A new study released Wednesday found just one acre of riparian forested buffer results in more than $10,000 in annual economic benefits, including reducing erosion and flooding, increasing water purification, wildlife habitat and property values.

By Jeremy Cox, Chesapeake Bay Journal

By Joan Smedinghoff, Chesapeake Bay Program Blog

By Jenna Mitchell, Alliance For Chesapeake Bay

The Westmoreland Conservation District Tuesday announced it will present two awards for outstanding conservation service and induct a former District director posthumously into its Hall of Honor.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials Thursday joined Harrisburg and city resident groups in the celebration of the state-supported renovations at five neighborhood playgrounds across the city.

A group of inspiring young people are attempting to help clean Pennsylvania's waters with a one-of-a-kind critter—the Eastern Hellbender.

On December 6, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania will recognize the winners of the 2018 Commonwealth Awards for smart growth initiatives, including the revitalization efforts of the City of Bethlehem.

A report by the Consumer Energy Alliance, an industry energy group, Thursday reported Pennsylvanians saved more than $30.5 billion between 2006 and 2016 thanks to increased natural gas production.

Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich Thursday announced two state technology initiatives have been selected as finalists by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) for its 2018 recognition awards.

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced it will conduct an aerial ultra-low volume mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of mosquitoes that cause West Nile Virus on September 10 over the City of Wilkes-Barre and surround communities in Luzerne County.

Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing September 25 to discuss foreign influence on natural gas development in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Christopher Quinn (R-Delaware) this week introduced House Resolution 1034 that directs the Department of Environmental Protection and the Public Utility Commission to prepare a comprehensive risk assessment of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline (sponsor summary).

The Southwestern PA Commission Water Resource Center will offer 4 Workshops on Holistic Floodplain Management  in Western Pennsylvania during September and October.

The Pike County Conservation District published this overview of proactive stormwater management in their most recent District newsletter--

By Ryan Davis, PA Chesapeake Bay Forests Program Management

Mike Reuther of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette Tuesday reported Lycoming College’s recent acquisition of property to establish a biology field station will mean expanded hands-on research for students studying the environment, plant science and vertebrate and invertebrate zoology.

The Lancaster County Graziers Group Wednesday announced Allan Savory, cofounder of the Savory Institute, a wildlife biologist and former farmer from Zimbabwe will be featured at their September 19 meeting.

The Allegheny Mountain Woodland Association will host a Streamside Forest Buffers Workshop from 9 a.m. to Noon on September 15 at the Ebensburg Borough Meeting Room, 300 W. High Street in Ebensburg, Cambria County.

Dr. Doug Tallamy is the distinguished professor of ecology at the University of Delaware renowned for his research on the ecosystem services of plants.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation  Wednesday announced they have agreed to settle a multi-site construction-related stormwater case.  PennDOT will also pay a penalty of $100,000.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will hold a System Finances, Funding, Preparing For Emergencies and Regulatory Updates Workshop on October 18 at the SRBC offices, 4423 North Front Street in Harrisburg from 8:40 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin listing sites the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has approved removing from the Alternative Bonding System Legacy Sites list..

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the September 8 PA Bulletin of opportunities to bid on mine reclamation projects in Cambria County and Luzerne County.

The West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition will hold its quarterly meeting September 11 at Irvin Park, Irvin Park Road in Curwensville, Clearfield County from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting public comments on new and proposed changes to rules and procedures implementing the  Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement developed by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact Council.  (formal notice)

Department of Agriculture Executive Deputy Secretary Michael Smith and other officials Friday toured Wilson College’s Fulton Farm, a working organic produce farm and environmental education facility at the Fulton Center for Sustainability Studies in Chambersburg, Franklin County.

The latest edition of DEP's Teaching Green environmental education newsletter features a collection of success stories about local education projects funded through DEP's Environmental Education Grant Program.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Tuesday announced 16 student groups from 6 Pennsylvania counties in grades 6 through 12 will participate in the Fall Susquehanna Watershed Environmental Education Program.

A one-room schoolhouse in Honey Brook Township, Chester County-- located between a small stream and Amish farm-- is a fitting place to nurture the next generation of stewards and learn about the role fish and farming are playing in local efforts to protect clean water.

The latest newsletter from the Stroud Water Research Center in Chester County includes articles on--

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Tuesday announced the award of 2018 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania Grants to eight municipalities in Berks, Clarion, Erie, Franklin, Monroe, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Westmoreland counties.

The Friends of Allegheny Wilderness and their partners will hold the 10th Annual Allegheny River Cleanup from September 10 to 15 along the western edge of the Allegheny National Forest in Warren County.

