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Hello partners for water quality!
We have much news to share on progress by state, local, and sector partners to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and improve water quality in Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
For more details on the Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan 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 and make connections with your county team! Also, please share this newsletter with your networks and encourage them to subscribe to our monthly newsletter!
— DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management
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DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management (BWRNSM)
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Clean Water Gathering Created Connections and Commitments Among Clean Water Partners
The second annual Clean Water Gathering was held on January 23, 2025, to address priority action area challenges generated at the inaugural October 2023 Clean Water Gathering. It was an action-focused and collaborative event where over 120 policymakers, state program leaders, county action leaders, and other key stakeholders gathered to share and respond to presented Success Strategies.
The Success Strategies are recommendations developed in 2024, over the course of 1,000 people hours by more than 60 diverse individuals serving on three Clean Water Progress Teams. If implemented, the 25 actionable Strategies for Success will accelerate Pennsylvania’s clean water progress and nutrient pollution reduction goals, benefiting local water quality and communities throughout Pennsylvania’s vast portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The Secretaries of the Department of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Agriculture spoke to the audience and committed to Success Strategies that their agencies will support. This included supporting dedicated funding efforts with flexible funding models, and supporting the conservation workforce. Pennsylvania State Senator Scott Martin and State Representative Nikki Rivera were also among the state leaders in attendance. Senator Martin emphasized the importance of collaboration, collective action, and long-term commitment to clean water in his address to the group.
The Gathering underscored the need for a multi-level, collaborative, and committed approach to sustain the momentum driving Pennsylvania’s clean water progress. During the Gathering, all 25 recommended Success Strategies received commitments from the many policymakers and program partners in the room. Staff from DEP’s Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management (BWRNSM) will facilitate action teams around each recommendation. They will also generate quarterly status updates about action taken to advance the recommendations.
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Attendees listen to panelists at the Clean Water Gathering (left). Erin Letavic, Senior Project Manager at HRG, Jill Whitcomb, DEP Deputy Secretary, and Patrick McDonnell, former DEP Secretary and President and CEO of PennFuture, discuss strategies during the expo portion of the event (right).
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Jessica Shirley, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, Russell Redding, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, and Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, were in attendance and addressed the group (left). Marel King, Pennsylvania Director at the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and State Representative Nikki Rivera connect at the event (center). State Senator Scott Martin speaks to attendees (right).
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Pennsylvania Phase 3 WIP 2024 Programmatic Progress Submitted to EPA and Published to DEP’s Website for Public Access
Pennsylvania's progress in meeting the Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily load (TMDL) goals is tracked through the development of and progress toward two-year milestones, which estimate the expected level of implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) and expected programmatic improvements to occur over the milestone period. The Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management (BWRNSM) submitted PA’s 2024 Programmatic Milestone Progress, the product of a multi-agency, multi-program collaborative effort, to EPA on January 14, 2025, and published the document to DEP’s website on January 15, 2025, for public access.
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Growing Greener Plus Grant Program Awards Announced
On February 10, 2025, DEP announced award winners for the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program. The projects that were awarded funds will protect waterways and watersheds, reclaim abandoned mine sites, and work to reclaim and plug abandoned oil and gas wells. This year’s awards exceed $15 million statewide.
Growing Greener is the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania’s history to address critical environmental concerns. Grantees have up to three years to implement their projects.
Award winners were announced by region:
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Programs and Projects by Local, State, and Federal Partners
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DEP Inspections Protect Clean Air and Pure Water
In 2024, DEP undertook over 107,000 inspections and over 400 emergency responses to protect Pennsylvanians’ constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and a healthy environment. At the core of DEP’s operations are the tens of thousands of inspections carried out each year. Whether scheduled or unannounced, these inspections are critical for enforcing environmental laws and encouraging industries to step up their compliance efforts.
Throughout 2024, inspection efforts uncovered 35,237 violations and led to the resolution of more than 32,000 of them—demonstrating accountability. Where civil penalties are levied, these funds are reinvested into the communities impacted by environmental violations. These inspections also serve a dual purpose. Not only do they deter negligent behavior, but they also pave the way for innovation and economic growth by encouraging businesses to adopt cleaner technologies and practices.
