Board of Directors:
Mike Hovatter, Chairman
Russ Braun, Vice-Chairman
Joe Daghir, Commissioner
Tom McMann, Public Director
Joe Labant, Public Director
Andy Sorg, Farmer Director
Ray McMinn, Farmer Director
Associate Directors:
Jim McCluskey
Chis Smith
Jerry Olsen
Director Emeritus:
Conservation District Staff:
Kate Wehler, CPESC: District Manager
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Kate, a native of Elk County, joined the Elk County Conservation District as the Resource Conservation Technician in 2014. Prior to working for the District, Kate worked for the Army Corps of Engineers at East Branch Lake and earned her Bachelors of Science degree with a concentration in Geology from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Kate is a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). She enjoys spending time in the PA Great Outdoors and volunteering her time at the Elk County Visitor Center.
Kate's District Programs: District administration, environmental education, Chapter 105 stream and wetland permitting, Chapter 102 erosion and sediment control, and the Dirt,Gravel, and Low Volume Roads Program
Micaela Lefever: Watershed Technician
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Micaela is from Clearfield County and joined the Elk County Conservation District in June of 2021. Micaela earned her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Resource Management from the Pennsylvania State University. She has volunteered doing many types of outdoor-related activities such as building stream habitat structures, planting trees, and helping at Youth Field Day events. Micaela enjoys spending time outdoors fly fishing, hunting, and kayaking.
Micaela's District Programs: Environmental education, water monitoring program, water sampling, stream improvement projects, aquatic habitat improvement projects, and AMD reclamation.
Maddie Stanisch: Resource Conservation Technician
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Maddie is a native of McKean County and joined Elk County Conservation District in 2021. She earned her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science from Slippery Rock University. She previously worked at the McKean County Conservation District doing invasive plant management and recycling. In her free time, Maddie she stays fit at the gym, practices target shooting, and draws.
Maddie's District Programs: Chapter 102 Erosion & Sediment Control, and environmental education.
Victoria Challingsworth: Resource Conservation Technician
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Victoria is an Elk County local and joined the Elk County Conservation District in February of 2020. Victoria earned her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Science from Thiel College in Greenville, PA. She has spent time utilizing her degree while working as a Backcountry Steward for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, as Company Locator for Allegheny Contracting of Ridgway, PA and most recently as Conservation Education Specialist for the Keystone Elk Country Alliance in Benezette, Pa. In her free time Victoria enjoys backpacking and volunteering on trail work projects with the Adirondack 46ers, she also loves hunting, fishing and gardening.
Victoria's District Programs: Ch.105 stream and wetland permitting, environmental education, West Creek Wetland Learning Center Activities, pollinator programs, & the Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road Program.
Alison Bevacqua: Resource Conservation Technician
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Alyson joined the Elk County Conservation District as a Resource Conservation Technician on March 29th, 2023. A native of Elk County, Alyson received her Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies from Edinboro University. She previously worked at The Old Brickyard and The Brickyard Creamery. Beginning August 2022, Alyson began volunteering as a leader for The Girl Scouts of America. In Alyson’s free time she likes to read, travel, and go on hikes to see cool things.
David Stubber: Solid Waste Enforcement Officer
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Dave Stubber was hired as the Municipal Waste Enforcement Officer in 2000. He also was the West Nile Virus Coordinator for Elk County. He now splits his time as the Municipal Waste Enforcement Officer and working at the Community Recycling Center in St Marys. Dave is a retired DWCO with the PA Game Commission he also is very active at Elk County Catholic High School where he previously coached varsity football.
Dave's Programs: Community Recycling Center, Demolition permits, Solid waste management and enforcement.
Carole Johnson: Secretary
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Carole has been employed by the County of Elk since December of 2021. Her duties are split between the Conservation District and the Elk County Solid Waste Authority / Recycling Office. She provides all secretarial, accounting, and payroll services to the District.
Cooperating Agencies:
Allegheny National Forest (ANF)
PA Association of Conservation Districts
PA Department of Agriculture
PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR)
PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
PA Fish & Boat Commission
PA Game Commission
PA State Conservation Commission
Penn State University Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies
Trout Unlimited
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Fish & Wildlife Service
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy