News

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.”

 

 

Text of May 18 press release.

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced today the selection of 114 projects to receive $25,143,294 in funding from Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), for the protection of Pennsylvania’s water resources. The selected projects enhance watersheds, mitigate acid mine drainage, and support water pollution cleanup programs.

“The Growing Greener program, and this year’s funding, is an investment in our future and proof that when state government works collaboratively, we achieve long-lasting results,” said Governor Wolf. “The Environmental Stewardship Fund has helped spark innovation and coordinate partnerships to tackle some of the most challenging environmental issues in our state.”

The 114 selected projects range from a wetland basin restoration in Chester County to sustainable outreach programs in Erie County. Projects focus on both statewide initiatives, like improving the health of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay, and local projects, such as riparian buffer enhancement and erosion prevention in Four Mile Run, Westmoreland County. Every project supports DEP’s mission of protecting Pennsylvania’s waters.

“DEP is proud to support local and regional water quality projects throughout the state,” said Secretary John Quigley. “These investments are essential to protecting and conserving the rivers, streams, and watersheds of Pennsylvania.”

The grant awards are made possible by the Growing Greener Grant Program, the largest single investment of state funds that address Pennsylvania’s environmental concerns. Growing Greener encourages partnerships between counties, municipalities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations, and other organizations to restore and protect the environment.

The Growing Greener program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees. Twelve projects this year received their funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 319 Nonpoint Source Grant Program, created by the Clean Water Act to reduce water pollution. Four projects received funding from the Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Set Aside Program, funded by the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act and designed to abate AMD pollution. Of the 208 grant applications received for consideration this year, more than half of the proposed projects were awarded grant funding.

For more information on the Growing Greener Grant Program, click here or email [email protected]

The organizations that were awarded are listed below, by grant type and alphabetically by county, with the project name and funding amount.

GROWING GREENER:

Adams

• Adams County Conservation District, Beaverdam Creek Stream Bank Stabilization: $16,878

Allegheny

• Allegheny County Conservation District, Montour Run Watershed Assessment and Implementation Plan: $94,065

• Allegheny County Parks Foundation, South Park Green Parking Solution: $77,130

• Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, Kentucky Hollow AMD Treatment System: $369,007

Armstrong

• Armstrong Conservation District, Garretts Run BMP Grant: $245,000

Beaver

• Allegheny County Conservation District, Raccoon Creek Streambank Remediation: $54,395

• Beaver County Conservation District, North Fork Little Beaver Stabilization / Habitat Project II: $25,667

• Stream Restoration Incorporated, Raccoon Creek Bank & Buffer Project: $99,785

Berks

• Berks County Conservation District, Establishing a Berks County Mushroom Environmental Initiative: $111,350

• The Trust for Tomorrow, The Maiden Creek Tributary Stream Restoration Project: $116,000

Blair

• Blair County Conservation District, Blair County – Priority Streambank Restoration Projects: $82,000

Bradford

• Wysox Creek Watershed Association, Inc., Comprehensive Watershed Conservation in Parks and Bullard Creeks: $758,452

Bucks

• Heritage Conservancy, Hart’s Woods Preserve Riparian Buffer Restoration: $17,048

• Lower Southampton Township, Brookside and Pennsylvania Boulevard Basin Naturalization Projects: $103,777

• Township of Bensalem, Cornwells Basin and Constructed Wetland: $173,170

Butler

• Butler County Conservation District, Little Buffalo AG BMP Grant: $220,500

Cambria

• Cambria County Conservation District, Emeigh Run Streambank Stabilization Project: $4,505

• Stream Restoration Incorporated, Puritan AMD Full Treatment: $538,944

Centre

• Penns Valley Conservation Association, Upper Penns Creek Watershed Stream Restoration: $172,600

Chester

• Chester County Conservation District, Restoration of an Unnamed Headwater Tributary to Leech Run: $105,500

• Valley Forge Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Installation of Infiltration Trench on Dayleview Road: $150,000

• West Goshen Township, Extended Detention Wetland Basin Retrofit-Restoration & Demonstration: $296,400

Clearfield

• Trout Unlimited, Inc., MR Tuff/MR Frog Rehabilitation & Improvement Project: $91,385

