Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
January 11, 2021 Issue #863
(1/11/2021)
* 5 New Stories - What REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership Looks Like In PA

The first five articles in this week’s PA Environment Digest  profile the conservation and environmental leadership demonstrated by farmers, small business owners, artists, a recreation and natural resource agency and a nonprofit environmental group.

* Pronio Family, Manada Conservancy Partner To Preserve 12 More Acres Of Farmland In Dauphin County

The Pronio Family and the Manada Conservancy have partnered to preserve another 12 acres of farmland in Dauphin County.

* 'Up Stream’ Project Brings Bold Colors And Clean Water Message To Elk County

By Ellen Matis, Pennsylvania Wilds

* Piper VanOrd Of Allegheny Outfitters In Warren County Reflects On 2020 - Challenges, Opportunities, Inspiration, Beauty

By Piper VanOrd, Owner Of Allegheny Outfitters

* DCNR Faced Never Imagined Challenges In 2020, And Helped 45.3 Million People Use Outdoor Recreation As Refuge From A Global Pandemic

By Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary Of DCNR

* PA Environmental Council: The Next 50 - Pennsylvania's Evolving Legacy

By Nathan Boon, William Penn Foundation

* CBF: If PA Does Not Meet Its Obligations To Cleanup Its Water Pollution, The Chesapeake Bay Will Never Be Safe; CBF Will Not Back Off Lawsuit

On January 5, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation announced its latest assessment of Chesapeake Bay water quality report giving it a D+, but at the same time saying there was reason for hope with the incoming Biden Administration.  Read more here.

* Chesapeake Bay Foundation Reports Bay Health Down Slightly, But There Is Hope

On January 5, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's assessment of the 2020 State of the Bay remained at a D+, but declined by one point from 2018. While concerning, the decline is largely due to ineffective management of the Bay's striped bass population, as opposed to water quality concerns.

* Bay Journal: 'Naturally Latinos' Conference Fights For The Environment And Against Stereotypes In Chesapeake Bay Watershed

By Jeremy Cox, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* IFO: Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee 2020 Revenue To Drop By Over $55.5 Million; Dropped By Over 42% In Just 2 Years

On January 5, the Independent Fiscal Office issued a report estimating the Act 13 drilling impact fee revenue will drop by over $55.5 million to $144.850 million from the 2019 total of $200.365 million.

* Federal Judge Rules Wayne County Landowners' Lawsuit Over Delaware River Basin Commission Drilling Moratorium Will Continue

On January 6, Federal Judge Robert Mariani, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, denied summary motions to dismiss the Wayne Land & Mineral Group v. Delaware River Basin Commission and intervenor Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

* DEP Lifts Drought Watch, Warning For 20 Counties; Three Counties Remain On Drought Watch

On January 7, after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, the Department of Environmental Protection lifted drought watch or warning for 20 counties, returning them to normal status.

* DEP Citizens Advisory Council Meets Jan. 19 To Hear Presentations On Damage Caused By Underground Coal Mining; Abandoned Oil & Gas Well Issues

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting on January 19 to hear presentations on abandoned oil and gas well issues and on damage caused by underground coal mining documented in DEP’s Act 54 Report.

* Public Invited To Comment On DEP Report Showing 40% Of Streams Are Damaged By Underground Coal Mining

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is now accepting public comments on a 2019 DEP report which shows 40 percent of streams are damaged when coal mining occurs under them.  Public comments are due by April 9.  (formal notice)

* DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 553 More Permits, 1,311 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16 to January 5, Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

* Student Winners Of DEP Radon Poster Contest Urge Pennsylvanians To Test Their Homes For Radon; Free Test Kids Available

Three students who won a poster contest are helping the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Health encourage Pennsylvanians to test their home for radon in January, National Radon Action Month.

* Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Strengthen Pennsylvania Team To Be A Leader For Wild Public Lands, Water And Wildlife

On January 7, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers added longtime outdoors advocate John Kline of Kline Associates, Ltd. to its Pennsylvania team as it continues to strengthen its voice as a leader for wild public lands, water and wildlife in the Keystone State.

* Natural Lands Hosts Feb. 24 Organizing Black Birders Week Webinar With Tykee James

Delaware County-based Natural Lands will host a February 24 webinar on Organizing Black Birders Week With Tykee James from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

* Audubon Naturalist Society Hosts Taking Nature Black Virtual Conference Feb. 23-27

The Audubon Naturalist Society will host the 2021 Taking Nature Black Virtual Conference February 23-27.

