Venango Conservation District Welcomes New Team Members

Welcome, Jake Cochran, our new Dirt, Gravel, and
​Low Volume Road Technician!

​Hi, my name is James (Jake) Cochran and I am the Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road Technician for the Venango County Conservation District. I am originally from Franklin, Pennsylvania and attended Franklin Area High School. I graduated from Slippery Rock University in December of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geosciences: Geology. Just prior to this in the summer of 2022, I received geologic field experience through the University of Minnesota. I am an active member of the Geologic Society of America (GSA), Pittsburgh Geologic Society (PGS), and the Pittsburgh Association of Petroleum Geologists (PAPG). Through my time in college, I took up the family practice of oil and gas production in western Pennsylvania. The skills I acquired through this field of work assist me greatly with the tasks I now handle day-to-day at the Venango County Conservancy. My interests include outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking as well as learning the local history of Venango County. I personally care greatly about the integrity of our local waterways and preserving them for future generations to enjoy. I look forward to continue assisting my local community alongside my team at the Venango County Conservation District. 

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Welcome, Haley Bechtel, our new Resource Technician!

​My name is Haley Bechtel. I graduated from Oil City High School in 2018 and have lived in the Franklin/Oil City area my entire life. I graduated from Gettysburg College in May of 2022 with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Biology. While at Gettysburg I was a part of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service organization which focuses on volunteer work not only locally but also nationwide and globally.
 
In my free time I love to get outdoors and go hiking and kayaking in the warmer months. I also enjoy traveling and I have a bucket list goal to hike at all of the National Parks. I started on this goal over the summer by visiting both Acadia National Park in Maine and New River Gorge in West Virginia. In the winter months I spend my time reading and watching hockey games (Lets go Pens!). 

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​Welcome, Karen Carey, our new Administrative Secretary!

​Karen Carey grew up in the Bay Area of California and moved to Venango County in 2006.  The beauty of the area and the opportunities it provided was what brought Karen to Franklin, PA.  The many waterways provide ample fishing and boating, the trails provide beautiful backdrops to any walk or biking adventures, and the four seasons weather brings many opportunities for snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and camping, all of which are favorite activities of Karen’s.
Karen has been an active community member in Franklin for 17 years, currently serving the Franklin Retail Association as Treasurer.  She has served as President of the FRA and also as Chairman of the Board for the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce.  Sharing all that Venango County has to offer is Karen’s pride and joy.  Working as the Administrative Secretary for the Venango Conservation District offers even more chances for Karen to share her love for Venango County.