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Helping Farmers to Create a Cleaner Conestoga Watershed

A $640,947.00 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) through the Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener Watershed Protection Program) has allowed Lancaster Farmland Trust (LFT) to expand their previous work in helping farmers to create cleaner water in the Lower Conestoga watershed in East Lampeter Township.

This work had begun in 2015 when LFT was awarded a Technical Capacity Grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to conduct assessments on all 148 farms within East Lampeter Township. Until this technical capacity project, agricultural conservation practices and operations data were never collected on East Lampeter Township farms. With agricultural data collected and cataloged, LFT and partners completed a “MapShed” modeling program that highlighted agricultural conservation practices as the most advantageous and cost-effective ways to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution.

In 2017, LFT was awarded another NFWF grant to implement those conservation practices on several strategic farms within the township. Work on several of those farms is now complete – critical conservation practices like buffers, fencing, animal crossings, stabilized walkways, increased manure storage, and barnyard improvements are in the ground and improving Lancaster County’s water quality.

The generous grant from DEP in 2021 will allow several more properties in the township that lacked funding to complete these projects on their own to join the growing numbers of farms in Lancaster County committed to the fight for clean and clear water.

This story was provided by Lancaster Farmland Trust

Improving Water Quality in the Mill Creek Watershed

 

Provided by Lancaster Farmland Trust

A $274,405.00 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection through the Growing Greener Watershed Protection Program will build on Lancaster Farmland Trust’s (LFT) previous work in the Mill Creek Watershed.

In 2014, Upper Leacock Township engaged LFT to explore a strategic, cost-effective method for water quality improvement in an unnamed tributary of the Mill Creek. LFT conducted assessments on all farms in the designated area and, using the information gathered, developed a set of recommendations for additional practices that should be implemented. If implemented on strategic farms, these recommendations would result in maximum load reductions and significant progress toward meeting the township’s pollution reduction goals.

A grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Federation in 2015 led to the implementation of 18 new terrain-specific conservation practices on two farms with impressive nutrient and sediment reductions for the Mill Creek Watershed. The third farm in this project did not receive enough funding for completion. This new grant from DEP will complete the work started for this patient farming family and put an additional 13 conservation practices into the ground. This critical funding will also support the assessments of all 182 farms in Upper Leacock Township, 30 new agricultural erosion and sediment plans (Ag E&S plans) and/or manure management plans, and conservation practices on additional farms in the Mill Creek Watershed.

Funded Streambank Restoration Projects in Blair County Protect Juniata River, Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Blair County Conservation District

Streambank erosion is known to contribute to a significant increase in sediment and nutrient overloads, harming waterways and watersheds for communities and wildlife alike. According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, more than 11,400 miles of streams are impacted by stormwater runoff and its nutrient pollutants of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. As Pennsylvania works to curtail its pollution into the Chesapeake Bay, restoring and maintaining local water quality to stop runoff is paramount in improving the health Pennsylvania’s watersheds and that of the Chesapeake Bay.

Blair County Conservation District (BCCD) identified three separate streambank restoration projects (Poplar Run, Spring Run and Spencer Run) within Blair County that were contributing to significant sediment and nutrient loads daily and exasperated in storm events, affecting the health of the Juniata River Watershed, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

BCCD’s primary goal for each project was to first stabilize the streambank and reduce erosion, while secondary goals for each project were to add a vegetative component to allow for stream buffering and promote cooling aspects to the waterway; and to promote aquatic health and increased aquatic habitat. The total project included the planting of 1,620 live tree stakes, 20 bareroot tree stock, and 12 container grown shrubs, and the result was the stabilization and restoration of 455 feet of streambanks in the Juniata River Watershed. Water Quality improvements based on the “FieldDocs” Program for In- Stream Load Reduction estimates that a combined 49.14 tons of suspended solids were reduced from entering the waterways.

The project cost for the three sites totaled $108,433.82, with $81,806 from Environmental Stewardship Funds (Growing Greener) and $31,627.82 in matching funds (both In-Kind Services and Construction dollars).