While routine inspections form the backbone of DEP’s work, emergencies demand sharp and immediate action. Over the past year, DEP responded to 410 environmental emergencies, ranging from sewage pipeline breaks in Lycoming County to disaster recovery efforts during Tropical Storm Debby. After such emergencies, DEP teams assessed damages, implemented cleanup measures like removing contaminated soil or stabilizing unstable ground, and returned to sites to monitor recovery progress. These steps helped minimize long-term risks to public safety while restoring ecosystems wherever possible.
By strengthening enforcement, responding to emergencies, and fostering partnerships, DEP can tackle present challenges while preparing for the future. For more information about DEP’s initiatives or to report environmental concerns, visit DEP’s official website.
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DEP Launches New Permit Tracking Tool
DEP and the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) continue to advance Governor Josh Shapiro’s vision of an accountable, responsive, and efficient state government with a user-friendly new tool to track the progress of permit applications submitted to DEP. The Permit Status Tracker allows applicants to track the progress of their application from submission through decision on the DEP website.
The Permit Tracker tool can:
- Search by authorization ID or keyword.
- Filter by county, program area, permit type, application type, status, and submission date.
- View application status, details, and estimated processing time.
- Find contact information for the reviewer.
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Shapiro Administration Announces Recipients of the Nation’s First Agricultural Innovation Grant
On February 3, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro announced recipients of $10 million in grants through the nation's first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. This funding will help Pennsylvania agricultural businesses adopt innovative technologies and practices to enhance conservation and implement clean energy solutions - boosting profits, protecting soil and water resources, and generating more clean, renewable energy.
The 88 awardees from 45 counties represent 31 Pennsylvania-produced commodities and 40 areas of innovation. Grants will reimburse expenses for project planning and implementation, as well as larger-scale projects with a regional impact. These projects include technologies that improve efficiency, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste, and support crops that store carbon or replace non-renewable resources.
The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program was proposed as part of Governor Shapiro’s 2024-2025 budget and championed by Representative Paul Takac, prime sponsor of the corresponding legislation, which passed with broad bipartisan support. The program received an overwhelming response, with the Department of Agriculture receiving more than $68 million in funding requests. The grants will help to accelerate the adoption of innovative practices that will benefit not only farmers but the long-term sustainability and productivity of the entire region.
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Russell Redding, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, speaks during the press conference announcing the recipients of Governor Josh Shapiro’s $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.
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Shapiro Administration Invests $1.3 Million to Help Strengthen Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Workforce
On February 7, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announced a $1.3 million investment in Penn State University’s Agricultural Workforce Development Project to continue Pennsylvania’s legacy as a national agricultural leader. The project, funded through the Farms & Agribusiness Workforce Engagement Grant, aims to strengthen the Commonwealth’s agricultural workforce by increasing awareness of PA CareerLink® services, providing targeted technical assistance for employers in the agriculture sector, and training stakeholders to address the unique workforce needs of farmers and agribusinesses.
Penn State, in partnership with L&I and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), will coordinate with local workforce development boards to implement its program. Investing in agriculture is a key focus of Governor Josh Shapiro’s Economic Development Strategy, as Pennsylvania is home to more than 53,000 farms, supporting more than 600,000 jobs and contributing $132.5 billion annually.
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Shapiro Administration Reflects on DCNR Accomplishments
In January 2025, the Shapiro Administration took the opportunity to recognize numerous accomplishments by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in sustainably managing and enhancing Pennsylvania’s public lands. In the last two years, the Commonwealth has reinforced its position as a national leader in conservation and climate resilience, ensuring Pennsylvania’s public lands are preserved and thriving for future generations.
Key sustainability achievements since the Shapiro Administration took office include:
- Chesapeake Bay Water Quality: The Bay received its best environmental rating in over two decades, thanks to innovative conservation practices and strong partnerships that enhance water quality and recreational opportunities.
- Stream Buffer Planting: Completed the largest-ever stream buffer planting at Big Elk Creek State Park, improving water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat.
- Old-Growth Forest Protection: Added eight forests to the National Old-Growth Forest Network, boosting carbon sequestration and improving air and water quality.
