Presentations & Field Trips - ACAP Ag Conservation Con

Innovation Track

Not Your Grandpa's Buffer
Presented by: Joshua Clark, HRG, Inc.
This session examines advanced riparian buffer designs that move beyond standardized approaches and exceed baseline ACAP and NRCS criteria. It considers multifunctional strategies that integrate water quality treatment, habitat enhancement, site-specific objectives, and resilient plantings. Presenters discuss aesthetic considerations that support landowner adoption, along with emerging approaches to pest and invasive species management. The session also outlines methods for coordinating ACAP with complementary funding programs to expand project scope, longevity, and performance while maintaining compliance and cost efficiency. Participants will gain practical ideas for developing effective and sustainable buffer systems.
Indiana County Conservation District Farm Lane's Demo Project
Presented by: Nathan Edwards and Brooke Russick, Conservation Indiana County Conservation District
Based on a 2022 report by the Department of Environmental Protection, approximately 587 miles of streams in Indiana County are considered impaired. The project described here highlights the role of the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) in addressing stormwater runoff that contributes to stream pollution. ACAP funding supported improvements to stormwater management at a family-owned tree farm of approximately 60 acres. This Indiana County operation experiences high traffic volumes around its headquarters and growing areas. Stormwater has created ruts, pooled in low-lying areas, and transported sediment into nearby Cheese Run. The Indiana County Conservation District collaborated with Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co., Penn State Extension, and a local contractor to design a comprehensive plan to address these issues. Measures included the installation of conveyor belts to divert heavy stormwater flow from a steep access road, as well as roof gutters, culvert pipes, and an underdrain system at the farm headquarters to improve drainage in frequently saturated areas. Diverted runoff now discharges into rock sumps, allowing infiltration into the groundwater. In addition to improving road conditions and farm management, these measures help protect nearby streams from sediment pollution.
Introduction to the New ACAP Silvopasture Standards
Presented by: Joshua Greene, Trees for Graziers, and Patrick McCarthy, State Conservation Commission
This session introduces Pennsylvania’s new ACAP Silvopasture Practice Standard and its application. Silvopasture integrates trees, forage, and livestock to improve resource use, enhance environmental outcomes, and support farm profitability. Participants will gain a practical understanding of appropriate site conditions, along with key components of the standard, including site assessment, species selection, spacing, and livestock integration. The session also highlights ACAP requirements, grazing plan considerations, and management expectations for successful implementation, and provides the knowledge needed to evaluate sites, support producers, and implement silvopasture practices that improve soil health, water quality, and overall farm resilience.

Engineering Support Track

Engaging the Private Sector for Technical Assistance
Presented by: Joshua Glace, Larson Design Group
This session examines how government and nonprofit entities can engage private-sector engineering and environmental consulting companies for technical assistance. It covers methods for soliciting firms, developing effective statements of work (SOWs) and requests for proposals (RFPs), evaluating responses, and selecting appropriate contracting approaches. The session also addresses strategies for managing consulting firms once a project is under contract, including client responsibilities and expectations. Participants will gain an understanding of how to effectively engage and manage private-sector partners to ensure high-quality technical assistance, along with practical guidance for preparing SOWs and RFPs that yield consistent and comparable proposals.
Pre-Bid Procedures for Success
Presented by: Jamie Knecht, Wayne County Conservation District
After several unsuccessful bidding experiences, the Wayne County Conservation District (WCCD) revised its approach to soliciting bids for larger projects. A competitive bidding process is particularly important in an economic climate in which large projects are increasingly difficult to fund and contractor bids may vary in accuracy. WCCD has adopted procedures intended to improve cost reliability while maintaining project quality. This session introduces the pre-bid procedures used by WCCD to support more consistent and successful project outcomes.
Preparing Engineers for Agricultural Conservation Work
Presented by: Lauren Cheran and Jason Winey, Snyder County Conservation District
As the ACAP program grows, demand for engineering firms to provide design and construction oversight for conservation projects has increased. However, a limited pool of firms with agricultural expertise has made it more difficult to meet this need. In response, the Snyder County Conservation District partnered with Stahl-Sheaffer Engineering to develop a training approach that prepares engineers to work in agricultural conservation. This session examines the partnership process, shares lessons learned, and outlines strategies for districts seeking to collaborate with local engineering firms and expand project capacity.

