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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. Anyone interested in their county’s Phase 3 WIP County Wide Action plan can sign up to get involved. And help spread the word! Share this newsletter or the subscribe page. — DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management
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DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management
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BWRNSM Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Division releases Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities – Pennsylvania’s 2021 Chesapeake Bay Annual Progress Report
DEP’s Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management is proud to announce the release of its Healthy Waters Healthy Communities – Pennsylvania’s 2021 Chesapeake Bay Progress Report. The goal of this annual report is to share collective successes for Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) and Countywide Action Plans (CAPs), with spotlights on projects, partners and progress throughout Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
2021 was a year of significant accomplishments in improving water quality in Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Even with the continued challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennsylvanians remained energized and worked together to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to restore and protect the health of local waters and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. 2021 was a year of unprecedented on-the-ground progress, with projects and large-scale partnership accomplishments across Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay watershed. All thanks to people and organizations across the watershed coming together with a shared commitment to cleaner water for Pennsylvania.
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Programs and Projects by Local, State and Federal Partners
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EPA evaluation of Pennsylvania’s 2020-2021 WIP milestone progress and 2022-2023 commitments released
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the evaluation of Pennsylvania’s 2020-2021 Phase 3 WIP milestone progress and final 2022-2023 WIP milestone commitments. These milestones represent the progress and commitments to achieve the implementation goals in the Phase 3 WIP and the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load. The evaluation identifies strengths and areas to address in the 2022-2023 milestone period. In its news release, EPA recognized the work that Pennsylvania partners are doing to protect and restore local resources, as well as the Chesapeake Bay, and renewed its commitment to work with Pennsylvania to bring restoration efforts on track so that Pennsylvania can meet its Phase 3 WIP planning targets. EPA will continue to provide technical, financial, and other resource support to assist Pennsylvania in implementing its Phase 3 WIP and milestones.
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Clean Streams Fund Meeting with State Legislators
Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 WIP Action Leaders from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), State Conservation Commission (SCC), Department of Agriculture (PDA), Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), and the Pennsylvania state office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) joined the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts and Lancaster Clean Water Partners to discuss the status of and opportunities for the multiple Clean Streams Fund programs with Senator Scott Martin, Senator Gene Yaw, Senator Dan Laughlin, and G. Warren Elliott in late September. The Chesapeake Bay Commission coordinated the meeting and EPA Region 3 leadership was also in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to facilitate open communication and dialogue with legislators regarding the strategies for effectively and efficiently distributing the Clean Streams COVID-ARPA funds for local water quality improvement across the Commonwealth as well as to identify opportunities and challenges that need to be overcome.
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Governor Wolf announces $236 million investment in water infrastructure projects in 15 counties
On October 19, Governor Tom Wolf announced the investment of $236 million for 23 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint source projects across 15 counties through PENNVEST. The funding for these projects originates from a combination of state funds approved by voters, Growing Greener, Marcellus Legacy funds, the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, federal grants to PENNVEST from EPA, and recycled loan repayments from previous PENNVEST funding awards. Funds for these projects are disbursed after expenses for work are paid and receipts are submitted to PENNVEST and DEP for review. Ten of these projects are located in five Chesapeake Bay counties.
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Gov. Wolf announces $18.2 million in new funding for 130 projects to improve infrastructure, enhance community development, and protect the environment
“These projects will improve communities and enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians,” said Gov. Wolf. “They are the kind of improvements and upgrades that continue to make our commonwealth a truly great place to live, work and play.”
The projects are designated for specific initiatives as follows:
- Flood Mitigation: 10 projects approved -- $2,401,281 total
- Greenways, Trails and Recreation: 94 projects approved -- $12,219,569 total
- Sewage Facilities: four projects approved -- $73,830 total
- Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging: one project approved -- $150,000 total
- Watershed Restoration and Protection: 21 projects approved -- $3,407,495 total
A complete list of approved Act 13 projects can be found online. The newly approved projects are listed in bold and dated September 20, 2022.