- Plugging Abandoned Wells: Plugged 95 abandoned oil and gas wells on state forest lands, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Increased solar capacity across 30 installations, including at Presque Isle and Prince Gallitzin state parks, with a total of 2,906 kW of solar energy.
- Kittatinny Ridge Sentinel Landscape Designation: Achieved designation for the Kittatinny Ridge, preserving critical natural habitats and bolstering climate resilience.
- Preservation of the Pennsylvania Wilds: Successfully campaigned for the cancellation of a Low Military Operations Area, preserving the integrity of the iconic Pennsylvania Wilds region.
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DCNR Now Accepting Applications for its Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council
DCNR is now accepting applications for members on the agency’s Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council. The 18-member council, appointed by the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore and Speaker of the House, provides advice on conservation and stewardship of the state’s natural resources under the jurisdiction of DCNR. Council members should be knowledgeable in fields related to the work of DCNR, and the term of office for members is three years.
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Commonwealth Financing Authority Announces $16 Million in Act 13 Funding for Watershed Restoration, Flood Mitigation, Recreation, Sewage, and Oil and Gas Well Plugging
On January 28, 2025, the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded $16 million in grants and loans funded by the Act 13 drilling impact fee for watershed restoration, flood mitigation, recreation, sewage and oil and gas well plugging. Several projects were funded that occur within the Chesapeake Bay watershed including the Stinky Run Flood Control Project in Clearfield Borough, Clearfield County approved for $125,000 in funding and a greenway improvement project to Young’s Woods Park approved for $80,000 in funding to the City of Williamsport, Lycoming County. Act 13 applications for funding are accepted annually between February 1st and May 31st.
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ACAP Releases New Impact Video
In January 2025, PA’s Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) released their Impact Video, which highlights the impact of the program on Pennsylvania’s agricultural landscape and conservation efforts. The video was created in collaboration with Studio 57 Productions for the PA State Conservation Commission (SCC) and features farmers, county conservation district staff, and partners in agriculture conservation sharing real-world stories of ACAP’s impact. The video provides examples of how ACAP funding and technical assistance support sustainable agriculture practices, improve water quality, and strengthen communities. Additionally, it features commentary from the PDA Secretary Russell Redding, SCC Executive Director Doug Wolfgang, and legislative champions Senators Martin and Yaw, who spearheaded the creation of ACAP.
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An aerial view of a farm property featured in the video that utilized ACAP to install BMPs. The location of the farm in this image shows its proximity to local waters and demonstrates the importance of conservation practices employed on the farm. | |
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"Saving Turtle Creek" Success Story Video Released
WVIA Public Media Studios produced a video, “Saving Turtle Creek – A Conservation Success Story.” The video features Savannah Rhoads, Watershed & Program Specialist at the Union County Conservation District, who shares the science and strategy behind stream restoration efforts. It also features Greg Brown, owner of Turtle Creek Farms, whose commitment to sustainable farming has led to innovative practices like streambank fencing and managed cattle crossings.
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An image from the video shows log structures stabilizing the banks of this portion of Turtle Creek flowing through producer Greg Brown’s property (Provided by WVIA Public Media Studios). | |
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Pennsylvania NRCS Releases Annual Report Highlighting Accomplishments
In January 2025, the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) Pennsylvania office released their 2024 annual report, Pennsylvania NRCS Accomplishments FY 2024. The report highlighted the over 43,000 conservation practices and enhancements that have been installed within the state’s lands. Particular to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the report noted $52.5 million in impact through multiple programs operating in the watershed covering 154,581 acres through 717 contracts. Those programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
The report described the delivery of targeted financial and technical assistance, particularly through NRCS’ work with the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). This effort delivers assistance to priority watersheds impaired due to agricultural nutrient runoff. These priority watersheds include: Warrior Run, Beaver and Upper Yellow Creeks, Upper Kishacoquillas Creek, Swatara Creek, and Maiden Creek. The majority of these are located in counties within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Additionally, the report celebrated new fiscal year 2024 technical assistance available to Pennsylvania through the partnership of NRCS, the SCC, and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) to provide six new conservation planner positions.