Early Career Track

Communicating with Farmers Under Stress
Presented by: Maureen Ittig, Penn State Extension
Agriculture can present unique stressors, and those serving the industry are often positioned to recognize when individuals may be struggling. This session examines common signs of stress and provides strategies for responding with care and professionalism. It also covers practical communication approaches for supporting clients, along with methods for managing stress in one’s own work. Participants are introduced to available resources that may be used personally or shared with farmers and their families to support broader well-being within the agricultural community.
Manure Management and Ag E&S Plans: Benefits, Resources, and Best Practices for Plan Development
Presented by: Sarah Tzilkowski, Penn State Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
This presentation provides an overview of the development of Manure Management Plans (MMPs) and Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control (Ag E&S) Plans, including their purpose, available resources for operators and plan developers, and strategies for efficient plan development. It introduces the purpose of MMPs and Ag E&S Plans and their importance beyond regulatory compliance. The session reviews which agricultural operations in Pennsylvania are required to develop these plans and identifies key resources that support plan preparation. It also highlights best practices for gathering required operational data, including field information, crop rotations, and on-farm management practices, and addresses common questions and challenges encountered during plan development. The presentation concludes with time for discussion and questions.
Safety First: Construction Safety for Conservation Professionals
Presented by: Kayli Rentzel, Penn State Extension
Agricultural conservation projects often involve construction activities, yet many conservation professionals have limited experience with construction safety standards and regulatory requirements. This session introduces construction site safety as it relates to conservation work. It provides a foundational understanding of common hazards encountered during the implementation of conservation practices, including excavation, equipment operation, and overhead work. The session also outlines key safety principles, applicable regulations, and best practices for planning and communicating safety on-site.

Conservation Practices Track

Forest Stewardship in Pennsylvania's Private Forests
Presented by: John Schwartzer, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry
A forest management plan serves as the foundational guide for sustainable forestry activities. The DCNR Bureau of Forestry outlines how forest management plans help landowners achieve forestry goals, address resource concerns, and provide long-term guidance for the Commonwealth’s non-industrial private forests. The session examines the characteristics of an effective forest management plan and how forestry best management practices can be incorporated to align with conservation program goals.
Do I Need to Fertilize My Pastures with Nitrogen Fertilizers?
Presented by: Guojie Wang, Penn State Department of Plant Science
Grazed pastures return approximately 90 percent of forage nutrients consumed by livestock to the soil through urine and feces. However, the distribution of urine and manure is uneven across pastures, with only about 10 percent receiving deposits annually. Management practices can improve the distribution of nutrients, support nutrient cycling, and reduce potential environmental impacts. In the long term, extensive pasture grazing systems typically do not rely on synthetic fertilizers, particularly nitrogen fertilizers. In more intensively managed systems, nitrogen inputs may be used to increase forage yield, adjust botanical composition, and extend the grazing season. In organic pasture production systems, alternative practices are used in place of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Dr. Guojie, extension specialist from Penn State addresses the question of whether nitrogen fertilizer is necessary for pasture management.
ACAP Admin Manual Highlights
Presented by: SCC ACAP Staff
This session reviews key updates to the ACAP Administrative Manual, including recent changes to policies, payment procedures, and practice eligibility. It examines how these updates affect program implementation and day-to-day operations. The session also includes time for questions and discussion of scenarios that support consistent application across districts.

Innovation Track

Built to Last: Reinforcing Soils and Managing Agricultural Runoff
Presented by: Colin Gardener, Stormwater Solution Source, LLC
This presentation examines approaches used by farmers and conservation professionals to reduce erosion, improve soil stability, and enhance water resource management. It focuses on the use of geocellular confinement, turf reinforcement mats (TRMs), anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), and water storage and reuse systems to protect vulnerable soils and support long-term productivity. Geocellular confinement provides structural support on slopes, high-traffic areas, and drainage paths, reducing soil movement and improving load distribution. TRMs reinforce vegetation over the long term and support the establishment of durable ground cover in areas with concentrated flow. Anionic PAM functions as a soil conditioner that reduces sediment loss by improving particle aggregation and infiltration. Water capture and reuse systems reduce runoff from existing structures and provide an on-site water source. The session provides an overview of how these practices can be applied in agricultural settings to support soil conservation and land management.
Balancing Environmental Outcomes and Financial Responsibility in Agricultural Conservation
Presented by: Kevin Brown, Bradford County Conservation District, and Chris Faux, Wyoming County Conservation District
Conservation projects often achieve meaningful environmental improvements on individual farms but may also require significant financial investment. This session examines how conservation professionals can balance environmental goals with responsible use of program funding. It explores alternatives to higher-cost best management practices and considers the role of management practices in long-term project success. The session also discusses how understanding farm systems and animal needs can influence project design. Through real-world examples and discussion, it presents strategies for addressing agricultural conservation challenges in ways that support effective use of resources and benefit both producers and the broader community.
Project Management: Bidding and Procurement
Presented by: Sherri Law and Sarah Xenophon, State Conservation Commission
This session will provide the first of several trainings being prepared within the Project Management Short Course, designed for conservation professionals across Pennsylvania. This presentation will cover the foundations of bidding and procurement in the context of conservation projects, how to manage risk throughout the bidding process, and how this step of the project lifecycle impacts program and project delivery. Bidding and Procurement is a critical step in the project lifecycle, which allows project managers to evaluate and control project costs, construction quality, and delivery timelines before the execution phase begins. A well-planned bidding process can prepare a project for successful execution, avoid administrative pitfalls, and ultimately protect public resources including taxpayer dollars, staff time, and the natural resources we all aim to improve.

