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For Immediate Release:  April 21, 2017 

GROWING GREENER COALITION: STILL MORE WORK TO DO TO
PROTECT WATER & 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 urging the Governor and Legislature to invest in the state’s Growing Greener program:

“As communities across the Commonwealth celebrate Earth Day tomorrow, it is important to remember that many of the rivers and streams, state parks and community playgrounds, and fields and forests that we enjoy today would not be the same without state investment.

“Over the past two decades, the Pennsylvania Growing Greener program has funded countless projects to clean up and restore our waterways, create recreation opportunities, conserve our land and protect our natural resources.

“But there is still more work to do. The majority of the state’s 6,000 local parks need significant upgrades, thousands of miles of rivers and streams are still not safe for recreational use – meaning no boating and no fishing – and nearly 200,000 acres remain scarred by abandoned mines.

“The Coalition’s blueprint for a Growing Greener III program has identified the need for more than $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.

“We urge our elected leaders in Harrisburg not to let funding for Growing Greener run dry and to increase investment for this critical program. Otherwise, there could be little to celebrate on future Earth Days.”

Executive Director Notes: Finding the Green

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. 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: May 10, 2016 

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Thanks Senate for Designating May Clean Water Counts Month

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, thanked members of the Senate for designating the month of May as Clean Water Counts Month.

“We are pleased that members of the State Senate recognize the need to improve water quality in Pennsylvania,” said Andrew Health, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition. “Our Coalition looks forward to working with lawmakers in the upcoming months to identify funding for a Growing Greener III initiative to help keep our drinking water clean, protect our wildlife, parks and open space, and preserve our family farms and precious resources.”

Heath thanked Senators Richard Alloway (R-York) and Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) for sponsoring the Clean Water Counts Month resolution, which passed unanimously. The House unanimously passed a similar resolution sponsored by Representative Stan Saylor (R-York) last week.

“We need to do all we can to improve the health and condition of our rivers and streams in Pennsylvania,” said Alloway. “Clean water provides for greater health, stronger communities and thriving economies within our region.”

McIlhinney said: “Clean water must be a priority for Pennsylvania. Our ability to attract growing businesses and to provide a healthy environment for our residents depends on it.”

Pennsylvania has approximately 19,000 miles of rivers and streams that do not meet basic water quality standards. In other words, nearly one quarter of the creeks, rivers, and lakes that Pennsylvanians rely on for recreation, and for drinking and household uses, are polluted.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation launched the statewide Clean Water Counts campaign in 2014 calling on the Commonwealth to prioritize funding and increase investments for clean water.

“The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is calling on Pennsylvania officials to make clean water a priority, to commit the needed resources, and to ensure that all our 86,000 miles of waterways are clean,” said Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Executive Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a member of the Growing Greener Coalition. “We are thankful to the Senate for designating the month of May as Clean Water Counts month and look forward to their continued support.”

Sixteen Pennsylvania counties have adopted resolutions supporting the Clean Water Counts campaign and calling on state officials to make clean water a priority for the Commonwealth. Those 16 counties are: Berks, Cumberland, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Luzerne, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Somerset, Venango, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming, and York.

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition has urged the General Assembly and the Wolf Administration to pass legislation to fund a Growing Greener III program to address the pressing needs of the Commonwealth, including the need to keep drinking water clean, protect parks and open spaces, and preserve family farms.

For Immediate Release: May 2, 2016

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, thanked members of the House for designating the month of May as Clean Water Counts Month.

“We are grateful to House members for highlighting the importance of clean water and the need to protect water quality,” said Andrew Health, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition. “The state’s Growing Greener program funds important investments in keeping our drinking water clean, and we look forward to working with lawmakers to renew funding for Growing Greener to ensure these investments continue for future generations.”

Heath thanked Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) for sponsoring the Clean Water Counts Month resolution, which passed unanimously.

“As stated in the Pennsylvania Constitution, the people have a basic right to clean water,” Saylor said. “I am happy to support the Clean Water Counts campaign to raise awareness about improving water quality in the Commonwealth.”

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation launched the statewide Clean Water Counts campaign in 2014 calling on the Commonwealth to prioritize funding and increase investments for clean water.

“Healthy families, strong communities, and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend on clean water,” said Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Executive Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a member of the Growing Greener Coalition. “We applaud and thank the House for publicly voicing their support for clean water in the Keystone State.”

