|
|
|
Hello partners for water quality!We have much news to share on progress by state, local, and sector partners to improve water quality by reducing nutrient and sediment pollution in Pennsylvania waterways that eventually flow to the Chesapeake Bay.
For more details on Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (Phase 3 WIP) and Countywide Action Planning, visit the Phase 3 WIP website. For a broader educational look at nutrient and sediment pollution in local streams, rivers, and lakes in the watershed, including tips and success stories, visit Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities.
Please consider how you might join in or help support this work. Check out each county’s Phase 3 WIP Countywide Action Plan (CAP) and make connections with your county team! Also, please share this newsletter with your networks, and encourage them to subscribe!
— DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management
| |
|
DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management (BWRNSM)
| |
Growing Greener Plus and Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grants Now Open!
On April 22, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the opening of the Growing Greener Plus and Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grants. Funds from the Growing Greener Plus Grant help to protect Pennsylvania’s environment through projects that fix flooding problems and restore our watersheds. Since 1999, the program has helped thousands of organizations complete conservation projects and has given out almost $437 million to keep Pennsylvania’s land and water healthy.
The Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management grant is funded in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. § 1329(h)). DEP administers the grant program to fund watershed projects that are part of approved watershed implementation plans (WIP). The grants are designed to improve and protect this Commonwealth’s waters from nonpoint source pollution associated with agricultural activities, abandoned mine drainage (AMD), stormwater runoff, energy resource extraction, and streambank and shoreline degradation.
Local governments, schools, nonprofits, watershed groups, and more are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications for both grant programs is June 22 at 4:00 PM.
| |
|  |
Growing Greener Plus grant announcement
| |
| | |
Programs and Projects by Local, State, and Federal Partners
| |
Shapiro Administration Announces the Investment of $284.2 Million in Water Infrastructure Projects in 20 Counties Across the Commonwealth
On April 15, the Shapiro Administration announced the investment of $284.2 million for 33 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source projects across 20 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). The projects awarded funding will replace lead service lines, rehabilitate aging systems, upgrade treatment and service capabilities, and reduce environmental contaminants to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to clean, safe water. The PENNVEST Board of Directors approved funding for three drinking water and four wastewater projects within Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed totaling $37,286,452 in low-interest loans and $16,588,589 in grants.
| |
DEP Redesignates 98 Streams Across Pennsylvania as High Quality Waters, Expanding Protections for More Than 530 Miles of Clean Water
On May 8, DEP announced final approval of a statewide effort to redesignate more than 530 miles of streams across 34 counties as High Quality Waters — expanding protections for 98 streams that support thriving ecosystems, wild trout populations, outdoor recreation, and clean drinking water sources.
The action follows earlier Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) decisions classifying the streams as Class A Wild Trout Streams, recognizing them among the Commonwealth’s highest-quality cold-water fisheries.
The newly protected waterways include nearly 340 stream miles within Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed — the first stream redesignations under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership as Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council.
| |
Shapiro Administration Invests Over $1 Million in Environmental Education Projects Across Pennsylvania
On April 30, DEP announced the award of $1,019,523 in grants to 46 projects that will bring environmental education to life for Pennsylvanians — from summer camps and streamside field research to schoolyard gardens, outdoor classrooms, and community workshops across the Commonwealth.
These projects will include summer camps focused on watersheds and climate resilience, student-led air and water quality research, outdoor classrooms and schoolyard gardens, and community workshops on conservation and sustainability. From exploring local streams and forests to building real-world skills in environmental science, these programs are designed to help Pennsylvanians better understand and protect the natural resources that sustain their communities. All types of communities benefit from EE Grants Program funding, with priority given to projects delivering meaningful environmental education to people who live, work, recreate, and/or attend school in environmental justice and/or underserved areas.
Of the 46 projects awarded funding, 16 are in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Congratulations to Berks, Bradford, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Dauphin, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Luzerne, Northumberland, Perry, and Schuylkill County for receiving DEP Environmental Education Grants.
| |
Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $267 Million to Reduce Air Pollution, Cut Energy Costs, Create Jobs, and Combat Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Communities Across Pennsylvania
DEP announced the first round of awards under the RISE PA Small-scale Award Track (SAT) on April 1, 2026. This first round of awards provides $5 million to support 14 projects across Pennsylvania, saving over 5,055 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the first year. PennTAP administers the SAT and will offer several applications rounds.
The RISE PA grant program is a $396 million statewide industrial decarbonization initiative funded through the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. It offers funding to industrial facilities for small-, medium-, and large-scale projects that demonstrate investment in a variety of energy-efficient upgrades. Visit PennTAP’s RISE PA website for more information.
DEP has received 66 completed applications for medium- and large-scale decarbonization projects at industrial facilities covering all six DEP regions; submitted applications are under the final stage of review and announcements are expected soon. Inquiries about RISE PA can be submitted to RA-EP-CPRG@pa.gov.
| |
|  |
Governor Josh Shapiro and DEP secretary Jessica Shirley visiting Gautier Steel Holdings
| |
| | |
ACAP Releases Video Highlighting Agriculture Conservation Action in Southeast PA
The Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission (SCC) and Penn State Extension’s Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training produced a video titled, “ACAP Success in Southeast PA.” The video highlights how farmers in Southeast PA are tackling wastewater runoff, manure management, and pasture degradation challenges with Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) support.