* Open Now! Virtual 2021 PA Farm Show Jan. 9-16; Highlights Of Educational, Environmental, Energy Events

The first-ever virtual 2021 PA Farm Show is now open!  It will run January 9 to 16.  Come on it and join the fun!  And educational opportunities!

* PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: General Assembly Opens New Session; Senate Implodes; PA’s Role In Assault On U.S. Capitol

[ Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else ] On Tuesday, the Senate and House returned to Harrisburg for the first time since November for the start of a brand new legislative session and spent their first-- and only-- day swearing in new members, adopting basic operating rules and made a start at getting organized.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

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--

* House Republicans, Democrats Complete Naming Standing Committee Chairs

On January 5, the House Republicans appointed standing committee chairs following the House Democrats on appointing chairs on January 4--

* Council Of State Environmental Agencies, State Agency Alumni Outline Priorities To Incoming Biden Administration

In late December, Environmental Council of the States President Patrick McDonnell of Pennsylvania sent a letter on behalf of ECOS to the incoming Biden Administration U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Review Team to highlight top policy issues and current challenges.

* NRCS-PA Hosts Jan. 13 Online Program On Requesting Farm Conservation Assistance

The Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA will host a January 13 online program on how to obtain financial and other assistance from NRCS conservation programs starting at Noon.

* NOAA Now Accepting Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training Grant Applications; Grant Webinar Jan. 19

The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office is now accepting applications for FY 21 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Grants.  The deadline is March 1.

* Chesapeake Bay Foundation: New EPA Rule Limits Access To Sound Science

On January 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule that hamstrings the agency’s ability to use all available sound science in its work, including setting and revising standards essential to restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

* EPA Invites Comments On Removing Part Of Contaminated Montgomery County Site From Superfund List

On January 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed for public comment the deletion of 1.66 acres of soil and groundwater at the North Penn Area 6 Superfund Site in Lansdale, Montgomery County from EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL).

* Foundation For PA Watersheds Schedule For Spring, Fall Grant Applications

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds announced it has scheduled a Spring and Fall round for grant applications to support watershed restoration projects.

* Penn State Extension 5-Part Backyard Stream Repair Webinar Series Registration Now Open; Jan. 15 Webinar Also Available

Registration is now open for Penn State Extension's five-part webinar series Backyard Stream Repair in February and March.  Registration deadline February 9.

* PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Hosts Jan. 15 Webinar On Stream Hydrology And Geomorphology In Restoration Planning

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers will host a January 15 webinar from Noon to 1:00 p.m. on stream hydrology and geomorphology and watershed restoration planning.

* Lower, Middle Susquehanna RiverKeepers Urge Public To Use Water Report App To Report Water Quality, Fishing Conditions

The Lower and Middle Susquehanna RiverKeepers urge the public to use the Water Report App from OurCommonCode to report water quality and fishing conditions.  Here's a recent article on the App and its use from the RiverKeepers--

* DEP Extends Comment Period On Stream Evaluation Reports In Carbon, Delaware Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 9 PA Bulletin it is extending the comment period until February 12 on stream evaluation reports for streams in Carbon and Delaware counties.

* Public Invited To Submit Comments On Changes To DEP General Permit For Stormwater Associated With Mining Activities

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 9 PA Bulletin inviting comments on proposed changes to the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Associated with Mining Activities (BMP GP-104).  Comments are due February 8.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Adopts General Permit For Groundwater Remediation Projects

On December 11, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission adopted a General Permit that would approve the withdrawal of groundwater for groundwater remediation projects and the consumptive use of that same water.  The General Permit became effective on January 1, 2021.

* Delaware River Basin Commission Seeking Members For Toxics, Water Management Advisory Committees

The Delaware River Basin Commission is seeking members for its Toxics and Water Management advisory committees.

* Nonprofit Stream Restoration, Inc. High School Intern Isaac Busler Collects Water Quality Data

The Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition welcomed Isaac Busler as the newest intern at nonprofit Stream Restoration Incorporated! Isaac is a Junior at Butler Senior High School.

* Jennings Environmental Ed Center Hosts Special Self-Guided Walkabouts

The Jennings Environmental Education Center in Butler County is hosting special self-guided walkabouts showcasing not only some of the best scenery of the park, but they highlight insights into rest, resilience, hope, and more, as visitors view and contemplate the flora, fauna, water, and winds of change around them.

* Penn State Extension Offers 50% Off 75 Online Courses If You Register In January

Penn State Extension is now offering 50 percent off 75 online courses in January, including in areas like--

* Delaware Highlands Conservancy Accepting Applications For College Scholarships

On January 6, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy announced it is accepting applications from eligible high school seniors for the Delaware Highlands Conservancy/Yeaman Scholarship for $1,175 and the Vanessa Van Gorder Memorial Scholarship for $1,000.

