Latest News

  • PAPSS is looking for volunteers to assist with several State Envirothon events on the following dates and locations:
    • May 22nd, 2012:  The PA State Envirothon Oral competition,  University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Cambria County.  Possible opportunity for PAPSS booth.
    • May 23rd, 2012: PA State Envirothon test date University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Cambria County; need one or two more volunteers to help score tests.
    •  July 23rd, Canon Envirothon, RB Winter State Park.  Training day.  John Chibirka, NRCS soil scientist will be running the training station and could possibly use help.
    • July 24th, Canon Envirothon  Testing Day, Susquehanna University – Volunteers to help with testing or scoring.
    • July 26th:  Canon Envirothon:  Information booths: Good possibility that PAPSS could have an information booth here.
  • If you are available to assist at any of these dates and locations, please contact Yuri Plowden at Yuri.Plowden@pa.usda.gov
  • Click Here to learn how Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, Pennsylvania is utilizing a $30 million gift from the Warwick Foundation to benefit students taking soils classes.
  • Check the ‘Issues and Licensing’ tab for an article from the American Society of Agronomy’s Crops & Soils Magazine titled “Reclaiming our Turf”.  This is a timely article for soil scientists considering the licensing effort that is currently underway.
  • The October 2011 PENNSOIL is available for download here.
  • The 2011 PAPSS Annual Meeting was held on Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th. Pennsylvania State Senator Mike Brubaker from the 36th Legislative District explained the legislative process of a bill’s passage and offered advice on our licensing effort, and an enlightening question-and-answer session took place during the Senator’s presentation.  One of the main challenges is the demonstration to state legislators that there is a need for licensing, based on protection of the public health and welfare.  Specific examples of harm, as a result of inadequately trained personnel performing soil science work, may be necessary.  Senator Brubaker recommended that PAPSS align with other professional organizations that would assist with the process and offer support.  All members in attendance are encouraged to send a hand-written thank-you note to Senator Brubaker at the following address:
    • The Honorable Michael W. Brubaker
    • Harrisburg Office
    • 168 Main Capitol
    • Senate Box 203036
    • Harrisburg, PA 17120-3036
  • In addition to the presentation by Senator Brubaker, PAPSS’ lobbyist Mr. Vince Phillips gave an engaging and thought-provoking discussion on ethics.  Mr. Phillips  also reiterated the Senator’s call for the work ahead of the Association to gather support for licensing and the need for an impactful presentation if and when the opportunity arises.  Mr Phillips asked for volunteers to assist in developing a speech for presentation to the legislature.
  • Please check the “Issues” tab for a link to the PAPSS White Paper titled “The Case for Licensing of Soil Scientists in Pennsylvania”
  • Pictures from the PAPSS-sponsored ACOE Regional Wetland Supplement have been posted.
  • SSSA is offering a distance leaning course titled “Fundamentals in Soil Science”.  CEUs will likely be offered as well.  Click Here for a link to course and registration information.
  • Click here for a link to the Spring 2011 PA Geology newsletter.  Of particular interest to PAPSS members is an extensive article beginning on page 8 that discusses the new 1:100,000 scale mapping of glacial features in Pennsylvania.
  • Do you have an iPod or iPhone?  Here is a link to a soil mapping app that uses that devices GPS to find your location and then provide information on mapping, classification, and lab data (as long as everyone recognizes the need to actually dig a hole and perform site specific work…..)

Soil which may meet Indicator F2 or F3

 

 

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