Excellence in Conservation Equipment and Technology Use

The Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District Receives Award from National Association of Conservation DistrictsAt the 2010 Annual Meeting of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), Ronald Podolak, Executive Director of the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District (CCSWCD); and Sandy Huey, Watershed Program Manager; were presented the 2009 Award for Excellence in Conservation Equipment and Technology Use.This award recognizes the use of equipment and technology by the CCSWCD in carrying out its mission to protect and enhance the environment by expanding its programs and installing best management practices. The award states, “In today’s environment, Cayuga County SWCD recognizes the need to diversify its programs and be able to provide important, valuable services that no other agency can, and the district achieves it through the use of conservation equipment”.While recognizing the use of standard conservation and construction equipment, the award focused on the District’s tubgrinder, a mobile grinding machine that converts wood waste to mulch. In 2009, the District worked with numerous State, County, and Local municipalities to grind almost 17,000 cubic yards of wood waste. The mulch is then used by local parks and trails departments, and municipalities in gardens and landscaping.