News

For Immediate Release:  May 9, 2017

GROWING GREENER ADVOCATES RALLY FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR CLEAN WATER, PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND FAMILY FARMS

(HARRISBURG, PA) Advocates for Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener program today rallied on the steps of the state Capitol to call for increased funding to protect water, preserve open space and family farms, and ensure current and future generations continue to have access to community parks, trails and other recreational opportunities.

“Funding for the Growing Greener program is at an all-time low,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, which organized the rally. “We are urging the Governor and General Assembly to act now to identify a bipartisan, sustainable funding source for Growing Greener so the state can continue to make critical investments to protect our natural resources and keep our economy and communities healthy.

“Further, while we recognize the current fiscal challenges facing the state, the budget cannot be balanced at the expense of the environment, including our parks and forests,” Heath continued.

The Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the state, has identified more than $315 million in annual needs to ensure Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, locally grown food, and parks, trails and other recreational opportunities.

However, funding for the program has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year. This represents a 75 percent reduction.

“Now more than ever, we need to be doing more to protect our natural resources, not less,” said Jacqui Bonomo, executive vice president and COO of PennFuture. “Our state constitution guarantees Pennsylvanians an enforceable right to ensure their government acts in a manner that protects our right to a healthy environment, and it imposes an obligation on the government to manage our public resources in a manner that conserves them for current and future generations.”

Established in 1999, the 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.

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.

“The Growing Greener program has a proven track record of success,” said Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware). “I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues in the legislature to ensure the program’s vitality long into the future and to keep Pennsylvania Growing Greener.”

Killion is planning to introduce Senate Bill 705 with Senators Richard Alloway (R-York) and Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) that would establish a framework for renewed and increased investment in Growing Greener.

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, forests, and farms.

“Pennsylvania families place great value on clean water, locally grown food and protecting our natural resources,” said Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Carbon).  “Funding Growing Greener programs means sound investment in a better quality of life and a stronger economy that supports tens of thousands of jobs in tourism and agriculture.”

Despite the success of the Growing Greener program, there is much more work that needs to be done.

• Nineteen thousand miles of streams and rivers are impaired: not safe for drinking or recreational use and/or cannot support aquatic life and cannot support agriculture and other industries.
• Abandoned mines scar nearly 200,000 acres in 43 counties, causing of 5,500 miles of dead streams and rivers.
• More than 1,800 family farms remain on the waiting list to be protected and preserved.
• The majority of the state’s 6,000 local parks and more than 11,000 miles of trails need significant upgrades.

Also joining in the rally to Keep Pennsylvania Growing Greener were Sen. Richard Alloway (R-York); Rep. Alex Charlton (R-Delaware), Rep. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne/Lackawanna) and Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) as well as John Arway, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, David Kinney, Mid-Atlantic Policy Director, Trout Unlimited, and George Matysik, Executive Director, Philadelphia Parks Alliance.

About the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth. The Coalition’s mission is to enhance the health and economic well-being of communities across the Commonwealth by advocating for funding to conserve, protect and restore land, water and wildlife; to preserve farms and historic places, and to provide well-managed parks and recreational areas throughout the state. Established in 2008, the Coalition comprises local, regional and statewide conservation, recreation and preservation groups.  For more information, visit www.PaGrowingGreener.org.

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.”

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:  February 2, 2017

GROWING GREENER COALITION TO GOVERNOR, LEGISLATURE: MORE FUNDING NEEDED FOR ENVIRONMENT, NOT LESS

 (HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in Pennsylvania, today called on Gov. Tom Wolf and the Legislature to provide more funding to protect Pennsylvania’s water, land and other natural resources, not less.

“As Governor Wolf prepares to present his budget next week, we want to remind him and the Legislature that Pennsylvania needs more funding to protect our water, land and other natural resources, not less,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition. “While we recognize the current fiscal challenges facing the state, this budget must not and cannot be balanced at the expense of the environment.”

“Cuts to state programs like Growing Greener, Keystone and Farmland Preservation are unacceptable,” Heath continued. “Further, any new revenue proposals must include funding for Growing Greener to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, green open spaces, parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and nutritious, locally grown food.”

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 and an all-time low for the program.

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, forests and other natural resources, stimulate economic growth in our communities and improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

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 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.

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.

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