Grazing Track

Horses Aren’t Cows: Tailoring BMPs for Unique Pasture Challenges
Presented by: Laura Kenny, Penn State Extension
This session examines the tailoring of best management practices (BMPs) for horse pastures, where grazing pressure, soil compaction, and uneven use can quickly affect pasture health and water quality. It reviews strategies for assessing pasture conditions and selecting BMPs that improve forage productivity, reduce erosion and runoff, and manage high-traffic areas. Topics include grazing management, watering systems, trails and walkways, and heavy-use areas. The session also considers how horse operations differ from traditional livestock systems, including differences in management approaches, pasture use, and operational characteristics.
Can You Believe It? Realistic Pasture Yields
Presented by: Brian Campbell and Daniel Ludwig, State Resource Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Robert Meinen, Penn State Extension
Using realistic pasture yields in nutrient and manure management planning supports accurate assessment of pasture acres and helps reduce the risk of soil and nutrient loss to water resources. Current guidance that distinguishes pastures from Animal Concentration Areas provides limited information on realistic yield estimates and associated nutrient uptake. Pasture yields are often overestimated in planning processes. This session examines challenges associated with yield overestimation by first framing the issue and then reviewing the types of pasture management documentation needed to support defensible yield estimates in planning and review. Current NRCS pasture clipping studies in Pennsylvania provide additional insight into this topic. While the session is designed to stand alone, participants may also engage in the Measure What Matters: Pasture Yield in Practice Professional Development Field Trip (pre-registration required).
Avoiding Overgrazing Without Overcomplicating Your System
Presented by: Troy Bishopp, National Grazing Lands Coalition
Overgrazing often develops gradually through small management decisions that accumulate over time. This session examines observation-based strategies that can help producers improve pasture performance while maintaining practical grazing management approaches. It uses real-world examples to explore how timing, recovery, stock density, and the ability to “read the landscape” can support healthier pastures, improved livestock performance, and more resilient farm systems. The session also provides guidance for assisting landowners in making grazing decisions that align with their operations, land resources, and management goals.

Managers Track

Updating Your Local ACAP Policy and Project Ranking Forms
Presented by: Erin Trouba, Penn State Extension
This breakout session is intended for district managers and experienced staff and focuses on local ACAP policies, with an emphasis on project ranking. The session examines the process for updating local policy and reviews recent updates completed by several counties. The latter portion provides an opportunity for participants to discuss potential updates to local policies and ranking priorities. Participants should bring their most recent policy; otherwise, basic boilerplate templates will be provided.
ACAP Financial Fundamentals
Presented by: Eric Cromer, State Conservation Commission
This session provides an overview of ACAP financial management, focusing on funding sources through the State Conservation Commission and the flow of funds from districts to landowners. It explains allocation, advancement, and replenishment processes, along with cost allocation methods and policy guidance. The session reviews project payment procedures, including partial payments and returns, and outlines when and how funds may be advanced. It also emphasizes accurate documentation practices and incorporates insights from prior presentations to strengthen understanding of program requirements and compliance.
Growing Talent, Retaining Staff: Why Mentoring Matters in Conservation Districts
Presented by: Dana Flowers, Penn State Extension
County conservation districts face increasing demands, evolving programs, and the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining skilled staff. A strong mentoring culture can help new and existing employees build confidence, strengthen technical and professional skills, increase engagement, and feel supported in their roles. This session is designed for district managers, directors, and leadership staff interested in developing employees while improving retention and workplace satisfaction. Participants will explore the value of mentorship, key elements of successful mentor programs, and an overview of a new mentoring initiative being developed to support conservation district staff working in ACAP and related programs.