Pennsylvania has over 19,000 miles of rivers and streams that do not meet basic water quality standards. In other words, nearly one quarter of the creeks, rivers, and lakes that Pennsylvanians rely on for recreation, and for drinking and household uses, are polluted.

Sixteen Pennsylvania counties have adopted resolutions supporting the Clean Water Counts campaign and calling on state officials to make clean water a priority for the Commonwealth. Those 16 counties are: Berks, Cumberland, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Jefferson, Luzerne, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Somerset, Venango, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming, and York.

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition has urged the General Assembly and the Wolf Administration to pass legislation to fund a Growing Greener III program to keep drinking water clean, protect parks and open spaces, and preserve family farms.

For Immediate Release: January 16, 2015

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Applauds Governor-elect
Wolf’s Selection of Agency Leaders

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition — the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth — today applauded Governor-elect Tom Wolf’s choices for the leadership jobs in the state’s environmental, conservation, and agriculture agencies. Governor-elect Wolf recently announced the appointments of Cindy Dunn to head the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Russell Redding to lead the Department of Agriculture, and John Quigley to head the Department of Environmental Protection.

“These are excellent selections,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition. “With decades of experience collectively, these three individuals will apply their experience and skills to the challenges facing the Commonwealth over the next four years. The Coalition looks forward to working with these state agency leaders in tackling the challenges head on.”

On January 20^th, Tom Wolf will be inaugurated as the 47^th governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Numerous celebratory events are scheduled throughout the day across Central Pennsylvania.

“This is a time to honor the service of Governor Tom Corbett and to respect the transition to new leadership under Governor-elect Wolf,” Heath said. “As we celebrate our democratic system and pass the baton from one leader to another, this day deserves to be respected and honored.

“The next four years will be critical to the future of the Commonwealth and the Coalition looks forward to working with the Wolf Administration on addressing the conservation, recreation, and preservation funding needs facing the state. There is much work to be done, and the Coalition is prepared to get started on day one.”

January 8, 2015
For Immediate Release
Contact John Surrick (443) 482-2045

CLEAN WATER COUNTS! IN WASHINGTON COUNTY:
APPLAUDS COMMISSIONERS FOR ADOPTING CLEAN WATER RESOLUTION
10^th County Stands Up for Cleaner Water in the Keystone State

(HARRISBURG) – The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) applauds the Washington County Commissioners for adopting a Clean Water Counts resolution, calling on state officials to make clean water a top priority for the Keystone State.

“Healthy families, strong communities, and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend on clean water,” said Harry Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania Executive Director. “We applaud and thank the Washington County Commissioners for publicly standing up for clean water in the Keystone State. Having such an important region of the Commonwealth voice their support for this initiative is a testament to how important this issue is.”

CBF embarked on the Clean Water Counts campaign in response to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) most recent statewide surface waters assessment. The results show that of the 86,000 miles of waterways flowing through the Commonwealth, nearly 20,000 miles are polluted. DEP also reported that the top pollution sources are agricultural and urban/suburban runoff, and abandoned mine drainage.

More than 1400 miles of waterways flow through Washington County, but unfortunately more than 700 of those miles are polluted. Overall, urban and suburban runoff is the greatest source in the county, polluting nearly 200 miles. Other pollution sources in the County include agriculture, which accounts for 171 miles of polluted waterways, abandoned mine drainage, which pollutes 178 miles, and ‘other’ pollution sources impair 155 miles of local creeks and streams.

Through public education and engagement, CBF is hoping to increase awareness of water pollution issues, like those in Washington County and elsewhere in the Keystone State. The goal is to urge state officials to make clean water a priority and commit the needed funding and programs to ensure that the waters that we rely on for drinking and household uses, recreation, and to grow our food, all meet clean water standards.

To date, ten counties have decided to stand up for cleaner water in Pennsylvania. They include Berks, Cumberland, Fayette, Luzerne, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Westmoreland, Wyoming, York, and now Washington counties.

In addition to calling on local officials to pass resolutions, CBF is asking residents to show their support by signing the Clean Water Counts online petition. It takes only a few minutes, but signatures will go a long way toward demonstrating the importance of clean water to our elected officials.