The video features two farm visits in Chester and Lebanon counties. Both farmers are working with their local conservation districts, United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), and other partners to implement impactful agriculture best management practices (BMPs). With support from ACAP and its partners, farmers across Southeast PA are implementing practical solutions that protect water quality and strengthen long-term farm viability.
| |
|  |
Screenshot from Agriculture Conservation in Action: ACAP Success in Southeast PA video
| |
| | |
PA American Water Awards 12 Organizations $243,349 In Water and Environment Grants
On April 23, the American Water Charitable Foundation and PA American Water announced 12 organizations supporting communities throughout Pennsylvania were awarded 2026 Water and Environment Grants totaling $243,349 in its service areas. The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Of the 12 organizations that were awarded grant funds, three support communities located in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
| |
Chesapeake Bay Trust Capacity Building Grant Program Now Open
The Capacity Building Grant Program is an annual program of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network (CBFN). This program seeks to support the capacity of organizations working at the intersection of natural resources and community well-being by funding organizational capacity building. The University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (UMD EFC) is partnering with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to provide resources and technical assistance to applicants.
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the program can be found on the Chesapeake Bay Trust website and applications are due by Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. To be added to the mailing list to receive this information, please fill out this form. Contact Kelsey Brooks (kebrooks@umd.edu) with any program-related questions.
| |
DCNR Now Accepting Applications for Wild Resource Conservation Grants
On May 8, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced it is now accepting applications for Wild Resource Conservation Program (WRCP) Grants until June 30. The WRCP provides critical support for conserving non-game animals, native plants and fungi, and invertebrates such as insects — species often left out of traditional conservation programs but vital to the Commonwealth’s ecosystems. More than $500,000 will be available for this grant round.
“The 2026 grant round is focused on filling data gaps for Pennsylvania’s rare, threatened, and endangered species,” said Rebecca Bowen, DCNR’s chief of Conservation Science and Ecological Resources. “Pennsylvanians can directly support the protection of non-game wildlife and native plants through the Wild Resource Conservation Program.” For more information, visit the Wild Resource Conservation Program webpage.
| |
RegenAll Funds 130-Tree Silvopasture Project on Lancaster County Farm
On April 23, RegenAll announced it supported a Lancaster County farmer in installing a silvopasture project that will improve the health of the farm’s dairy cows, land, and future prosperity. Thanks to a $7,000 grant from RegenAll’s Community Climate Fund, Benuel E. Beiler was able to plant 130 trees across seven acres of his organic dairy farm. The trees will provide a wide range of benefits. Fast-growing trees, such as black locusts, will provide shade over the pasture, which improves the cows’ physical well-being and ultimately leads to higher milk output. With increased milk production, the farm can also expect to see an increase in revenue. Silvopasture, the practice of integrating trees, livestock, and foraging on the same land, is a natural climate solution. These benefits are why RegenAll has dedicated a portion of its Community Climate Fund (CCF) to local silvopasture projects.
| |
|  |
RegenAll staff installing silvopasture project
| |
| | |
Perry County Conservation District Implements Silvopasture Project
Spring is underway in Perry County, and so is the implementation of new conservation projects! The Perry County Conservation District recently installed a silvopasture project on a Perry County farm. The project consisted of planting 10-foot-tall willow live stakes. These live stakes will establish faster than seedlings and grow above deer browsing heights. This project was funded by the Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Block Grant. This grant program aims to support project implementation to maximize nutrient and sediment reduction goals in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
| |
|  |
Photo of silvopasture project in Perry County
| |
| | |
A Milestone Year in Lancaster County
This year marks a major milestone for Lancaster Water Week as the community celebrates the event’s 10th anniversary from June 5–13. Organized by Lancaster Conservancy and dozens of community partners, the annual celebration highlights the 1,400 miles of streams and rivers that shape life in Lancaster County. These waterways provide drinking water, support agriculture and local businesses, and create opportunities for fishing, paddling, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
Since launching in 2017, Lancaster Water Week has grown into a countywide movement featuring more than 60 events that encourage residents to learn, volunteer, and take action for clean water. This year’s schedule includes paddling trips, nature walks, educational tours, birding adventures, cleanup projects, family activities, and a special 10th anniversary celebration at West Art. Organizers are also tying this year’s celebration to the Conestoga River being named Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year.
The week will be a celebration and a call to action. More than half of Lancaster County’s waterways remain polluted, but organizers say community collaboration is making a difference. Residents are encouraged to explore local waterways, volunteer at cleanup events, plant native species, and discover how everyday actions can help protect streams and rivers for future generations.
| |
|  |
Photo credit: Michelle Johnsen, courtesy of LancasterConservancy
| |
| | |
Trust and Teamwork Drive Cleaner Water on a Lancaster County Farm
The completion of a Countywide Action Plan (CAP) farm project in Lancaster County highlights how collaboration and trust can turn shared goals into lasting environmental impact. On one local farm, partners worked together to implement a suite of agricultural best management practices designed to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff — key contributors to impaired waterways across the county.
This project exemplifies the power of relationships. Neighboring landowners, conservation organizations, municipalities, and funders aligned their efforts, building trust through open communication and a shared commitment to clean water. That coordination made it possible to move from planning to implementation efficiently, ensuring the right practices were installed in the right places.
The results are tangible: improved manure management, stabilized streambanks, and better control of stormwater runoff — all contributing to healthier local streams. These improvements directly support Lancaster County’s broader goal of reducing millions of pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution through the CAP.
Beyond the farm, this success demonstrates a replicable model. When partners work together with trust and a common purpose, they accelerate progress toward clean and clear water. Each completed CAP project brings Lancaster County one step closer to restoring its waterways and sustaining them for future generations.
| |
|  |
Photo Credit: Lancaster Clean Water Partners
| |
| | |
"Pennsylvania is home to some of the best trout fishing and most beautiful waterways anywhere in the country, and... action helps ensure these streams remain clean and protected for future generations. By redesignating streams as High-Quality Waters, we are strengthening safeguards against pollution, protecting critical habitats, and supporting outdoor recreation and local economies across the Commonwealth."
- Jessica Shirley, secretaryPA Department of Environmental Protection
| |
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
