engineering firms and agricultural consultants to focus on more complex efforts, such as roofed heavy use areas or manure storage systems,” Tomlinson said.

The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission also underscored the importance of the program’s launch.

“With the conservation district able to provide all aspects of a project to the farmer, it greatly increases the impact of the ACAP funds,” said Justin Challenger, director of financial and technical assistance programs at the commission. “It streamlines the projects and places the capabilities to complete them in the hands of a local entity that knows the county best.”

According to Tomlinson, the program has seen a strong response. The first training session for the "Grazing Management Fundamentals" package filled up in less than 24 hours. A second session was added and already is nearing capacity.

“The enthusiasm has exceeded our expectations and shows how much this program is needed,” he said.

Fetter said more work lies ahead to protect water and soil resources statewide.

“We look forward to the Practice Approval System helping to increase the speed of conservation in the commonwealth, while still maintaining high-quality standards that benefit both the farmer and the environment,” she said.

The center is funded through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission.

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.