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PENNVEST Invests $288 Million in Water Infrastructure Projects in 24 Counties
On January 22, 2025, The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) announced the investment of $288.2 million for 39 drinking water, wastewater, and non-point source projects across 24 counties. Of those projects, eight drinking water, seven wastewater, and one non-point source projects are within the Chesapeake Bay watershed totaling $22,209,019 in low interest loans and $32,871,504 in grants.
The nonpoint source project within the Chesapeake Bay watershed involves a $2,111,284 loan to the East Pennsboro Township Authority for a stream restoration project. The restoration will affect 4,655 linear feet of the Enola Run stream and will include reconnection to the floodplain, repair of eroding streambanks, planting of riparian buffers, and development of environmental educational components such as instructional signs and access trails. These stream improvements will benefit not only Enola Run, but also the Conodoguinet Creek, the Susquehanna River, and the Chesapeake Bay. The project will result in approximately 104.5 tons per year of sediment reductions; 316.5 pounds per year of phosphorus reductions; and 349.1 pounds per year of nitrogen reductions to support East Pennsboro Township’s Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP).
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Save the Date for the 2025 ACAP Ag Conservation Conference
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North Branch Land Trust Receives Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Watershed Education Grant
The proposed informational graphics will detail wetland habitat and ecosystem processes and benefits that are occurring right in front of the visitor. The Hanover Crossings Marsh Sanctuary is a publicly accessible preserve.
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DEP to Begin Accepting Applications for First Round of Local Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants
DEP will begin accepting applications for the first round of local Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Drainage Treatment Grants on March 3, 2025. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2025. A second round is planned for September 2, 2025. Eligible applicants include a county or municipality, conservation district, council of government, municipal authority, and nonprofit organizations. The grants are for the purpose of abandoned mine land (AML) reclamation and abandoned mine drainage (AMD) treatment or abatement. All applicants must request and participate in an Initial Project Consultation at least one month prior to an application round opening to be considered an eligible applicant.
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WeConservePA Offers $10,000 Project Planning Grants
WeConservePA is offering $10,000 grants to assist small and mid-sized qualifying Pennsylvania land trusts in pursuing the conservation of land for the public benefit and planning for fee land acquisitions for such purpose. Awardees may use the Project Planning Grants to fund the work of land trust staff in educating and meeting with landowners, title research, preliminary environmental review, and other actions needed prior to completing donations, bargain sales, and purchases of land for conservation purposes. Grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis until the program funds are exhausted.
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National Association of Conservation Districts Announces Urban and Community Conservation Grants
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) announced the open application period for the 2025 Urban and Community Conservation Grant Initiative. The grants are open to any conservation district within the U.S. and proposals are due April 1, 2025. Since 2016, NACD and NRCS have awarded $9.2 million to conservation districts for 217 different projects. Through these grants, conservation districts increased their capacity related to urban technical assistance and small-scale conservation, while addressing community needs in both rural and urban contexts. Grantees have successfully partnered with a multitude of organizations to support community farming and gardening programs, expanded outreach capacities to current and underrepresented clients, planned operations to extend growing seasons using hoop houses and other practices, remediated poor-yielding agricultural sites, and contributed to many other natural resource conservation efforts.
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Advanced Nutrient Management Vouchers Available
The Mid-Atlantic 4R Nutrient Stewardship Association is making the 2025 Voucher Program available to farmers and advisers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These $1,000 vouchers support an advisor and farmer’s time to work together and develop next steps to meet specific farm goals. Vouchers are paid directly to the adviser to assist a farmer with planning, including data management and compilation, analysis of existing data, collecting new data/soil tests, etc. to plan next steps. Enrolled fields must have a current nutrient management plan or meet NRCS Core Nutrient Management requirements in Pennsylvania. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and enrollment forms are due no later than March 14, 2025, for the 2025 growing season.
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2025 Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant Open for Paddling Events and Education
The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) has announced the opening of the 2025 Pennsylvania River Sojourns Grant cycle. Grants are available on a competitive basis for single and multi-day paddling events on Pennsylvania’s waterways. Sojourns must incorporate significant educational programming, and be open to all participants (i.e., private trips are not eligible). Applicants can request up to $1,000 per day that participants are on the water.
