HISTORY

The Jefferson County Conservation District was established in 1946 by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, to provide for the conservation of soil, water and related resources of the Commonwealth.

Created under the Conservation District Law, districts are the local unit of state government that provides the link between you, the citizens, and the multitude of local, state and federal natural resource management programs. A Board of Directors, appointed by the County Commissioners from nominations received from County-wide organizations, serve as your voice. A staff of professionals provides information, technical assistance, financial assistance and educational programs and support at the direction of that Board.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

The Jefferson County Conservation District Board of Directors is comprised of seven directors (three farmer members, three urban/public members, and a County Commissioner). As volunteer members representing a variety of local communities, the Board leads District programs and sets District policies. Jefferson County residents are encouraged to contact their nearest District Board member with conservation concerns and issues.

Tom McFarland, Chairman– Tom, a public director, is retired from Department of Environmental Protection. This is Tom’s 16th year as a director, he was also an associate director for many years.

Sam Farcus, Vice-Chairman- Sam, a public director is on the Board of Supervisors with Young Township and has worked with the District many times through the Dirt & Gravel projects. This is Sam’s 4th year as director.

Allen Campbell, Secretary/Treasurer– Allen, a public director, is also the President of the Jefferson County Federation of Sportsmen. Allen is well respected throughout the region for his leadership and stewardship of the North Fork and Sandy Lick watersheds. 2025 is Allen’s 26th year as a director.

Terry Shields, Director– Terry, a farmer director, has many years experience on his farm. He is an Environmental Coordinator for PA Farm Bureau. This is Terry’s 12th year as a director, he was
an associate director for 19 years.

Theresa Shick, Director– Theresa, a farmer director, manages a cow-calf operation. She is a former dairy farmer and is active in the County 4-H Program. 2024 is Theresa’s 20th year as a director.

Mark Humes, Commissioner Director – Mark was elected for County Commissioner in January, 2024.

(from left to right)

Theresa Shick, Mark Humes, Sam Farcus, Allen Campbell, Tom McFarland, Mark Pifer and Terry Shields

Associate Directors

Laura Lynn Yohe, Deb Wilson, Porter Duvall and Becky Gaston

Staff

Shaun Wessell– District Manager, Christine Hughes– Administrative Assistant, Megan Whitlatch– ACT/NM Specialist, Dana Hannibal– District Technician, Laryssa Remmick– Resource Technician, Bruce Snyder-Conservation Technician, Ben Smith-Watershed Specialist

Our Mission

The District’s Mission is:

To preserve natural resources and protect/promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of Jefferson County and to provide technical services to improve resource management for the benefit of farmers and urban residents.

The District’s Vision is:

The Jefferson County Conservation District enables residents, businesses and industries to optimize environmental systems interactions throughout the county through subject expertise, education, project management, and research.

Please use the following link to see our 2024 Annual Report:

https://jeffersonconservation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024-Jefferson-Annual-Report.pdf

About Us