To learn more about the campaign go to cbf.org/PAForCleanWater

August 26, 2014 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact  Kelly Donaldson, 717.234.5550, ext. 4205

CBF LAUNCHES CLEAN WATER COUNTS CAMPAIGN
Goal is Clean Water for the Keystone State

(HARRISBURG) –The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) has launched an exciting statewide campaign, Clean Water Counts.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s most recent statewide water quality survey,  nearly one-quarter, almost 20,000 miles, of the creeks, rivers, and lakes that we rely on for recreation, and for drinking and household uses, are polluted.

CBF is urging Pennsylvania officials to make clean water a priority throughout the Keystone State, and to commit the needed funding to ensure that all 83,000 miles of waterways in the state are clean.

“Healthy families, strong communities, and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend on it,” said Harry Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania Executive Director. “That’s why we’re calling on the state to prioritize clean water and funding to decrease pollution from agricultural activities and runoff from our urban and suburban communities.”

In addition to calling on state officials to commit the needed resources for clean water, CBF is also asking something of local officials and citizens.

“We’re asking all Pennsylvania residents to show their support for clean water by signing the Clean Water Counts online petition,” said Campbell. “And we’re asking County Commissioners throughout the state to adopt Clean Water Resolutions, to further encourage state officials to prioritize clean water.”

Without targeted prioritization and funding to address pollution issues, the Commonwealth’s most important resource, clean water, will continue to be susceptible to pollution and degradation

The Clean Water Counts campaign is a part of CBF’s on-going mission to improve water quality locally, and downstream in the Chesapeake Bay. By working together and following Pennsylvania’s Clean Water Blueprint, we can restore our local rivers and streams.

Together, we can have clean water for today, and for generations to come.

Online petition signatures will be accepted through October 18^th, the anniversary of the Clean Water Act. To learn more about the campaign go to cbf.org/PAForCleanWater.

Dear Friends,

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in the 12^th Annual Land Conservation Conference presented by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association (PALTA).

It was a great conference, and if you could not make it this year, I urge you to mark your calendars for next year.

In the meantime, I thought I would share with you ten key points from the Advocacy session I had the honor of presenting with Kevin Abbey of ClearWater Conservancy, Oliver Bass of the Natural Lands Trust, and Sean Robertson of the Land Trust Alliance:

1. Cultivate relationships. Don’t be a stranger to elected officials and their staff.

2. Introduce yourself at every opportunity.

3. Always say “thank you” before you say “please.”

4. A well-written brief, thank you note is always appreciated.

5. Always be concise and to the point.

6. Engage the media when appropriate.

7. A face-to-face meeting is the most effective form of communication, followed by phone calls, e-mails, letters and letters to the editor.

8. Don’t burn long-term bridges over a short-term issue.

9. Provide materials such as fact sheets, media clips, endorser letters, petitions, other demonstrations of grassroots support.

10.  Be passionate, but rational. Avoid extremes.

With budget deliberations heating up in Harrisburg, please keep these tips in mind as you go about your advocacy work to protect our parks and open spaces, preserve our family farms, and safeguard our historic treasures.

In the meantime, we are being diligent in monitoring the state budget negotiations. It is the mission of the Coalition to protect conservation, recreation and preservation funding – and we will use every resource to do so.

Recently we have also been meeting with legislators who have introduced severance tax legislation to ensure that these proposals contain funding to increase investments in our environment. Any severance tax passed by the Commonwealth must contain funding for conservation, recreation and preservation programs. We owe it to future generations.

Also, I am happy to report that we have distributed nearly 2,000 copies of “Finding the Green,” a single-source guide to state funding opportunities for conservation, recreation and preservation projects.

If you have not gotten a copy, please contact me to order a print version or visit our website where it can be downloaded.

I truly enjoy opportunities to present at events like PALTA’s Land Conservation Conference and welcome the chance to talk about the Coalition’s work and how we can support your organization’s mission and goals.

Finally, the Coalition is looking for partners to join us in co-hosting “Finding the Green” days throughout the Commonwealth with the goal of educating participants on the current status of state funding for conservation, recreation and preservation programs, and how to effectively access funding for projects.

If you are interested in partnering with us or would like more information, please contact me.

Thank you!

And as always, thank you for all you to keep Pennsylvania Growing Greener!

Sincerely,

Andrew Heath
Executive Director
PA Growing Greener Coalition