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DEP awards $3 million to restore watersheds statewide by reducing water pollution
DEP awarded $3 million in Section 319 grant funding to local governments and organizations to restore the health of local watersheds around the state by reducing water pollution. The DEP Section 319 Nonpoint Source Management Grants program supports projects that carry out best management practices specified in plans for 42 watersheds around the state, with special consideration for projects in Pennsylvania’s share of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Development of new plans for additional impaired watersheds is also supported. The 2022 Section 319 grant funding went to multiple recipients, six of which are located within the Chesapeake Bay.
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DEP tours Kettle Creek stream restoration project, highlights Countywide Action Plan progress
DEP visited a stream restoration project at the Lucky 7 Hunting Club property on Kettle Creek to view the recently completed work and discuss how it will improve water quality in this Exceptional Value stream as part of Clinton County’s CAP.
“The design techniques utilized in this project have been incredibly successful at restoring eroding and degraded streams across our region over the past decade,” said DEP Acting Regional Director for the Northcentral Regional Office Jared Dressler. “DEP remains committed to helping our county and non-profit partners accelerate their efforts to tackle local stream issues and contribute toward the overall restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.”
“This project is an example of how the power of partnerships and collaboration can benefit our natural resources,” said District Manager for the Clinton County Conservation District Wade Jodun. “The joint effort of various agencies, nonprofits, sportsman's clubs, and volunteers will now benefit the watershed for generations.”
Project partners include the Clinton County Conservation District, Kettle Creek Watershed Association, Native Creations, Lucky 7 Hunting Club, and the Kettle Creek/Tamarack Sportsmans Club. Funding was provided by the Pennsylvania Coldwater Heritage Partnership, which is a collaborative effort between DEP, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC), the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds; and by DCNR through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The Clinton County Conservation District, DEP and PFBC also assisted in the planning and permitting phases of the project.
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DEP and local officials kick off 2022-23 Local Climate Action Program
DEP kicked off its 2022-23 Local Climate Action Program (LCAP) with a visit to Wormleysburg Borough in Cumberland County. The county and borough are participants in the program, which has helped hundreds of communities in Pennsylvania measure local greenhouse gas emissions and begin to reduce the risks of climate change. Sixty-four entities, representing more than 440 municipalities, including 46 environmental justice communities, have participated in the DEP Local Climate Action Program since it launched in 2019. Nineteen communities have finalized, adopted and begun carrying out their plans.
The 2022-23 Local Climate Action Program includes 11 local government entities, representing 62 municipalities. Read the full press release to learn about partners and more details.
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and National Fish & Wildlife Foundation award $3.5 million In grants to restore, protect habitats in Chesapeake Bay watershed
On October 20, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced 12 grants totaling $3.5 million to support wildlife habitat, climate change resilience, community conservation partnerships, and equitable access to nature in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The four Landscape Defense (Chesapeake WILD) Act grants awarded in Pennsylvania total $1,483,900, with a total investment of $2,951,000.
- WeConserve PA - Implementing Conservation Easements and Resource Management Planning - $150,000 grant, total project $360,000
- Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Research Institute - Implementing Forest Management Practices to Promote Resiliency and Habitat - $341,200 grant, total project $426,000
- Western PA Conservancy - Improving Aquatic Organism Passage on Central State Gamelands - $500,000 grant, total project $1,116,300
- Western PA Conservancy - Protecting Critical Habitat and Water Quality in Western Tributaries - $492,700 grant, total project $1,048,700
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NFWF’s 2022-2023 Chesapeake Agricultural Networking Forum Registration is now open
NFWF has opened registration for the 2022-23 Bay watershed-wide Chesapeake-Bay Agriculture Networking Forum and Listening Sessions. The forum brings together NFWF grantees, partners and practitioners in agricultural conservation from across the region to discuss emerging trends and topics, network and share ideas, and inform what’s next in our collective efforts towards greater agricultural sustainability. Through this forum and listening sessions, NFWF will tackle questions like: “How can NFWF and its current and future grantees best support jurisdiction’s priority WIP strategies for agricultural sector as we advance towards 2025?” and “What can we learn from, re-evaluate and replicate regarding our efforts to support collaborative models as key drivers of accelerated agricultural conservation in the region?”