Partners: Blair County Conservation District; Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Technical Assistance Grant Program; BluAcres, LLC; and EcoIslands, LLC. Property owners – Michael Johnston, Sharon Ritchey and the Carson Valley Cemetery Association. Contractors – Vineyard Excavating, Nelson Landscaping, Kerr Landscaping and Claycomb Excavating. Contact Information: Donna J. Fisher, District Manager, Blair County Conservation

Created Wetland and Floodplain Protects Pine Grove from Flooding, Improves Water Quality

Schuylkill County Conservation District

The Swatara Creek in Pine Grove has been historically prone to flooding, with devastating floods affecting over a hundred homes and businesses within the community since 2004. When Tropical Storm Lee dumped over 15 inches of rainfall across the borough in 2011, the resulting floods impacted 90% of local businesses, resulted in $40 million dollars in total damages, contributed to substantial water pollution, and resulted in the loss of 250 jobs due to permanent business closures.

In response to this flooding disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed the Flood Recovery Committee (FRC), a regional coalition that consisted of 8 municipalities, business leaders, and representatives of federal and state agencies who came together to create the “2012 Pine Grove Area/Upper Swatara Watershed Recovery Strategy.” This strategy identified floodplain restoration as on the primary BMPs recommended. This would not only reduce flooding, but also improve water quality and create wildlife habitat.

The eastern side of the Swatara Creek near Guilford Mills in Pine Grove, PA was identified as the site of construction and, in the fall of 2019, work began on the 10-acre wetland and floodplain. The project, helmed by the Schuylkill County Conservation District, cost around $2.5 million in grants, was completed in the summer of 2020.

Schuylkill County Conservation District

Aaron Clauser, of Clauser Environmental who was responsible for the environmental planning of the project, explained that the project design allowed for the use of water from a small unnamed tributary to provide hydrology for over 5.3 acres of newly constructed wetlands that provide wildlife habitat and water quality benefits.

The project has so far withstood tests from mother nature, and the Schuylkill County Conservation District will continue to monitor the success of the plantings, hydrology, and the wildlife structures that were installed. The District hopes that their natural solution to this flooding issue can be used as a model for other communities.

Schuylkill Conservation District is currently working to design and permit a number of other restoration projects throughout Schuylkill County, including two more large projects near Pine Grove. The district is always looking for both volunteers and financial support for its conservation and environmental education programs. Please contact the district at (570) 622-3742 x5 if you are interested in learning more.

State Investments for this Project

  • Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener) Grant: $2,991,000 (Schuylkill Conservation District)
  • Commonwealth of PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Program: $2,000,000 (County of Schuylkill)

Dedicated State Investments Aid Northcentral Stream Partnership in Improving Water Quality

Ariel view of Sechler Run, Geisinger campus. Photo credit: Bob Stoudt

For over a decade, the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC) has been partnering with the county conservation districts, state agencies, other non-profits, and willing landowners across northcentral PA to bring the region’s local waterways back to health.  The group, collectively known as the Northcentral Stream Partnership, focuses on decreasing erosion and sedimentation, improving water quality, and increasing aquatic habitat on agriculturally impaired streams.

The partners use proven in-stream stabilization structures, such as log vanes and mudsills, and Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs), such as walkways and fencing.  The in-stream work is done to remove velocity and pressure from the streams banks and re-direct the water to the center of the channel – resulting in less flooding during high water events.  The log structures also provide habitat for fish and other aquatic life.

Much of the funding for the materials and contractors needed to complete these stream projects, comes from the state’s Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener Grants)

Last summer, reliable Environmental Stewardship Funds, helped NPC and the rest of the Northcentral Stream Partnership complete a high-profile project on Sechler Run at Geisinger’s Woodbine Lane campus in Danville.  This was the team’s first time back together at a project site since COVID-19 mitigation efforts were put in place.  The job site did look a little different than seasons past – social distancing and facemasks – but, by the end of the project, the crew built log and rock structures stretching across 1,000 feet of stream from structure to structure, stabilizing the eroding streambank and providing vital fish habitat.

