John Dubel, a Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program volunteer from Cameron County, has dedicated himself to advancing conservation efforts at the statewide level and was recently appointed to the Governor’s State Water Plan Statewide Water Resources Committee.
The committee plays an important role in shaping the Pennsylvania State Water Plan — a program intended to inform leaders’ decision-making and educate all Pennsylvanians on sustainable use and watershed stewardship.
The committee reviews it, recommends updates, and helps guide water policy and planning across Pennsylvania.
Dubel has been a key Pennsylvania Wilds volunteer, working closely with the Cameron County Conservation District, serving as the chairman of the Sinnemahoning Watershed Association, and volunteering with the Penn State Extension Master Well Owner Network, in addition to his volunteer work with the Master Watershed Program.
Dubel explained that he sought out the Master Watershed Program at his academic program director’s suggestion to gain hands-on experience alongside his master’s degree studies in biodiversity conservation management.
“The experiences that I have had with the Master Watershed Program have been beneficial as I finish my master’s degree program this August,” he said. “I hope to continue to bring what I have learned back into the program and my local community.”
Dubel was honored to learn that Gov. Josh Shapiro had approved his appointment to the Pennsylvania Statewide Water Resources Committee, and explained that he had been recommended by James Horton, the environmental group manager at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, who, Horton said, believed he would be an excellent fit for the committee.
Dubel said he is looking forward to serving the commonwealth and helping to ensure rural Pennsylvania has a voice.
He hopes to push for sustainable plans and solutions that consider the environment, community and economy of rural Pennsylvania.
Travis Wingard, Master Watershed Steward coordinator for the Pennsylvania Wilds region, praised Dubel’s appointment and the dedication and commitment he has put toward the program’s goals of strengthening and protecting watersheds and other natural resources.
“This appointment reflects John’s commitment and the strength of the volunteer network we’ve built,” Wingard said. “We’re excited to see him bring that experience and rural voice to the State Committee.”
Dubel and Wingard encourage anyone with a passion for nature and a desire to learn to join the Master Watershed Steward program, regardless of background, to help improve and protect Pennsylvania’s environment.
“Everyone has something unique to offer, and that is what makes the Master Watershed Program special,” Dubel said. “The diversity of different backgrounds, cultures and locations working together to protect and make the watersheds of Pennsylvania better, educating our communities, and working to help cultivate the next generation of conservationists.”
The Penn State Master Watershed Steward program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations.
The program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams and rivers by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth.
Anyone interested in becoming a Master Watershed Steward can learn more about the program on the Penn State Extension website.
(Reprinted from Penn State News)
Related Articles This Week:
-- Master Watershed Steward Volunteer John Dubel From Cameron County Appointed To DEP Statewide Water Resources Committee [PaEN]
== Future Master Watershed Steward Club At York Academy Growing Next Generation Of Watershed Stewards - By Roni Reed, Master Watershed Steward & York Academy Regional Charter School Science Teacher [PaEN]
-- Penn State Researchers Seeking Volunteer Biosolids Workers To Help With Research On PFAS 'Forever Chemical' Exposure In Handling Biosolids [PaEN]
-- Help Wanted: Armstrong County Conservation District - AmeriCorps Environmental Stewardship Position [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader Guest Essay: Who We Become - After The Flood Water Recedes - By Brittany Stephenson, Luzerne County Councilmember
-- Inquirer Online Feature - Frank Kummer, Others: Join The Inquirer For A Ride Up The Delaware River - Islands In The Stream
[Posted: July 21, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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