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American Farmland Trust publishes new case studies and the Case Study Toolkit
The American Farmland Trust published five new soil health economic and environmental case studies in 2022. All feature soil health successful producers that have experienced a positive return on their investment and hail from California (almonds), Oklahoma (corn, soybeans, wheat, grain sorghum), Pennsylvania (corn, soybeans, hay), and New York (diversified grain rotations). The Trust hopes that farmers and conservation partners in these states, or those who are managing similar production systems, will read the case studies for insights into the return on investments in soil health practices.
Since 2020, the Trust has been sharing their Soil Health Case Study Tool Kit, which is a downloadable folder of documents that provides everything needed to produce a soil health economic and environmental case study featuring a “soil health successful” producer. The toolkit includes the R-SHEC Tool, questionnaire, training videos, guidance on how to conduct water quality and greenhouse gas outcomes analysis, guidance on how to write a case study, and so much more.
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Keystone 10 Million Tree Partnership plants five millionth tree in Franklin County
On October 19, national, state and local partners gathered at a Franklin County park to celebrate the planting of the five millionth tree in an ambitious, collaborative and challenging effort to plant 10 million trees in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The partners lowered the midpoint, milestone oak tree into the ground at Furnace Run Park in Shippensburg. Volunteers planted other trees at the park in the afternoon.
The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, comprised of over 200 groups and coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), launched the campaign in April 2018. Since then, thousands of volunteers organized by these groups have helped plant trees and without them, this goal would never have been reached.
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PDA protects 24 farms in 10 counties from development
On October 13, PDA announced that Pennsylvania protected an additional 2,046 acres on 24 farms in 10 counties from future development, investing nearly $7.5 million in state, county, local and nonprofit dollars to ensure that prime farmland is not lost to development. Pennsylvania has now protected 6,118 farms and 616,713 acres in 58 counties from future commercial, industrial or residential development. The newly preserved farms are in Berks, Bucks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Wyoming and York counties. To learn more about Pennsylvania's Farmland Preservation Program and investments in a secure future for Pennsylvania agriculture, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
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New resources from DCNR available for forest landowners and managers for climate resilience
The DCNR Bureau of Forestry has been fielding an increasing volume of inquiries from private forest landowners and managers regarding climate change. The bureau has responded by producing a set of Managing for Forest Resilience fact sheets, each tailored to one of the four major ecoregions of Pennsylvania:
- Ridge and Valley (Juniata, Northumberland, Carbon, Schuylkill, Huntingdon, Centre, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder, Union, Fulton, Bedford counties)
- Western Allegheny (Westmoreland, Somerset, Fayette, Cambria, Indiana, Armstrong, Butler, Lawrence, Clarion, Venango, Jefferson, Greene, Washington, Mercer, Beaver counties)
- Northern Allegheny (Warren, McKean, Potter, Clinton, Tioga, Lycoming, Bradford, Susquehanna, Wayne counties)
- Piedmont (Adams, York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery counties)
Each fact sheet has five major components:
- A summary of observed and projected climate shifts in Pennsylvania
- A list of climate change related forest threats and impacts
- A list of actions forest owners/managers can take to encourage resilience to climate change
- A list of vulnerable tree species
- A list of species expected to be climate change resilient
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EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program releases 2021-2022 Bay Barometer
EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program released its 2021-2022 Bay Barometer covering nine outcomes that span the broad spectrum of restoration work happening across the Bay partnership. The Bay Barometer provides the “status” of these outcomes—how they are doing compared to the previous reporting periods—as well as the outcome “trends”—which demonstrate the long-term progress made. Looking at the data from these two perspectives helps to identify important changes, such as the sharp decrease in blue crab populations noted in 2022, while being aware of long-term trends, such as the continued increase in pollution reduction happening across the Bay watershed.
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The Department of Defense (DoD) Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP) releases its Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Progress Report
With 64 major installations across the Chesapeake Bay watershed within five states and the District of Columbia, DoD CBP recognizes its significant role in protecting and restoring the Bay while also working to sustain its mission. In FY21, the DoD implemented more than 335 projects, totaling over $46.8 million dollars, to contribute to Chesapeake Bay goals and outcomes for abundant life, clean water, engaged communities and conserved lands. The annual report highlights successful projects in each category, with a focus on projects that meet multiple objectives and looks ahead to address the challenges that climate will impose on Bay restoration and mission sustainment. Eleven DoD installations were recognized or received awards for their environmental work.