Al Neuner, Geisinger’s vice president of facilities operations, said the project was important to Geisinger because it affects the public’s health. “We kind of take a holistic approach,” Neuner said. “As we improve our environment, we improve everyone’s health.”

Geisinger further helped support the project by providing manpower and tools during construction and followed up by installing a graveled nature trail along the stream.

After construction, Native Creations Landscape Services planted over 400 native trees and shrubs, transforming the previously mowed streambanks into a multifunctional riparian buffer.  These new plantings will help cool the water for the stream’s aquatic life, and pollinators and people alike can enjoy the display of wildflowers come.

Stabilizing this section of Sechler Run, not only helps restore the health of the stream locally, but everything down stream as well.  For this reason, the Partnership’s sustained efforts are currently being used as a model to help improve the water quality throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Thanks to continual state investment into these types of projects through the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Northcentral Stream Partnership has worked at over 120 sites and impacted over 25 miles of stream since its formation in 2009 – resulting in less flooding, cleaner drinking water, and improved aquatic habitat across the region.

Morals, Env. & Economy in Sync

Open Letter to

Members of the General Assembly and Governor Wolf

November 18, 2020

 

93% of Pennsylvanians agree—68% strongly—that “we have a moral obligation to take care of our environment.” Whether the focus is protecting waterways, protecting wildlife and natural areas, the importance of parks and open spaces, or preserving productive farms, overwhelming supermajorities of Pennsylvanians find these environmental matters “very important.” These feelings cross party lines; for example, “protecting PA’s drinking water” is found to be very important by 75% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 92% of Democrats.

Moreover, 9 in 10 voters agree that even with the present tight budget, we should still find the money to invest in protecting Pennsylvania’s land, water and wildlife (87 percent agree), that protecting water quality and land in Pennsylvania is critical to keeping the state’s economy strong (90 percent agree), and that it is more important to have parks, preserves, and other public spaces where we can safely enjoy the outdoors (91 percent agree). Notably, there is substantial intensity behind these attitudes, as broad majorities report strongly agreeing with each sentiment.[i]

The numbers demonstrate that Pennsylvanians care deeply about the environment and want to ensure that state investments in projects that support our parks and public open spaces, protect water and wildlife, and provide other environmental benefits continue—no matter the present crisis.

In addition to being strongly supported by the public, investing in Pennsylvania’s environment makes strong fiscal sense. It is well established that state environmental investments provide tremendous rates of return—whether the measure is job creation and economic activity, costs avoided (such as public health and flooding), net tax revenues, or the wellbeing of people and communities.[ii]

The widely acclaimed Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and Environmental Stewardship Fund are proven vehicles for making environmental investments and keeping Pennsylvania communities great places to live, work, and play. Good for the environment, good for the economy, it is more important than ever to keep Keystone and ESF investments flowing. With pandemic-driven fundamental shifts underway in the economy and businesses and skilled workers looking more than ever at quality of life in making location decisions, the General Assembly should be considering how it might increase investments through these time-tested funds.

For more information, please reach out to the people and organizations of the Coalition including but not limited to:

Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Shannon Gority, PA Executive Director
[email protected]

Conservation Voters of PA
Joshua McNeil, Executive Director
[email protected]

Ducks Unlimited
Nikki Ghorpade, Government Affairs Representative
[email protected]

Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
John Dawes, Executive Director
[email protected]

Lancaster Farmland Trust
Jeffrey Swinehart, Chief Operating Officer
[email protected]

Natural Lands
Oliver? P. Bass, President
[email protected]

PennFuture
Jacquelyn Bonomo, President & CEO
[email protected]

Pennsylvania Environmental Council
John Walliser, Senior Vice President
[email protected]

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Marci Mowery, President
[email protected]

Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society
Tim Herd, CEO
[email protected]

Sierra Club PA Chapter
Jen Quinn, Legislative and Political Director
[email protected]

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Tom Sexton, Northeast Regional Director
[email protected]

The Conservation Fund
Kyle D. Shenk, PA State Director
[email protected]