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Knisley Land Restoration-AMD Reduction: $211,778

Crawford

• Borough of Cochranton, Cochranton Borough Stormwater BMP and Demonstration: $22,840

• Crawford County Conservation District, Response to Hydrilla Infestation in Pymatuning Reservoir: $191,833

Delaware

• Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc., Darby-Cobbs Stormwater Initiative: $89,883

• Rose Valley Borough, Ridley Creek Stabilization and Restoration: $39,046

Erie

• Environment Erie, Service Learning Projects : $31,050

• Environment Erie, BeginANEW Stormwater Education and Management: $48,285

• Erie County Conservation District, VinNES Sustainable Outreach and BMP Program: $364,610

Fayette

• Fayette County Conservation District, Stony Fork Ag BMPs Project: $13,373

• Fayette County Conservation District, Meadow Run Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant: $27,864

• Trout Unlimited, Chestnut Ridge Chapter, Glade Run Alkaline Sand Addition Project: $64,115

Franklin

• Franklin County Conservation District, Agriculture Planning in UNT Muddy Run: $50,323

Greene

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, SGL 223: Whiteley Creek Riparian Planting: $27,800

Huntingdon

• Huntingdon County Conservation District, Warriors Mark Run Agricultural BMPs (Cox and Conrad Farms): $237,205

• Huntingdon County Conservation District, Little Juniata River Agricultural BMPs (Ormsby Farm): $225,352

• Huntingdon County Conservation District, Saddler Creek Agricultural BMPs (Metz Farm): $133,403

• The Trust for Tomorrow, The Brown Farm at Sadler Creek Stream Restoration Project: $33,000

Indiana

• Stream Restoration Incorporated, Neal Run Restoration Project – Phase II: $100,000

Jefferson

• Headwaters Charitable Trust, Howe Creek Coalition of Clarion and Jefferson: $95,587

• Headwaters Charitable Trust, Filson 1/2 & Glenn 17 Passive Treatment Systems-Operation, Maintenance & Replacement: $258,217

Lackawanna

• Congregation of the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, IHM Center Meadow Brook Watershed Protection Project: $262,158

Lancaster

• City of Lancaster, Intermunicipal Watershed Action Plan: $40,000

• Lancaster Farmland Trust, Pequea Creek Watershed Agricultural BMP’s: $482,592

• Octoraro Watershed Association, Bells Run Conservation Plan and BMP Assistance: $64,500

Lawrence

• Lawrence County Conservation District, Slippery Rock Watershed Agricultural Restoration: $810,283

Lebanon

• Lebanon Valley Conservancy Inc., Quittapahilla Creek EPA 319 Watershed Implementation Plan: $26,250

Lehigh

• City of Allentown, Livingston Watershed Green Stormwater Infrastructure: $300,000

Luzerne

• Butler Township, The Wash Sediment Abatement Project: $170,000

• Earth Conservancy, Bliss Bank Reclamation Phase II: $734,600

• Luzerne Conservation District, Luzerne County 2015 Ag and Stream Protection Projects: $504,542

Lycoming

• Lycoming County Conservation District, Agricultural Stormwater BMPs: $150,000

McKean

• McKean County Conservation District, Upper Allegheny Ag BMP’s Project: $278,986

Monroe

• Paradise Township, Paradise Creek Restoration Project: $693,596

Montgomery

• Abington Township, Sandy Run TMDL Projects: $186,000

• Lower Gwynedd Township, Lower Gwynedd Basins and Dam Naturalization: $60,850

• Upper Gwynedd Township, Wissahickon Headwaters Green Stormwater Infrastructure: $305,000

• Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, Wissahickon Headwaters Stream and Riparian Restoration Project: $369,600

Montour

• Montour County Conservation District, Mahoning Creek Restoration Project: $611,037

• Montour County Conservation District, Sitler Roof and Manure Storage Project: $139,165

Northampton

• Wildlands Conservancy, Inc., Oughoughton Creek Watershed Restoration Project: $106,000

Northumberland

• Northumberland County Conservation District, Chillisquaque Creek Streambank Stabilization Project: $20,055