The Professional Recyclers of PA will be offering Recycling Professional Certification Courses during September and October.  The courses will include--

The PA Superior Court Thursday upheld the decision by Chester County Court of Common Pleas to dismiss a lawsuit by the developer of the Bishop Tube Hazardous Waste Site seeking damages for public comments made by the Delaware Riverkeeper about the project.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin it has received an application for major modifications to the closure plan for the Hatfield Ferry Power Station Coal Combustion Byproducts Landfill in Monongahela Township, Greene County (Permit ID No. 300370). (PA Bulletin page 5625)

The Public Utility Commission Wednesday announced it will host eight consumer education events across the Commonwealth as part of this year’s “Be Utility Wise” campaign.

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the September 8 PA Bulletin seeking comment on a Tentative Implementation Order for Act 58 of 2018, which provides for alternative ratemaking for natural gas distribution, electric distribution and water/wastewater companies.

Module, a technology startup in Pittsburgh that designs homes that can grow as the owner’s needs, family or lifestyle changes, has pre-sold its first adaptable, energy efficient home to a customer in Pittsburgh, the company announced Thursday.

The U.S. Green Building Council of Central Pennsylvania recently awarded the Buchanan Forest District Resource Management Center in McConnellsburg, Fulton County with LEED Silver certification.

The In Case You Missed It In August is now available from the PA Environmental Council featuring articles on--

In an effort to continue to raise awareness about the threat of the Spotted Lanternfly, the Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced its 2018 youth calendar contest for students across the state in grades 1 through 8. The deadline for entries is October 31.

If you would like to become a Tree Tender, Penn State Extension and Tree Pittsburgh have scheduled 5 more training sessions for this fall.

The PA Forestry Association will hold its 132nd Annual Meeting on October 6 with the theme Managing and Conserving Pennsylvania's Forested Waters at the Toftrees Resort in State College, Centre County.

The Pittsburgh-based Landforce Thursday released its annual report outlining accomplishments in 2017, including--

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials Wednesday visited the newly constructed fire tower at Big Pocono State Park in Monroe County to highlight readiness for wildfire prevention and suppression in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, we’re fortunate to have thousands of miles of trails of all types to hike, ride, and paddle, just waiting to be explored at little to no cost.

The South Mountain Partnership, Capital Resource Conservation & Development Area Council and other partners invite you to attend the South Mountain Partnership Trail Workshop: Building Strong Community Connections on November 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shippensburg University in Cumberland County.

The September 5 edition of the Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Wednesday announced the donation of a conservation easement from landowners Denny and Joan Thompson to protect 377 acres of forestland along Bald Eagle Mountain in Halfmoon Township, Centre County.

Natural Lands Tuesday announced it has completed placing the 88-acre Osborne Hill Farm-- the quintessential Chester County countryside with rolling fields, early 19th century buildings, and pastures-- under a conservation easement ensuring its permanent protection.

Natural Lands Thursday announced 49 acres of the Friends Hospital campus have been placed under conservation easement permanently protecting it from development.

The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Tuesday announced it is now seeking entries in a new Scenic Beauty Photo Contest for photos taken in Jefferson, Elk, Clarion, Forest, or Cameron Counties.  The deadline for entries is November 20.

The Fish and Boat Commission Tuesday released this statement on the leak found in the Commission-owned High Point Dam in Somerset County.  The High Point Lake Dam is a 45-foot high dam that was constructed in 1965. The dam inundated the waters of Glade Run to create a 300-acre, 37-foot deep lake.--

To help the public better understand chronic wasting disease and what it means for Pennsylvania’s deer and deer hunting, the Game Commission is taking part in informational events across the three areas of the state where the disease has been detected and special rules are in place.  So far, 10 events have been scheduled.

The Game Commission Tuesday reminded Pennsylvania hunters who harvest deer, elk, mule deer or moose out-of-state likely can’t bring them home without first removing the carcass parts with the highest risk of transmitting chronic wasting disease (CWD).

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell Tuesday announced the appointment of Keith Salador to the position of Executive Director of DEP Citizens Advisory Council.

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation Thursday announced a change in its management.  The Foundation’s recent growth and the wish to expand beyond central Pennsylvania has necessitated a change in its operations.

The Headwaters Charitable Trust, in partnership with Penn State University’s Methane and Legacy Oil and Gas Infrastructure Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is seek candidates for a paid intern or short-term fee for service opportunity.

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.

This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs.  NEW means new from last week.

Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

CLICK HERE to View or Print the entire PA Environment Digest.  This Digest is 94 pages long.

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  He can be contacted by sending email to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.