Rear Admiral Charles W. Rock acknowledged, “The work of installations is the backbone of DoD’s commitment to restoring the Chesapeake Bay. By creating and leveraging partnerships with local, state and non-government organizations, our installations have identified, funded and implemented projects that contribute to the goals and outcomes of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement while also sustaining the mission.”
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South Mountain Partnership awards $50,000 in mini-grants to support local recreation, restoration and education projects
The South Mountain Partnership recently announced the award of $50,000 in mini-grants to support eight local recreation, restoration and education projects in Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The mini-grant program is intended to catalyze on-the-ground projects that further the goals of the Partnership, and to advance the capacity of partners to complete projects throughout the region. It provides funding, on a competitive basis, to projects that sustain the South Mountain landscape’s sense of place by protecting and promoting the region’s landscape resources like farms and farmland; historic places; wildlife, habitat and water; and trails and parks.
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Greening the Lower Susquehanna program celebrates 10 years
For 10 years, volunteers have been partnering with the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, Penn State Extension and other conservation organizations in Dauphin, Lebanon and Lancaster counties through a program called Greening the Lower Susquehanna. This program provides opportunities for individuals, families and groups to spend a few hours planting trees, performing maintenance on past tree plantings, cleaning up litter, weeding rain gardens, live staking streambanks or other practices that help improve the health of local waterways. Since the start of the program in 2012, 176 events have been held with 4,608 volunteers contributing over 12,000 hours of time (valued at $350,000). More than 12 tons of trash has been cleaned up from roadways and public land; 8,000 live stakes have been planted in streambanks where they can grow into new trees; five rain gardens and 18,000 trees have been planted; and 32 acres of planted trees have been maintained.
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DEP’s Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management announces the opening of the 2023 Countywide Action Plan Community Clean Water Coordinator and Implementation grant
On September 28, 2022, DEP’s Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management held a webinar to announce the opening of the annual 2023 Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Community Clean Water Coordinator and Implementation grant. The webinar provided information on changes to this year’s application process and new options for how county partners can spend their funding. CAP Coordinator and Implementation grant applications are due by October 31, 2022.
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NRCS announces conservation funding opportunities for fiscal year 2023
The USDA NRCS announced the fiscal year 2023 funding assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs such as the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). While NRCS accepts applications for these programs year-round, producers and landowners should apply by state-specific application dates to be considered for this year's funding. The next application date for 2023 AMA, EQIP, and RCPP is November 1, 2022, while the next application date for CSP Classic is January 1, 2023.
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DEP is accepting applications for Small Business Advantage grants for natural resource conservation, energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects
DEP is now accepting applications for up to $1 million in Small Business Advantage Grants to support natural resource conservation, energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects. The deadline to apply is March 24, 2023. This is a first-come, first-served grant program that provides matching grants, ranging from a maximum of 50% or $5,000, up to 80% or $8,000, whichever is less. Maximum funding will vary based on project location and environmental impact. The applicable grant project must be undertaken in or on a Pennsylvania facility. Applicants may not have current environmental violations or obligations due to the Commonwealth.
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DEP is accepting applications for $103.4 million in Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants
- $30 million in Abandoned Mine Land reclamation projects;
- $20 million in Acid Mine Drainage operation and maintenance or replacement of existing AMD facilities;
- $20 million in new Acid Mine Drainage Treatment Facility projects; and
- $33.4 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program projects.
Eligible applicants include county or municipal governments; county conservation districts; councils of government; municipal authorities; and nonprofit organizations.
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The Commonwealth Financing Authority is accepting American Rescue Plan funded H20 applications for water supply, wastewater and stormwater projects
The Commonwealth Financing Authority is now accepting applications for the federal American Rescue Plan funded H20 Program to support water supply, wastewater and stormwater projects. The deadline for applications is December 21. Eligible applicants include municipalities and municipal authorities for projects that involve the acquisition, construction, improvement, expansion or rehabilitation of all or part of a water supply, sewage disposal or stormwater system that is owned and maintained by an eligible applicant.