• Point Township: Kapp Heights Stormwater Management Project – Phase 1: $611,703

Philadelphia

• Philadelphia City Treasurer, City of Philadelphia Water Department, Germantown Green Bowls on Park Sites: $300,000

Schuylkill

• Mahanoy Creek Watershed Association, Packer 5 AMD Treatment Design: $85,581

• Schuylkill Conservation District, Good Spring Creek Floodplain Restoration Phase 1: $459,445

• Schuylkill Conservation District, Mill Creek AMD Watershed Restoration Plan Development: $64,857

• Schuylkill Conservation District, Delaware Watershed Agricultural Planning Initiative: $30,000

• Schuylkill Conservation District, Animal Heavy Use Area Protection Project: $321,817

Snyder

• Snyder County Conservation District, Snook Barnyard Improvement Project: $275,000

Tioga

• Mill Cove Incorporated, Mill Cove Streambank Stabilization Project: $93,000

Union

• Union County Conservation District, Buffalo Creek Stream Corridor and Wetland Improvement Project: $33,500

Warren

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Brokenstraw Creek Watershed Improvement Project: $95,770

Washington

• Washington County Conservation District, Raccoon Creek Watershed Agricultural BMPs: $81,608

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Blaine Township Park Restoration: $113,200

Westmoreland

• Loyalhanna Watershed Association, Inc., Fourmile Run Restoration Project: $328,000

• Westmoreland County Conservation District, Turtle Creek Ag BMPs – Steel’s Run: $22,965

• Westmoreland County Conservation District, First Presbyterian Church of Murrysville, Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company: $102,893

• Westmoreland County Conservation District, Beaver Run AG BMPs #2 – Rebitch Farm: $15,655

• Westmoreland County Conservation District, Sloan Elementary School: $129,085

Wyoming

• Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association, Inc., Rogers Hollow Stream Restoration – Phase 1 Construction: $397,998

Multiple Counties

• Bucktail Watershed Association, Defending Native Plants in the First Fork: $24,130

• Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, Stream Restoration and BMP Implementation: $354,972

• Northwest Pennsylvania Eminent Community Institute, Management & Continuation of the Northwest PA Greenways Implementation Block Grants: $400,000

• Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc., PACD Engineering Technical Assistance Program: $1,528,516

• Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, TreeVitalize XII: $250,000

• Pennsylvania State University, PaOneStop Manure Management & Nutrient Balance Modules: $168,208

• Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council, C-SAW-Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds (1X): $820,000

• Stream Restoration Incorporated, Datashed 3: $105,718

• Stream Restoration Incorporated: Passive Treatment O&M Technical Assistance 3: $180,000

• Stroud Water Research Center, Inc., Delivering the Berks-Chester RCPP: $249,922

• Trout Unlimited, Inc., West Branch Susquehanna Recovery Benchmark II: $128,515

• Trout Unlimited, Inc., AMD Technical Assistance Program: $225,000

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Community Riparian Restoration Education Project: $57,635

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Driftwood Branch Sinnemahoning Creek Riparian Restoration: $65,458

• Wildlands Conservancy, Inc., Black Creek Watershed AMD Restoration Plan: $70,191

TOTAL: $20,694,678

319 NONPOINT SOURCE GRANTS RECIPIENTS:

Allegheny

• Pine Creek Land Conservation Trust, Crouse Run Stream Restoration: $13,800

Bedford

• Broad Top Township, Sandy Run SA0-D10 AMD Remediation: $400,000

Berks

• Berks County Conservation District, Surface Water Assessment in the Maiden & Sacony Creek Watersheds: $60,080

Clearfield

• Clearfield County Conservation District, Deer Creek AMD Treatment Construction: $883,174

Cumberland

• Cumberland County Conservation District, Middle Spring Creek WIP Implementation Phase II: $62,912

Delaware

• Villanova University: VUSP – PaDEP – Stormwater Best Management Practice National Monitoring Site: $323,366

Indiana

• Indiana County Conservation District, WIP SW Region Ag Initiative: $285,092

Lancaster

• West Lampeter Township, Groff Property Floodplain Restoration: $198,950

Mifflin

• Mifflin County Conservation District, Upper Kishacoquillas Creek and Hungry Run Surface Water Assessment: $72,692

