New Watershed Specialist Selected

Todd Deluccia is settling in as Cameron County's new Watershed Specialist. He works out of the Conservation District office in the courthouse. He replaces Jim Zoschg, who has held the position since its inception in 2004. Photo Submitted

A recent Clarion University graduate will succeed Jim Zoschg Jr. as the Cameron County Watershed Specialist.

Cameron County Commissioners appointed Todd Deluccia on Monday to take over the position, starting this month.

Zoschg, who has held the job for two years, will be heading to Nicaragua to teach English for six months.

Deluccia, currently a Curwensville resident, has bachelor of science degree in environmental biology.

Deluccia isn't a stranger to the area. He has helped at the Cameron County elk and bear check station alongside the Pa. Game Commission.

Also, working with the Canaan Valley Institute, he researched and drafted a watershed management plan.

The watershed specialist is a relatively new position. Duties include helping area organizations, farmers and landowners with conservation practices. Deluccia will also work with the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection regional watershed coordinators.

Specific challenges of the position in Cameron County could include oversight of the long waterway recovery process in the wake of the June 30 Norfolk Southern train crash along the Sinnemahoning Portage Creek, and continuing challenges posed by past and present coal mining operations. Area waterways are also adversely affected by acid precipitation.

The state government, through the voter-approved Growing Greener initiative, provides funding for countywide watershed specialists. Cameron County Conservation District received $64,000.