Conservation Practices Track

Research Insights Into Three ACAP Water Quality Practices
Presented by: Tyler Groh, Penn State Extension
Agricultural sources remain a significant contributor to diffuse, nonpoint source nutrient and sediment loading in surface waters, yet opportunities exist for targeted, fieldscale improvements. This presentation will provide a research update on three ongoing projects evaluating the water-quality outcomes of ACAP-funded conservation practices in agronomic landscapes. The three practices included in this study are upgrading a degraded farm lane to Penn State Center for Dirt and Gravel Road standards, implementing silvopasture practices, and improving confined animal feeding lots. The goal for all these projects is to obtain field data to inform water-quality standards for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment for each conservation practice. Collectively, these studies provide applied evidence to inform farm-level conservation planning and demonstrate how incremental infrastructure and management changes can yield measurable environmental benefits. The findings are directly relevant to researchers, practitioners, and agencies engaged in agricultural water-quality protection.
Best Practices for Manure and Mortality Composting
Presented by: J. Craig Williams, Penn State Extension
Managing manure and livestock mortality through composting offers a practical, cost-effective approach to nutrient recycling and on-farm biosecurity. This session will walk through the fundamentals of manure and mortality composting, including site selection, materials, carbon-to-nitrogen balance, pile construction, temperature management, and regulatory considerations in Pennsylvania. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to implement and manage composting systems that reduce environmental risk, improve nutrient use, and support compliance with state guidelines.
How BMPs Make Life Easier and Grow Better Livestock, a Farmer Panel
Facilitated by: Brad Kunsman, Penn State Extension
This panel discussion features farmers sharing experiences with implementing best management practices (BMPs) and their impacts on day-to-day operations and livestock performance. It highlights real-world applications of practices that enhance animal comfort, streamline chores, and support farm efficiency. Panelists discuss what worked, what they would do differently, and how BMPs have influenced productivity and quality of life. The discussion also examines the benefits of conservation practices from a producer perspective and considerations for collaborative design of solutions that address both farm and environmental goals. The session includes time for questions and discussion with panelists.

Built to Last: Practical Livestock Fencing in Action
This hands-on session is a condensed version of Kencove’s fence school, focused on techniques most relevant to ag conservation work. Participants will work directly with fencing materials and tools while exploring proper installation, layout, and design considerations. The session emphasizes practical skills that can be applied in the field.
The Plants That Make the Practice: Species Selection in Buffers
Through a trip to a live stake nursery and buffer, this tour explores how thoughtful plant selection drives the success, function, and long-term integration of buffers within agricultural operations. Participants will examine species identification and selection strategies for trees and woody materials used in riparian buffers with a focus on matching plants to site conditions, conservation goals, operational needs, and long-term resilience.
Measure What Matters: Pasture Yield in Practice
This trip builds on the session “Can You Believe It? Realistic Pasture Yields” by examining how measurements are collected and applied in real-world settings. It reviews pasture conditions and considers how yield data informs management and conservation planning decisions. The focus is on translating field data into practical applications.
Silvopasture in Practice: From Trees to Standards
This tour will explore an active silvopasture system and how trees and livestock are integrated. It reviews system layout, management considerations, and key design elements, along with new ACAP silvopasture standards. The session connects field practices with evolving program guidance.
Beyond the Evergreen: Conservation in Christmas Tree Farms
This visit will highlight Christmas tree production, including resource concerns specific to this type of operation. Participants will explore how production and conservation goals intersect with creative solutions like multipurpose buffers. The tour provides a look at how nontraditional agricultural operations can be improved with traditional conservation practices.
Digging Deeper: Exploring Mining Operations That Produce Aggregates
This tour will provide an inside look at aggregates production, from material extraction through processing. Participants will travel through the site, including underground mine areas, to see how operations are carried out. The session will also touch on material characteristics used in agricultural operations.
Cows & Conservation: The Robotic Dairy
This tour examines a dairy operation utilizing robotic milking technology and its effects on daily management and herd movement. It reviews how barn layout, animal flow, and labor shifts influence conservation considerations on the farm. The session considers how evolving technology reshapes operational decisions and conservation planning.
Ideas to Implementation: Building an ACAP Project Proposal
This session will walk participants through the full process of developing a strong ACAP Project Proposal. The tour will include a step‑by‑step look at how to use diagnostic field observations, producer goals, and program standards to shape a complete proposal that documents current conditions, explains the practices needed, and connects practices into a functional system.