The PA Sojourn Program is a nationally unique program that awards more than $50,000 in grants across the state to support local organizations and their sojourn events. These grants support on average between 10 and 15 paddling events each year, encompassing over 400 river miles and 50+ on-the-water days, offering more than 100 educational programs, and engaging over 4,000 people.
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Adams County Completes a Basin Retrofit Project
The Longview East Basin Retrofit project was part of a slate of stormwater projects in Cumberland Township, Adams County that were completed with funding from DEP’s Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Implementation Grant, and the township’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in 2022. Longview East, however, had to be postponed due to funding issues (bids for all projects came back between two and three times more than the original cost estimates). Longview East was re-visited using CAP funds in 2024. Longview East was an existing stormwater retention basin that has now been retrofitted. The basin drains a 16.67-acre area and was implemented at a cost of $13,000. The project was completed by Flyway Excavating Inc.
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A view of the basin during construction (left) and after construction (right).
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Cumberland County Completes Willow Mill Park Raingarden Project
The Willow Mill Park Raingarden Project in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, is a project that just recently achieved substantial completion at the end of 2024. The project took a former straight pipe stormwater discharge that went directly to the Conodoguinet Creek and diverted it into a bioswale and raingarden before it discharges to the creek. These bioretention best management practices will reduce sediment and nutrient pollution to Conodoguinet Creek from the receiving drainage area and provide some stormwater volume control where none existed before. This project was made possible by a $200,000 CAP Implementation Grant.
All of the plantings and seeding utilized within the bioswale and raingarden are native to Pennsylvania. Though they haven’t been through a growing season yet, they are all able to survive the winter and will start to grow in during the spring. Turf areas that were disturbed to install new storm sewer piping will be returned to turf outside of the new tree planting area. In the spring, growth of the vegetation will be evaluated, and erosion and sediment controls will be removed from the site when it is fully stabilized.
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A view of the Willow Mill Park raingarden.
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Lancaster Clean Water Partners Promotes Cover Crops
In January 2025, Lancaster Clean Water Partners amplified the message of cover cropping and other regenerative agriculture practices as a way to promote clean water while also supporting a host of additional environmental benefits. Cover crops are plants planted between when cash crops would be planted – often this is done in the fall with cover crops growing through to the spring to cover the soil and protect it. They are a valuable tool for improving soil health, reducing erosion, and increasing soil fertility. With the right planning and crop selection, cover crops can also help address a range of challenges, including nitrogen management, weed control, soil compaction, and even providing an extra winter harvest. Lancaster Clean Water Partners shared additional cover crop planning details in their blog, and they’ve shared a video by RegenAll highlighting one producer’s experience with cover cropping – Steve Groff.
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Steve Groff, a producer in western Lancaster County, shares about his regenerative agriculture practices including cover cropping and how it's helped improve soil structure on the farm.
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Potter County CAP Grant Funds On-Farm Composting
The Potter County Conservation District (PCCD) partnered with Summit Trail Rides and Dungster LLC to implement a composting system for sustainable manure management at their operation. The many remote trails adjacent to state forest made manure disposal at the Summit Trail Rides equine boarding site a challenge, as there is little land available for pasturing horses and spreading manure generated onsite. The operation is also located in very close proximity to the South Woods Branch, a high-quality trout stream. As a result, the project was prioritized by the PCCD due to its location in the upper reaches of the Susquehanna River watershed. CAP Implementation Grant funds administered by DEP were used to complete the work. The two new 30-yard composting dumpsters utilize an aeration system to produce compost – the first batch of compost was composted in November 2024. In addition to the composting Dungster System, underground outlets were installed in conjunction with roof gutters. A stabilized animal walkway was also installed between the barn and the small pasture area. The total project investment was $50,635.
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A view of the Dungster System installed at the Summit Trail Rides operation.
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“We are committed to managing Pennsylvania's natural resources with sustainability at the forefront, ensuring that our public lands remain vibrant and accessible for both current and future generations. This work is about much more than conservation - it's about stewardship that strengthens communities and enhances our quality of life."
- Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
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