The voters have spoken and they gave the nod to Republican Tom Corbett for Governor and gave Republicans at least a 111 to 92 seat majority in the House, reversing the 104 to 99 Democratic majority.

The Department of Revenue this week reported Pennsylvania collected $1.8 billion in General Fund revenue in October, which was $57.3 million, or 3.2 percent, less than anticipated. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $7.6 billion, which is $18.5 million, or 0.2 percent, above estimate.

In a letter to Gov. Rendell this week, Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, called the new policy announced by the Department of Environmental Protection last week on permitting natural gas wells on State Park and State Forest lands "ill-conceived, most likely illegal and could potentially cost Pennsylvania taxpayers tens of millions of dollars."

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is now accepting proposals for the 2010-2011 Watershed Mini Grant Program, which provides assistance to the region’s grassroots watershed groups. Funding for the program is provided by Dominion.

Five Columbia County farmers are demonstrating that by making changes to their daily operations that they can improve their bottom line and herd health by keeping soil on the fields, livestock out of the streams, and at the same time improving local water quality.

What do Poultry farms, paper mills, and abandoned mine lands have in common? Aside from the fact that each produces pollution and waste, combined they may be able to solve one another's problems while providing energy.  How is this possible?  

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, with the assistance of several partners, removed a 100-foot dam on Little Mahoning Creek on October 4. 

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council this week named Paul M. King, QEP, to the position of president and chief executive officer, succeeding Donald S. Welsh, who has resigned to pursue other interests.

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

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