The Nature Conservancy, PA/DE Chapter
Ronald L. Ramsey, Senior Policy Advisor
[email protected]

The Trust for Public Land
Owen Franklin, PA State Director
[email protected]

Trout Unlimited
Jennifer Orr-Greene, Eastern Policy Director
[email protected]

WeConservePA
Andrew M. Loza, Executive Director
[email protected]

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Cynthia Carrow, Vice President
[email protected]

 

[i] TargetSmart survey of 1,332 likely PA voters conducted September 20-27, 2020; credibility interval of +/- 3.0%

[ii] See Pennsylvania’s Return on Investment in the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and other studies in the Economic Benefits section of https://conservationtools.org.

 

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Growing Greener Coalition on Governor’s 2020-2021 Budget Proposal

The partner organizations of the Growing Greener Coalition are encouraged that Governor Wolf’s executive budget upholds Pennsylvania’s traditional state investments in projects that protect water, conserve land, and enhance outdoor recreation. With the Governor’s budget:

  • The Environmental Stewardship Fund (aka Growing Greener), established in 1999, will continue its tremendously successful support of tangible projects that protect and restore water quality, preserve farmland, and make other environmental improvements.
  • The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, established in 1993 with nearly unanimous General Assembly support and overwhelming voter backing in a public referendum, will continue its extraordinarily effective investments in developing and improving parks and trails; protecting open spaces important to communities; and restoring libraries.

The Governor’s budget also constructively addresses a number of other environmental funding matters: proposing to recapitalize the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund with a $1/ton fee increase on disposing of waste in landfills; a capital program to remediate lead and asbestos threats; and funding badly needed positions at the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

While the Coalition is heartened by the Governor’s budget (particularly as it compares to last year’s), this feeling is tempered by the awareness that there is a tremendous backlog of environmental infrastructure needs requiring the state’s attention and demanding much higher levels of investment:

  • 19,000 miles of Pennsylvania rivers and streams are unsafe for drinking, swimming, fishing, and boating.
  • State parks and forests require nearly $1 billion in necessary repairs.
  • More than 200,000 acres of abandoned mine lands and thousands of brownfield sites pollute our water and threaten human health and safety.
  • The list goes on.

The Coalition urges Senators, Representatives, and the Governor to recognize that these real challenges require action—whether that’s via the Governor’s Restore PA proposal or some other vehicle. Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to safe water and preservation of the natural environment. It is also, plain and simple, the right thing to do.

For background information regarding topics addressed in this communication, the Coalition finds the following resources useful:

  • Environmental Stewardship Fund: https://esfund.info/
  • Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund: https://keystonefund.org/
  • Detailed reporting on environmental line items in the Governor’s executive budget: https://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2020/02/gov-wolfs- budget-proposal-repairs.html

Contact information for Growing Greener Coalition Partners:

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Harry Campbell, PA Executive Director [email protected]

Conservation Voters of PA Katie Blume, Political Director [email protected]

Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds R. John Dawes, Executive Director [email protected]

Lancaster Farmland Trust Jeffrey Swinehart, Chief Operating Officer [email protected]

Natural Lands Oliver P. Bass, President [email protected]

PennFuture (Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future) Jacquelyn Bonomo, President & CEO [email protected]

Pennsylvania Environmental Council John Walliser, Senior Vice President

[email protected]

Pennsylvania Land Trust Association Andrew M. Loza, Executive Director [email protected]

Pennsylvania Park and Forest Foundation Marci Mowery, President [email protected]

Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Tim Herd, CEO [email protected]

Sierra Club PA Chapter Jen Quinn, Legislative and Political Director [email protected]

The Conservation Fund Kyle D. Shenk, Pennsylvania State Director [email protected]

The Nature Conservancy, PA Chapter Ronald L. Ramsey, Senior Policy Advisor [email protected]

The Trust for Public Land Owen Franklin, Pennsylvania State Director [email protected]

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Derek Eberly, Pennsylvania Field Organizer [email protected]

Trout Unlimited Jennifer Orr-Greene, Mid-Atlantic Policy Director [email protected]

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Cynthia Carrow, Vice President [email protected]