* Rodale Institute: Intern Positions, Jobs, Organic Farmer, Veteran Farmer Training Available

The Berks County-based Rodale Institute has a variety of employment, intern and farm training programs available in the coming weeks.

* Register Now! Foundation For Sustainable Forests Jan. 15 Woods & Waters Film Series

The Foundation for Sustainable Forests and the French Creek Valley Conservancy will host a free virtual Woods & Waters Film Series on January 15 and February 12.

* Lebanon Valley Conservancy Hosts Jan. 10 Bog Turtles Conservation & Protection Online Program

The Lebanon Valley Conservancy will host a January 10 virtual program on Bog Turtles Conservation and Protection by The Nature Conservancy-PA’s George C. Gress starting at 4:00 p.m.

* PA Sea Grant Invites Research Grant Proposals In Lake Erie, Susquehanna, Delaware Watersheds

The PA Sea Grant Program is now accepting applications for research grants for projects which focus on Pennsylvania’s coasts and watersheds within the Lake Erie, Susquehanna River and Delaware River watersheds.

* GASP Hosts Jan. 14 Making The Connection: Home Hazards & Your Health Webinar

The Pittsburgh-based Group Against Smog And Pollution will host a January 14 webinar on Making the Connection - Home Hazards and Your Health from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

* PA Resources Council Sets January Schedule For Glass Recycling Program In Allegheny County

The PA Resources Council Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Program – which serves residents living in municipalities no longer accepting glass in curbside recycling collection – will provide free recycling service to residents in these communities in Allegheny County during January--

* Registration Open! Northeast Recycling Council Spring Virtual Conference March 30-31

The Northeast Recycling Council is now accepting registrations for its Spring Virtual Conference to be held March 30-31.  The theme of the Conference is Reframing Recycling 2021.

* 38 Environmental Groups Urge DEP To Deny PennEast Pipeline Permits In Advance Of Jan. 13 DEP Hearing

On January 6, 38 environmental groups, along with 437 other individuals, signed a letter urging the Department of Environmental Protection to deny the environmental permits for the PennEast Pipeline Project.

* Pittsburgh Selected For Reforestation Hub Initiative To Increase Tree Canopy As Part Of Climate Plan

On January 4, the City of Pittsburgh announced it has been selected by Cambium Carbon in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation as one of four cities nationally to receive a “Reforestation Hub” assessment.

* PennFuture Hosts Climate Scientist Michael Mann, Dr. Robert D. Bullard For Jan. 12 Online Discussion On Mann’s New Book - The New Climate War

On January 12, PennFuture and the Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg will host a virtual discussion on Penn State climate scientist Michael E. Mann's new book-- The New Climate War: The Fight To Take Back Our Planet from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

* December In Case You Missed It Now Available From PA Environmental Council

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

* Registration Open! South Mountain Partnership Power Of The Partnership Celebration Jan. 29

The South Mountain Partnership will hold its annual Power Of The Partnership Year-End Celebration on January 29 to recognize the accomplishments in 2020 and to preview what’s coming up in 2021.

* DCNR Joins Monarch Joint Venture To Promote Pollinator Health, Monarch Butterfly Migration

On January 6, the Monarch Joint Venture welcomed the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to the MJV Partnership, a group of federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses and academic programs working together to protect the monarch migration across the United States.

* DEP Names Jim Miller Southwest Regional Office Director; John Holden Acting Director Of Northwest Regional Office

Effective January 2, Jim Miller became the regional director of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Southwest Regional Office. He replaces Ronald Schwartz, PE, BCEE, who recently retired after nearly 35 years of service.

* Gretchen Baker Named Director Of Carnegie Museum Of Natural History In Pittsburgh

On January 6, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh announced Gretchen Baker has been appointed the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Director of Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

* Help Wanted: PA Assn. Of Conservation Districts Program Manager

The PA Association of Conservation Districts is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Program Manager.  The deadline for applications is January 21.

* Help Wanted: Wildlife Leadership Academy Part-Time Operations Manager

The Wildlife Leadership Academy is seeking qualified candidates for a part-time Operations Manager position at their Lock Haven office. Preference for applications received by January 31. 

* Environment & Energy NewsClips

Click Here: Week’s Worth Of PA Environment & Energy NewsClips

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

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

* CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest

CLICK HERE to View or Print the 94 page PA Environment Digest.

* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

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.

* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

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

Previous PA Environment Digests