An eligible project also includes consolidation or regionalization of two or more water supply systems, sewage disposal systems or stormwater systems that are managed or operated as an integrated system, regardless of whether the system is physically connected. Infrastructure that reduces the amount of runoff that needs to be managed by traditional infrastructure is also eligible.
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Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network grant opens
Through the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network (Chesapeake Gateways), the Chesapeake Office of the National Park Service (NPS Chesapeake) is proud to announce a new competitive grant opportunity to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. NPS Chesapeake is advancing a bold new strategy to strengthen the Chesapeake Gateways network; gather and share the full diversity of Chesapeake stories; expand land conservation; provide equitable access to recreation, history and nature; support local and working economies at a community level; and engage an inclusive and deep Chesapeake stewardship and resiliency movement. Through these grants, NPS Chesapeake Gateways will support diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and community engagement across two strategic themes:
- Advancing a major inclusive interpretive initiative with an equity lens; and
- Promoting resilient communities and landscapes through tourism, sustainability, conservation and local economies.
Total available funding is approximately $1 million, with an estimated award amount range of $25,000 to $150,000. For more details and a link to the grant application, visit Chesapeake Gateways Network Grants - Chesapeake Bay (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
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NFWF is accepting applications for 2023 Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants Program
NFWF is soliciting proposals under the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction (INSR) Grants program to accelerate the rate and scale of water quality improvements through the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) that cost-effectively reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to local rivers and streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
For the 2023 INSR program, this includes both INSR Partnership Grants supporting the coordinated and collaborative efforts of sustainable, regional-scale partnerships implementing proven water quality improvement practices more cost-effectively, as well as a new INSR Infrastructure Grants opportunity made possible through funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for projects working to implement critical natural and nature-based watershed restoration infrastructure at scale.
NFWF is requiring all prospective INSR applicants to consult with NFWF program staff prior to submitting applications no later than November 3, 2022, to ensure eligibility and competitiveness and provide constructive feedback to strengthen proposed projects, consistent with program priorities. Prospective applicants should contact Jake Reilly at jake.reilly@nfwf.org or Joe Toolan at joe.toolan@nfwf.org to schedule project consultations, and are encouraged to contact CBSF field liaisons to vet potential project ideas prior to contacting NFWF staff directly.
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Getting Credit for Our Work
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2021-2022 Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Inspection Program (CBAIP) Annual Summary
The Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Inspection Program (CBAIP) ensures farmers are meeting their legal requirements for conservation compliance and helps ensure farmers and the county get credit towards reaching the Chesapeake Bay clean water goals.
On October 17, the DEP Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management published the annual summary of the combined efforts of the CBAIP and the Act 38 Nutrient Management Program within the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed to the DEP Agricultural Compliance website. A DEP press release will soon follow highlighting the great work that was accomplished across both programs during fiscal year 2021-2022.
These accomplishments include inspections on over 10% of agricultural land in the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake Bay:
- 1,691 CBAIP initial inspections completed in 35 counties;
- 159 CBAIP Phase 2 inspections (which require verification that Manure Management Plans and Agricultural Erosion and Sedimentation Plans are being implemented) in 10 counties; and
- 822 Act 38 Nutrient Management Status Reviews in 29 counties.
These inspections resulted in verification of plan and BMP implementation on agricultural operations across the watershed, and a successful effort to document implementation of supplemental nutrient management (4R practices).
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Using technology to assist in conducting BMP verification
On October 12, DEP’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Division hosted a webinar entitled, “Using Technology to Assist in Conducting BMP Verification,” for the Countywide Action Plan (CAP) Coordinators, Conservation District staff, CAP County Action Leaders and consultants. The webinar was a collaboration with Chesapeake Conservancy and the CAP Coordinators from Herbert, Rowland & Grubic (HRG) and Larson Design Group (LDG).
The Chesapeake Conservancy and HRG presented, “Ten-County Remote Sensing Analysis” that provided the findings of their remote sensing analysis for the counties they serve. The BMPs that HRG utilized remote sensing for re-verification were Barnyard Runoff Control, Animal Waste Management Systems, Grassed Waterways, Streambank Exclusion Fencing, and Forest Buffers. The next step for this project is to complete field work and run analysis to determine the effectiveness of remote sensing for BMP verification.