From Plans to Projects: Navigating Design and Project Management in Conservation
Presented by: Joshua Glace, Larson Design Group, Erin Letavic, HRG, Inc., Timothy Peters, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Jacob Tomlinson, Penn State Extension
This interactive session focuses on reading engineering design plans and understanding key aspects of project management. It examines critical project phases, including planning, pre-contract and bidding, and construction oversight. Contributing organizations each highlight a stage of the process and lead a hands-on activity to reinforce learning. The session provides an overview of project workflows and coordination among partners involved in conservation project implementation.
From Roots to Recognition: Interactive Plant Identification and Biology
Presented by: Chris Canfield and Leanna Duppstadt, Penn State Extension
This interactive session introduces the fundamentals of plant identification and biology through applied learning. It examines key plant structures, growth habits, and distinguishing characteristics used to identify common species in agricultural and natural settings. The session incorporates visual aids, live samples, and group activities to reinforce observation skills and critical thinking. It highlights the importance of plant knowledge for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), including its role in supporting practice selection, site evaluation, and long-term project success. The program provides an overview of plant identification across a range of experience levels and strengthens understanding of plant function, adaptation, and environmental interactions.
Get Your Boots Wet with Stream Crossing Survey Techniques
Presented by: Patrick McCarthy, State Conservation Commission and Nicholas Parrish, HRG, Inc.
This hands-on, interactive session covers the fundamentals of conducting a stream crossing survey. It focuses on practical, field-based methods for collecting key measurements needed for planning and design, including stream centerline profiles and required cross sections. The session also addresses field data documentation, survey notes, and additional factors that influence effective and durable crossing design. It is intended for those seeking to improve consistency in collecting high-quality survey data for stream crossing projects.
PAOneStop: Developing Maps, Ag E&S Plans, and Manure Management Plans
Presented by: Gabe Butherie, Sarah Tzilkowski, Jennifer Weld, Jacob Yost, Penn State University
This interactive session provides an overview of PAOneStop (PAOneStop.psu.edu), a free, web-based tool for developing farm maps, Agricultural Erosion and Sediment Control (Ag E&S) plans, and Manure Management Plans (MMPs). It explains how PAOneStop supports planning by integrating imagery, mapping tools, soil data, calculation tools, and plan creation modules into a single platform. The session reviews how the PAOneStop team addresses user questions, resolves technical issues, and incorporates feedback to improve the system. It then demonstrates the development of farm maps and how these tools support on-farm decision-making for planners, manure haulers and brokers, and operators. It also demonstrates Ag E&S plan development in PAOneStop, including crop rotation development, soil loss calculations, BMP integration within the planning module, and generation of a printable plan. The session concludes with an overview of the MMP module, focusing on navigation and plan generation. PAOneStop is developed and implemented by Penn State Extension with financial and technical support from the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and technical support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
From Overwhelmed to Engaged: Stress Management Through Making
Genevieve Christ, Mattie Horchler, Maureen Ittig, Penn State Extension, and Sarah McMullen, Cambria County Conservation District
Conservation work involves competing priorities, tight timelines, and high expectations. This interactive session introduces stress management approaches that incorporate hands-on creative activities. It examines how simple “making” practices—such as crafting or other tactile activities—can support focus, reduce stress, and contribute to overall well-being. The session includes a choice of guided, low-pressure activities along with a discussion of how incorporating short creative breaks into daily routines may support resilience and productivity. The session concludes with a completed project, ideas for incorporating creative practices into the workday, and strategies for managing stress and maintaining engagement.
Reading the Land: Making Better Grazing Decisions in Real Time
Presented by: Troy Bishopp, National Grazing Lands Coalition
This interactive session examines the observation skills needed to make grazing decisions in real time. It considers how to “read the land” by evaluating pasture conditions, animal behavior, plant recovery, weather patterns, and overall farm dynamics to guide day-to-day management decisions. The session provides tools and perspectives on adaptive grazing management that can be applied in on-farm settings.
SCC Fireside Chat for District Managers
Presented by: Justin Challenger, State Conservation Commission
This interactive fireside chat brings together State Conservation Commission (SCC) leadership and conservation district managers for an open discussion on topics related to districts and the SCC. The session provides a forum to share insights, discuss district needs and challenges, and exchange ideas to support conservation across Pennsylvania. District managers are invited to engage in dialogue, ask questions, and share perspectives from their field experience.