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Warwick Township Honored As CBF 2010 Conservationist Of The Year
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The Chesapeake Bay Foundation this week presented representatives from Warwick Township, Lancaster County, with the Conservationist of the Year Award at an invitation only event. Approximately 100 attendees joined to celebrate the achievements of Warwick Township in the effort to restore our rivers, streams, and the Bay. William C. Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Matthew Ehrhart, Pennsylvania Executive Director led the ceremony.
(Photo: Luba Irwin, Warwick Township Staff; Anthony Chivinski, Warwick Township Board of Supervisors; W. Logan Myers, III, Warwick Township Board of Supervisors Chairman; Michael Vigunas, Warwick Township Board of Supervisors; Herb Flosdorf, Warwick Township Board of Supervisors; Matt Ehrhart, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Dan Zimmerman, Warwick Township Manager; Tony Robalik, Warwick Township Staff)
"Warwick Township is truly an example of individuals who make a difference in the lives of others," CBF President William C. Baker said. "We honor them for their substantial contributions toward improving the quality of our environment, and specifically, to improving the water quality of Pennsylvania's streams and rivers which ultimately impact the Bay."
CBF honored Warwick Township with this year's award to not only recognize their significant contributions to water quality improvement efforts, but also to highlight the important role that local government plays in watershed restoration efforts.
"The Supervisors and staff of Warwick Township exemplify forward thinking, said Matthew Ehrhart, CBF's Pennsylvania Executive Director. "Their understanding of the broader picture and how to best work with partners to make things happen is true leadership."
Logan Myers, III, Chairman of the Board, accepted the award on behalf of the Township. "On behalf of Warwick Township I would like to thank CBF for acknowledging the Township's continuous environmental efforts," said Myers. "This award will be shared with the Lititz Run Watershed Alliance, Trout Unlimited, Millport Conservancy, and the many other municipal and civic groups that have shared and championed the vision of the Township."
Indeed, public education and a strong commitment to implementing a comprehensive watershed management program is a concept that is ingrained in all planning tools for the township. Whether it is developing and installing cutting edge stormwater measures at the township building, working with farmers, businesses, and residents to improve water quality in Lititz Run, or working with over 4,000 students (over 13 years) for the annual watershed day celebration—Warwick Township is forward thinking and partner-oriented.
"Our Township has made it a priority to get involved in a comprehensive watershed program through planning, education, and hands-on outreach and implementation events," said Dan Zimmerman, Warwick Township Manager. "Working with various partners has given us the ability to broaden our approach and offer a variety of programs to our community."
The Conservationist of the Year Award is presented each year. The award is meant to recognize, encourage, and promote environmental stewardship in the Chesapeake Bay region. The Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes superlative service and commitment to restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay. Any individual, organization, institution, or business is eligible for nomination.
From The Printed Awards Program
CBF recognized the Township for their significant contributions to water quality improvement efforts and highlighting the important role local government plays in watershed restoration efforts.
Public education and a strong commitment to implementing a comprehensive watershed management program is a concept that is ingrained in all planning tools for the Township. It has been very successful in promoting strong local watershed stewardship, which they credit largely to a broad network of community partners. These partnerships have benefited the community in many ways.
Lititz Run, the Township's primary waterway that originates within Lititz Borough, now runs cleaner and healthier due to improvements implemented by farmers, businesses, institutions, residents, the Borough and the Township itself. Indeed, one of the core principles of the Township's work has been to lead by example.
Cutting-edge stormwater measures have been installed at the Township office building, including porous pavement, porous sidewalks, and bioretention basins. The Township has also assisted commercial properties in upgrading stormwater facilities with similar techniques.
Everyone has jointed in the effort. Farmers have worked willingly with the Township and the Conservation District to get conservation plans developed for every farm. The Township now requires assurance of that plan as part of the permit process.
Since 1991, its "Transferable Development Rights" program has preserved 20 farms totaling more than 1,318 acres. Many of those landowners have voluntarily worked with the Donegal Trout Unlimited, Lititz Run Watershed Alliance and other groups to further improve streamside habitats.
Township residents, builders and businesses have also pitched in. One of the newest developments in the Township went beyond ordinance requirements in preserve 15 acres of wetland associated with the project. Additionally every industrial park in the Township has modified their stormwater systems to enhance performance. Engaging the youth of the community has also been key. The longest-running and one of the most highly successful projects Warwick Township offers is the annual Watershed Day Event. The event is held the first Tuesday each May and over the thirteen years since it began, more than 4,000 students have participated.
Other community programs include an annual stream clean-up event on Lititz Run and the installation of storm drain markers and rain barrels. In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of keeping pollutants out of storm drains, bright red stainless steel markers, stating "No Dumping, Drains to the Stream" were placed as a remainder to residents. Local Eagle Scouts will have placed 100 markers by Fall 2010.
The Township also partnered with local Girl Scouts to retrofit barrels into rain barrels. The Girl Scouts decoratively painted them and sold them locally at Bomberger's Store. As part of their project, the Girl Scouts held informational workshop and spoke about pollutants, sediment and hazardous wastes carried to Lititz Run.
Warwick Township Board of Supervisors: W. Logan Myers, III, Chairman, Michael Vigunas, Anthony Chivinski, Herbert Flosdorf and C. David Kramer. Township Staff: Dan Zimmerman, Manager, Thomas Zorbaugh, Code and Zoning Officer, Luba Irwin, Receptionist.
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10/4/2010 |
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