2016 Releases

For Immediate Release:  February 7, 2017

GROWING GREENER COALITION: WOLF BUDGET FALLS SHORT IN PROTECTING WATER AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in Pennsylvania, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to Governor Wolf’s proposed budget:

“Governor Wolf’s proposed budget falls short when it comes to protecting Pennsylvania’s water, land, forests, parks, trails and other natural resources, and the economic benefits and jobs they provide.  

“Any transfers from or reductions to the current Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are unacceptable and do not advance Pennsylvania’s commitment to clean streams, public recreation and locally grown food.

“We need to invest more in the state’s environment, not less.

“Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener program needs at least $315 million annually to keep our water clean, preserve our open space and family farms, and ensure children and families continue to have access to parks, trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities, which are vital to our communities and quality of life here in Pennsylvania.

“Our elected leaders can no longer delay when it comes to investing in the Growing Greener program. The Coalition strongly urges the Governor and the Legislature to work together to identify a sustainable revenue source to Keep Pa Growing Greener now and for generations to come.”

For Immediate Release:  December 15, 2016

GROWING GREENER COALITION APPLAUDS CONSERVATION & RECREATION GRANTS, CAUTIONS THAT FUNDING IS AT ALL-TIME LOW

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in Pennsylvania, today applauded the state for awarding $45 million in grants to support conservation and recreation projects across the Commonwealth.

However, the Coalition cautioned that funding for these critical projects is at an all-time low and called on the Governor and Legislature to take action.

“The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition applauds the state for investing in grants that will be used to support critical conservation projects across the Commonwealth,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition. “However, the Governor and Legislature must take action to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, green open spaces, parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and nutritious, locally grown food.”

The grants were awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is largely supported with funds from the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund.

Funding for Growing Greener has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year. This represents a 75 percent cut.

The Coalition recently unveiled its blueprint for a statewide Growing Greener III program, detailing the need for more than $315 million in annual investments to protect Pennsylvania’s water, land, communities and other natural resources.

“The Growing Greener I and II programs have a long history of success,” Heath said. “But there is still work to do. With Growing Greener funding at an all-time low, the state needs to be investing more, not less.”

Coalition members are calling on the Legislature and Governor to allocate funding for the establishment of a Growing Greener III program in the upcoming FY17 budget deliberations.

Established in 1999, the state’s Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways. The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.

Since its inception, the state’s Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support. A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests, and farms.

The Growing Greener III plan proposed by the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition has been endorsed by more than 170 conservation, preservation and recreation organizations, as well as several businesses and local governments, representing hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians. For a copy of the plan and full list of supporters visit www.growinggreener3.com.

Executive Director Notes: Finding the Green

For Immediate Release:  Sept. 28, 2016

SEN. KILLION, PA GROWING GREENER COALITION ANNOUNCE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO PROTECT WATER, LAND & OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES

(HARRISBURG, PA) Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware) and the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition today announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation to create a Growing Greener III program and provide $315 million in annual investments to protect the state’s water, land and other natural resources.

“Our goal is to establish a Growing Greener III framework that the Governor and Legislature can embrace to renew this critical program and ensure its continued vitality long into the future,” said Killion. “This legislation represents the first step in the process – identifying the need and establishing the commitment to support these critical environmental and quality of life projects.”

Killion is joined by co-sponsors Sens. Richard Alloway (R-Adams), David Argall (R-Schuylkill), John Blake (D-Lackawanna), Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), Thomas McGarrigle (R-Delaware), Chuck McIhinney (R-Bucks), John Gordner (R-Columbia), Bob Mensch (R-Montgomery), Judy Schwank (D-Berks), Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin), Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) and John Yudichak (D-Carbon).

“We are grateful to Senator Killion and the bipartisan group of co-sponsors for championing a bipartisan Growing Greener III program and for recognizing the critical need to invest in keeping our water clean, protecting our open space and preserving our family farms,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition. “Investments in Growing Greener support our local economies and ensure that future generations continue to have access to clean water, green open space, locally grown food, and public parks, trails and other recreational opportunities.”

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition last week unveiled its blueprint for a Growing Greener III program. A copy of the plan, which was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders can be downloaded at www.growinggreener3.com.

“More than 26,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s waterways are currently classified as impaired,” said John Dawes, executive director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. “We need to invest in a Growing Greener III program to help repair and restore our rivers, lakes and streams, which not only supply our drinking water, but are also popular sources of recreation and tourism for Pennsylvania residents and visitors alike.”

Established in 1999, the state’s Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 50,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways. The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.

“Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener program has helped local communities all across the Commonwealth to protect important open spaces,” said Oliver Bass, vice president for Natural Lands Trust. “However, there is still work that needs to be done. Preserving land is proven to makes communities healthier, provides significant economic benefits, and is one of the most effective ways to keep water clean.”

Pennsylvania’s Constitution mandates that the Commonwealth conserve and maintain its natural resources. As article 1, section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution reads: “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all of the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

Since its inception, the state’s Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support. A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests, and farms.

“Pennsylvanians value their parks and open spaces,” said Marci Mowery, president of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation. “Our public forest lands not only provide recreational opportunities like fishing, hunting, bird watching, and camping, but also provide forestry products, clean air, and clean water.”

Numerous studies have shown that Pennsylvania’s parks, farms, waterways, and open space generate significant economic and health benefits locally and statewide, and are critical to the strength of two of Pennsylvania’s leading industries – tourism and agriculture.

“Growing Greener funding is critical to preserving our family farms and ensuring access to locally grown, nutritious food,” said Jeff Swinehart, deputy director of Lancaster Farmland Trust. “Our farms contribute $75 billion in total economic impact annually and one in seven jobs is related to agriculture. We must invest in their preservation.”

The Growing Greener III plan proposed last week by the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition has so far been endorsed by more than 100 conservation, preservation and recreation organizations, as well as several businesses and local governments, representing hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians. For a full list visit www.growinggreener3.org.

For Immediate Release:  Sept. 21, 2016 

PA GROWING GREENER COALITION APPLAUDS NOMINATION OF PATRICK MCDONNELL AS DEP SECRETARY  

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to Gov. Wolf’s nomination of Patrick McDonnell as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):

“Patrick McDonnell is an excellent and thoughtful choice as DEP Secretary; an individual who cares deeply about Pennsylvania’s environment and who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. The Coalition has had the honor to work with Mr. McDonnell on a number of projects and initiatives in the past. We are hopeful that the Senate will quickly confirm his nomination, and we look forward to working with him to advance a Growing Greener III program in the future.”

For Immediate Release:  Sept. 19, 2016 

PA GROWING GREENER COALITION UNVEILS BLUEPRINT FOR GROWING GREENER III PROGRAM
Plan Details Need for Protecting Pennsylvania’s Water, Land & Other Natural Resources

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today unveiled its blueprint for a statewide Growing Greener III program.

The proposed plan details the need for $315 million in annual investments to ensure Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, parks and trails, green open spaces, and locally grown food.

“Funding for the state’s Growing Greener program is at an all-time low,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition. “This plan establishes a framework for the Governor and the Legislature to renew the state’s investment and provide the funding necessary to keep our water clean, conserve our land, ensure access to public recreation and preserve our family farms.”

Funding for the state’s Growing Greener program, established in 1999, has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year – a 75 percent cut.  The program is currently funded through tipping fees on waste disposal, as well as contributions from the Marcellus Legacy Fund and the Oil and Gas Lease Fund.

“Pennsylvania has more miles of streams and rivers than any state other than Alaska,” said John Dawes, executive director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. “Our goal is to protect the best and restore the rest so there will be clean water for future generations.”

More than 26,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s waterways are classified as impaired, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. This means the state’s rivers and streams are so polluted they cannot sustain aquatic life; are not safe for drinking or recreational use; and cannot support agriculture and other industries. Failure to meet water quality standards could result in greater federal oversight and penalities.

“The viability of Pennsylvania’s two largest industries – agriculture and tourism – depends on clean water and the availability of open space, parks, trails, farmland, and wildlife habitat,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. “Our natural treasures support our economy, create healthy communities, and provide recreational opportunities for families.”

Pennsylvania’s Constitution mandates that the Commonwealth conserve and maintain its natural resources. As article 1, section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution reads: “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all of the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

The Coalition’s blueprint for a Growing Greener III program was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Since its inception, the state’s Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support. The program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 50,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.

A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests, and farms.

Further, the Growing Greener program leverages tremendous private, local, and federal matching dollars. For each program dollar spent, more than double is generated from matching funds. In addition, the program also leverages significant volunteer in-kind investments that help to alleviate compliance and restoration costs for farmers, communities, and businesses.

“There is little question that Pennsylvanians value the opportunities and benefits associated with the state’s natural resources,” said Heath. “Growing Greener’s value to the residents of Pennsylvania – through tangible improvements to our communities, natural resources, and quality of life – is extraordinary. The Coalition is looking forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to advance a Growing Greener III program that makes meaningful investments in the health and future of our water, land and local communities.”

A full copy of the Coalition’s proposed Growing Greener III plan can be downloaded at www.GrowingGreener3.org.