Schuylkill

• Schuylkill Headwaters Association, Inc., Reevesdale #2 AMD Restoration Project Phase 2 – Optimization: $485,722

Westmoreland

• Jacobs Creek Watershed Association, Mt. Pleasant Plaza Storm Water Retrofit (Green Infrastructure): $233,299

• Jacobs Creek Watershed Association, Mt. Pleasant Shop N Save: $235,926

TOTAL: $3,255,013

ACID MINE DRAINAGE (AMD) SET-ASIDE GRANTS RECIPIENTS:

Elk

• Headwaters Charitable Trust, Kyler Hollow AMD Passive Treatment System – ALD 1 & ALD 2 Rehabilitation: $618,118

• Headwaters Charitable Trust, Hayes Run & Backside Hayes AMD Passive Treatment Systems – Modifications/Improvements: $384,918

Fayette

• Mountain Watershed Association, Inc., Rondell-Correal AMD Treatment System: $123,543

Schuylkill

• Schuylkill Conservation District, Upper Swatara Creek QHUP AMD Monitoring Project: $67,024

TOTAL: $1,193,603

GRAND TOTAL: $25,143,294

Media contacts: Neil Shader, 717-787-1323; or Jeff Sheridan, 717-783-1116

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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.

 

 

Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition Thanks House for
Unanimously Passing Heritage Areas Bill

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today thanked House members for unanimously passing legislation (HB1605) that formally establishes a Heritage Area Program to identify, protect, enhance and promote the historic, recreational, natural, cultural and scenic resources of the Commonwealth.

“We are pleased that the House recognizes the important economic and social benefits of Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition. “This legislation is critical to the future of the Heritage Areas, and we look forward to its passage in the Senate in the upcoming weeks.”

Heath thanked Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) especially for his leadership in introducing the bill and his commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s history and heritage.=

Heritage Areas are geographic regions or corridors that span two or more counties that contain historic, recreational, natural and scenic resources that collectively exemplify the heritage of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s 12 Heritage Areas are: Allegheny Ridge Heritage Area, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Lackawanna Heritage Valley, Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, Lumber Heritage Region, National Road Heritage Corridor, Oil Region National Heritage Area, PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor, Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area, and Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area.

A recent study found that in 2014, tourists spent an estimated 7.5 million days/nights in Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas, purchasing $2 billion worth of goods and services. This spending supported 25,708 jobs and generated $798 million in labor income and nearly $1.3 billion in value-added effects.

In addition, 70 percent of visitor spending and associated economic effects would be lost to these areas if heritage anchor attractions were not available, according to the study.

About the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition

The mission of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition 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.

(HARRISBURG, PA) — The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today called on the Wolf Administration and state lawmakers to boost funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, citing concerns that inadequate technology and bare bones staffing levels are putting Pennsylvania’s environment at risk.

In addition, the Coalition urged the Governor and legislators to also provide adequate funding for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture to address Pennsylvania’s growing environmental needs.

“If we want to improve and protect the quality of our water and air, the state must stop short-changing environmental protection,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition. “Inadequate funding directly threatens the health of Pennsylvania’s land, air and water and consequently, our communities.”

As discussed in today’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, DEP simply cannot absorb further budget cuts without sacrificing the ability to enforce regulations that protect the Commonwealth’s environment, and in fact, the state should be putting more money – not less – toward programs that protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s open spaces, family farms, parks and trails, waterways and historic sites.

“With hundreds of acres of open space lost to development each day in Pennsylvania, we need to be doing more to protect our natural resources, not less,” said Heath. “As the Environmental Stewardship Fund continues to shrink, now is the time for lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to come together to advance a Growing Greener III initiative and continue Pennsylvania’s conservation, recreation, and preservation legacy.”

Funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund has decreased from an average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to approximately $60 million in 2014.

The Coalition also called for restoring funding for the state Department of Agriculture, which along with DEP, plays a critical role in ensuring Pennsylvania meets its commitments to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, and urged the Wolf Administration to save DCNR’s Heritage Areas Program from being eliminated.

About the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition
The mission of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition 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.