Lycoming News

State Senators Scott Martin and Gene Yaw have been acknowledged by Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Assistance Training for their efforts in conservation. Both were awarded the Karl Brown Award for Conservation Leadership during the ACAP Ag Conservation Conference in Harrisburg.

Senator Martin, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, expressed gratitude for the recognition alongside Senator Yaw. He commended partnerships with farmers that have focused on clean water, highlighting significant investments such as the Clean Stream Funds included in the state budget. "The progress we’ve made to this point has been extremely impressive," Martin remarked.

Senator Yaw, leading the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, also acknowledged the honor, emphasizing the collaboration with the agricultural community to improve Pennsylvania’s waterways. "I’m proud of the work we’ve done to better Pennsylvania’s 85,000 miles of waterways," Yaw stated.

In 2022, Martin and Yaw played pivotal roles in establishing the Clean Streams Fund, targeting the cleanup of rivers and streams affected by pollution including agricultural runoff and abandoned mine drainage. This initiative led to the development of the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), which both senators consider successful.

The senators noted that implementation of best practices by farmers and local governments is yielding positive outcomes. They cited a report from the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science indicating improved health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Both senators serve on the Chesapeake Bay Commission, which advises general assemblies in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Yaw heads the Commission’s Pennsylvania Delegation.

The conference was organized by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission and Penn State Extension.