LDG presented, “Desktop BMP Analysis with Non-Intrusive Field Verification” that focused on desktop BMP Analysis utilizing aerial imagery, GIS and digitized reporting forms for completion of non-intrusive field verification utilized within their partnership counties. LGD completed BMP verification without obtaining a release of records, created a process that used aerial desktop review to identify Resource Improvement BMP’s, and followed that process with ground-truthing to ensure the BMPs were properly identified and to collect further practice information. This process allows for various BMP types to be collected while serving the requests of local citizens for increased privacy throughout project completion.
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Adams County partners making conservation progress
Several CAP projects are being completed in Adams County, just in time to apply for new ones. Culp’s Run has seen significant progress, with equipment being demobilized the last week of September. LandStudies will be returning throughout the next year to look after the plugs that were planted and keep up with other general maintenance. The raingarden and detention basin at the Cumberland Township building have been completed, and the first of two basin retrofit projects has started, with both expected to be completed within three weeks.
Adams County, in partnership with Franklin County, Cumberland County, Alliance for the Bay, and Capital RC&D, received a NFWF grant of almost $500,000 to conduct large-scale BMP verification and implementation in targeted watersheds throughout the three counties.
The Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, in partnership with the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward (MWS) Program, has received funding from Pennsylvania American Water to install a live stake nursery at the Pennsylvania American Water property in Lake Heritage community in Adams County. The nursery will be planted this fall and maintained by Penn State Extension MWSs, locally educated and managed volunteers who address conservation priorities in collaboration with a broad partnership of organizations and local governments. Volunteers in the Lake Heritage community will also help install plants and help with maintenance.
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Clearfield County Conservation District Watershed Specialist presented information about the STREAM Act at the Wild Trout Symposium in West Yellowstone.
Kelly Williams, Clearfield County Conservation District Watershed Specialist with 14 years’ experience in abandoned mine drainage (AMD) restoration, recently attended the Wild Trout Symposium in West Yellowstone, Montana, to present a poster about the STREAM Act with Andy McAllister from the Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, in hopes of generating more support for the Act.
Numerous streams in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Pennsylvania are impaired by AMD, preventing them from being fully functioning ecosystems with proper biologic activity and nutrient uptake. According to the July 2022 Pennsylvania Phase 3 WIP amendment, “…streams with fully functioning ecosystems effectively process and remove nutrients”. Thus, a key part of the restoration strategy for the Bay watershed is reclamation of AMD and abandoned mine lands (AML). Fortunately, many organizations have been tackling AMD for several decades and passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has dedicated substantial federal funding to further support this work. However, BIL will run out in 15 years, meaning any water quality improvements achieved will be in jeopardy if there isn’t ongoing funding available to maintain what treatment is constructed with this funding. Legislation known as the STREAM Act is currently under consideration by Congress to amend BIL to allow states to set aside up to 30% of this funding for ongoing operation and maintenance of AMD and AML projects beyond 15 years. To learn how you can support the STREAM Act, visit the PA AML Campaign website.
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Kelly Williams sharing information on the PA AML Campaign. Photo credit: Willie Null, Clearfield CD District Manager
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Franklin County’s summer in review
The Franklin County Conservation District (FCCD) hosted the North American Manure Expo July 13-14, and their annual Summer Conservation Farm Tour on August 9. Congratulations and thanks to this year’s Conservation Farmers of the Year, Bryan and Tina Kyle, for sharing their farm for the tour. This year, both events included a stream tour, highlighting stream restoration projects in Franklin County, and how land affects water. Additional thanks to the Lurgan Lions Club for hosting the farm tour and showcasing their stream project, where Franklin County’s first-ever CAP project took place in 2020, and the Owl’s Club who restored their publicly accessible agricultural stream via the Section 319 program. See pictures of the field day below, featuring the Kyles’ award-winning conservation practices and astonishing restoration transformations on opposite ends of Franklin County.
