2010 Brings Change To WPCAMR
by Andy McAllister, Regional CoordinatorAs the old saying goes, “The only constant in life is change”. In recent months, WPCAMR has undergone some changes of its own. At the end of January, long-time WPCAMR Regional Coordinator, Bruce Golden retired. Among his many accomplishments, Bruce was instrumental in the Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Land Campaign’s efforts to reauthorize the federal Surface Mining and Control Act of 1977 (SMCRA), that collective effort by many organizations, including WPCAMR, resulted in increased funding to address Pennsylvania’s Abandoned mine legacy. We miss Bruce but wish him well in his retirement!
Upon Bruce’s retirement, Andy McAllister, former WPCAMR Watershed Coordinator, took on the role of Regional Coordinator while Anne Daymut, former Watershed Specialist for the Indiana Conservation District was hired to be the new Watershed Coordinator.
Also in recent months, Bob Eppley, WPCAMR’s president, stepped down from that position to pursue other activities. Bob’s insights on Abandoned Mine Reclamation and his hard work helped WPCAMR grow over the years. We are grateful for Bob’s hard work over the years!
Of course, with Bob Eppley’s resignation as WPCAMR’s President, there was a need to hold elections. Elections were held at the WPCAMR annual membership meeting in March. WPCAMR’s new officers are as follows:
Jim Panaro, Robindale Energy, President
Dennis Beck , Cambria Conservation District, Vice-President
Jim Eckenrode, Blair Conservation District, Secretary
Greg Phillips, Westmoreland Conservation District, Treasurer
Anne and I are excited about our new roles at WPCAMR and we’re looking forward to contributing our talents toward achieving WPCAMR’s goals.