About Us
In 1964, at the request of local citizens, the Luzerne County Commissioners established the Luzerne Conservation District to provide for the conservation of the soil, water, and related natural resources of the county.
The district is a local agency that implements soil and water conservation programs and projects through outreach, technical assistance, project coordination, and regulatory/voluntary compliance activities. We accomplish our mission through cooperation with landowners and land users, by working with other public and private organizations, and by promoting the stewardship of natural resources among the county’s citizens.
As one of the 66 county conservation districts in Pennsylvania, we administer local programs and implement on-the-ground practices to conserve soil and water resources in Luzerne County. The district is led by a seven-member board of directors consisting of local volunteers and a county council member. Currently, eleven staff members carry out district program work that has been developed to serve the specific needs of the natural resources and people of the county.
DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
- John (Jay) Wilkes, Jr., Chairman, Public Director
- Gary Moyer, Sr., Vice Chairman, Farmer Director
- Tracey Chonko, Secretary/Treasurer, Farmer Director
- Leonard Burger, Jr., Farmer Director
- Thomas Herbert, Public Director
- Patty Krushnowski, County Council Member Director
- Gary Williams, Public Director
ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBERS:
- Timothy Ference, Director Emeritus
- Jerry George
- Susan Traver
DISTRICT STAFF:
- Hunter Bednarczyk, Conservation Coordinator (E&S Program)
- Jerry Flynn, Building & Grounds Maintenance Technician (part-time)
- Keith George, Deputy Director
- Heather Graham, Conservation Coordinator (E&S Program)
- Lauren Holder, Conservation Specialist (MDC Program & Education/Outreach)
- Debbie Josuweit, Office Administrator
- John Levitsky, Watershed Specialist
- Josh Longmore, Executive Director
- Jennifer Merryman, Conservation Specialist (Ag Conservation & Farmland Preservation Programs)
- Mike Schlauch, Conservation Coordinator (Ag Conservation & Roads Programs)
- Vacant, Conservation Technician (MDC Program – seasonal)