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Another Clean Water Project, funded by the CAP Implementation Program, was completed this summer as well. Tree/shrub planting was the final touch of restoration performed on the headwaters of Paddy Run, recently completed this fall. Huge thanks to all of the partners! Please see this slideshow for more details on the project.
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Funding opportunities: FCCD is accepting applications for the Conservation Excellence Grant (CEG) program. Applicants may be awarded money for agricultural BMPs located in Franklin County at a 90% cost share rate up to $250,000 maximum, with the landowner responsible for 10% matching funds. For more information, please visit the link above, the FCCD website, email clucas@franklinccd.org, or call 717-264-5499.
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Lancaster County celebrates #RiparianBufferMonth
Riparian buffers, or streamside forests, are one of the best ways to protect and improve our local streams. That’s why Lancaster County and the greater Chesapeake Bay watershed celebrated this wonderful practice in October! Hourglass interviewed representatives from the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, and the Lancaster Clean Water Partners to learn more about the importance of riparian buffers and how to get involved with local efforts.
This month, the North Lane rain garden project, funded in 2021 through the Lancaster Clean Water Fund, was completed in Lititz Borough. The 0.02 acres of rain garden and 0.011 acres of vegetated swale will take excess water from North Lane, filter it while reducing the ponding on the roadway, and then discharge the clean water to nearby Lititz Run. This was the only remaining area of North Lane where water continued to pond and was not treated prior to entering Lititz Run. Creation of a forebay, vegetated swale, and raingarden adjacent to the alley to capture the excess water, remove it from the roadway, filter it with native plantings and infiltrate and/or slowly discharge it to the Lititz Run will complete the bioretention corridor on North Lane.
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On October 5, the Lancaster County Community Foundation announced more than $100,000 in Lancaster Clean Water Fund Grants to support nine water quality improvement projects. The Lancaster Clean Water Fund is a funding source for clean water projects in Lancaster County, open to nonprofits and municipalities. The fund provides a unique opportunity to work with landowners, leaders and communities across the county on education, restoration and protection projects to improve water quality.
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Lebanon County preserves multiple farms and celebrates 20,000 preserved acres
On September 28, the Lebanon Valley Conservancy preserved a 16-acre farm owned by Albert Minnich, in Union Township. The farm, located next to Swatara State Park and a large campground, has been in Albert's family for 100 years. The property has a mature wooded area that provides a home for wildlife like deer and owls. Conserving this property allows for a continuation of lands for recreation, open space, wildlife and scenic views. It also provides important forest habitat for mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Rivers and streams throughout the area supply water for people who live and work in the region.
On September 30, nearly 100 invitees gathered at the newly preserved 113-acre Bollinger family farm to celebrate 20,000 acres of Lebanon County farmland being preserved since 1992.
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Potter and Tioga County secure NFWF funding to increase soil health initiatives throughout the Cowanesque Watershed
Potter and Tioga County Conservation Districts have secured funding to implement the Cowanesque Watershed Resiliency Collaborative which prioritizes soil health initiatives across a shared county resource. Focusing collective efforts on the Cowanesque Watershed provides an entire watershed approach within the Northern Tier Region that will not only influence the surrounding communities’ resources, but will also positively impact all downstream resources, including the Chesapeake Bay.
Throughout the development and implementation of Tioga and Potter Counties’ CAP, the Cowanesque Watershed was identified as a priority project location due to increased sedimentation and erosion from land use practices, increased flooding occurrence, lower resource resiliency and ultimately, impaired soil health.
Tioga and Potter County Conservation Districts have a strong investment in restoring soil health and water quality within the Cowanesque Watershed by implementing projects that manage agricultural runoff, improve soil health, implement cost reducing or innovative watershed management technologies, improve resource quality and enhance freshwater habitat. By implementing resiliency projects within the Cowanesque Watershed, it achieves a headwater-down approach to provide overall resource improvement. By decreasing nutrient and sediment loading within the headwaters, downstream tributaries will see improved benefit. The improved water quality within the Cowanesque Watershed will ease the compounding effect and aid in the alleviation of nutrient reduction quantities within the lower basin of the Chesapeake Bay.
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| - Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary
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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
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