For Immediate Release:  Sept. 13, 2016

PA Growing Greener Coalition Names Three New Executive Committee Members
Organization Ramping Up for Growing Greener III Program

 (HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today announced the appointment of the following three new members to its executive committee:

• Tim Herd, CPRE, executive director, Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society
• Andrew Loza, executive director, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association
• Marci Mowery, president, Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation

“We look forward to the wealth of knowledge, experience, and statewide influence these three new members bring as we ramp up the campaign for a Growing Greener III program,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition. “Each has a strong record of leadership on issues that are important to Pennsylvanians, including protecting our land and water, and ensuring our children and families have safe, outdoor places to play.”

The Coalition comprises more than 200 member and supporting organizations from across the state. The executive committee, which governs the Coalition, is expanding from seven to 10 members. The other members are:

• Cynthia Carrow, vice president, Government and Community Relations, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
• John Dawes, executive director, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
• Karen Martynick, executive director, Lancaster Farmland Trust
• Molly Morrison, president, Natural Lands Trust
• Lee Ann Murray, assistant director/staff attorney, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• John Walliser, senior vice president, Legal and Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
• Larry Williamson (Chairman), retired senior advisor to the Secretary, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

For Immediate Release:  July 14, 2016

 Coalition Statement on Budget Agreement: Keep PA Growing Greener

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to the state budget agreement.

“We are pleased that the Governor and General Assembly have reached a bipartisan budget agreement that allows Pennsylvania to move forward.

“The Coalition is thankful that funding for the state’s Heritage Areas has been restored so we can continue to protect Pennsylvania’s historic treasures and the significant cultural and economic benefits they bring. We are also grateful to both the House and the Senate for passing legislation to recognize this essential program.

“As we look ahead to the future, we strongly urge the Governor and General Assembly to invest in a Growing Greener III program to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean drinking water, parks and trails, green open spaces, and locally grown farm fresh food.

“This budget reflects the second year the Growing Greener program has experienced a significant reduction of $15 million. Combined with last year’s cut, the communities and non-profits that rely on Growing Greener funding have lost more than $30 million for critical projects and programs.

“Since the mid-2000s, funding for Growing Greener has been cut by more than 75 percent. Governor Wolf and the General Assembly must act soon to provide adequate funding for the program – which has long enjoyed bipartisan public support – and to protect our water resources and Keep Pennsylvania Growing Greener.”

For Immediate Release:  July 6, 2016

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Applauds CFA Grants, Calls for
Renewed Investment in Growing Greener Program

 (HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today applauded the Commonwealth Finance Authority’s (CFA) recent approval of more than $17 million in environmental grants and called for renewed investment in the state’s Growing Greener program.

The grants support 118 Act 13 projects funded through the Marcellus Legacy Fund for statewide initiatives that include abandoned mine drainage abatement; abandoned well plugging; sewage treatment; greenways, trails and recreation; baseline water quality data; watershed restoration; and flood control.

“The Coalition worked hard to ensure Act 13 included funding for conservation, recreation, and preservation projects and is pleased that the CFA is investing in projects to keep our drinking water clean, protect our open spaces, and ensure access to parks and other recreational opportunities,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Growing Greener Coalition. “However, the need for further investment is greater than ever.

“We urge the Governor and the General Assembly to work together to identify a bipartisan approach to provide adequate funding for a Growing Greener III program to support conservation, recreation, and preservation projects.”

Funding for the Growing Greener program has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to approximately $57 million this year. This is a 75 percent cut.

Established in 1999, the Growing Greener program continues to have widespread, bipartisan public support. A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests, and farms.

A full list of approved projects can be found here – 2016CFA.

For Immediate Release: May 23, 2016

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Applauds Wolf Administration’s Announcement of Growing Greener Grants

Renews Call for Increased Funding to Protect and Preserve Water Resources

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to the recent announcement by Gov. Wolf that 114 projects will receive a total of $25.1 million in Growing Greener funding through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP):

“The Coalition is pleased that the Wolf administration recognizes the need to improve water quality in Pennsylvania and is investing in projects to enhance our watersheds, mitigate acid mine drainage, and support programs to reduce pollution.

“These investments through the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are critical to keeping our drinking water clean and ensuring that current and future generations are able to enjoy our rivers, lakes, streams and other waterways.

“It is important to note, however, that funding for Growing Greener program has declined. Most recently, the 2015-2016 fiscal year budget decreased the fund by $15 million from the previous year’s level of funding.

“Currently, the Environmental Stewardship Fund derives its revenues from the state’s tipping fee as well as the Marcellus Legacy Fund.  But with nearly 20,000 miles of waterways polluted we need to do more.

“The Coalition urges lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to come together to advance a Growing Greener III initiative to continue investments to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s water resources as well as our green open spaces, family farms, parks and trails, and historic sites.”