Ed Wytovich is a student of nature. For his legendary volunteer efforts, which have led to the preservation of hundreds of miles of rivers and thousands of acres of habitat in Pennsylvania, Wytovich was named one of six winners of the 52nd annual Chevron Conservation Awards.

An eighth grade science teacher in Dauphin County, Wytovich has been a founding member of a myriad of watershed associations dedicated to treating abandoned mine drainage. This year, Wytovich, who serves as volunteer president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Collation for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, celebrated the completion of the largest passive mine drainage treatment system in the state.

In 1998, his 100 mile “Riverwalk” along the state’s Schuylkill River raised funds for the Schuylkill Headwaters Association and generated awareness of the need to clean the River. He also helped start the Annual Schuylkill River Sojourn, a one-week canoe trip down the Schuylkill, to draw attention to habitat preservation.

In 2001, he convinced state lawmakers to designate May as Statewide Watershed Awareness Month, which lead to annual clean-ups at sites throughout Pennsylvania. “Ed instills within others the need to serve as stewards of the environment and community within which they live,” said Dave Zanis, a longtime friend.

U.S. Congressman Tim Holden wrote that Wytovich demonstrates “how optimism can build partnerships with government, the private sector, and community volunteers to achieve success in conserving and restoring our environment.”

Winners are selected by an independent panel of conservationists. Originally created by outdoors writer Ed Zern in 1954, the program has recognized more than 1,000 conservationists from around the world. A contribution of $15,000 is made by Chevron to each winner’s conservation work.

Other 2006 Chevron Conservation Award winner are: California Trout, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring wild trout and steelhead waters throughout California; The late William H. Howard, president, Wildlife Habitat Council for his innovative approach to pairing industry and conservationists to find balanced solutions to natural resource protection; Iain Kerr, CEO, Ocean Alliance, for research and educational efforts to improve the health of the world’s oceans; Jeunesse Park, founder of Food and Trees for Africa, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for disadvantaged South Africans through natural resource programs; Dr. Pilai Poonswad, for her work to save Asian hornbills and habitat in the forests of Thailand.

Chevron is committed to contributing to the social and economic development of the communities in which the company operates. In 2005, Chevron invested $73 million in community initiatives around the world, nearly 65 percent of which was directed toward long-term, capacity-building projects.

For profiles of the winners and more information, visit the Chevron Conservation Awards webpage.

NewsClip: Local Man Earns Conservation Award

Online Video: Watershed Awareness Month

The Swamp – Mine Drainage Restoration Project

2001 Governor’s Award for Watershed Stewardship

Take a Walk – Experience Your Watershed

Links: Growing Greener – Watershed Stewardship

If You Build It…

EPCAMR President Testifies Before Congressional Committee

Op-Ed: Taking the Next Step in Watershed Protection

Audenreid Mine Drainage Treatment System Dedicated

Catawissa Creek Watershed

Session Schedule

The Senate and House return to session October 16. This is the Senate’s last scheduled week in session before the November 7 election. The House is in session both the weeks of October 16 and 23 (at this writing).

The schedule for session after the election is beginning to become clearer. Good rumors this week have the Senate in just two days and the House three days after election.

On the Hill

· On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced

· Senate Committee Schedules Hearing on Hazardous Sites Cleanup Funding Gap

· Environmental Issues Forum to Feature Environmental Training Center

Other News

· Watershed Mini Grants Available from Dominion, Western PA Conservancy

· Bear Creek Abandoned Mine Project Started in Dauphin County

· Fish Commission Seeking Applicants for Youth Education Grants

· Call for Presenters for 2007 Schuylkill Watershed Congress

· WaterSense Program to Spark Consumer Demand for Water Efficient Products

· Applications Sought for County Leadership in Conservation Awards

· PA Land Trust Association Wants Your Advice on 2007 Conference

· Farmland Preservation Workshop/Dinner Set for October 25 in York

· PA Preserves 5,500 More Acres of Farmland, York Celebrates 30,000 Acres

· Three PA Watersheds Selected for 2007 USDA Conservation Security Program

· Lancaster County Waste Authority Joins Chicago Climate Exchange

· Apply Now for EPA Innovation Grants for Solid Waste, Emergency Response

· Green Advantage Program for Contractors Workshop November 9

· EPA Soliciting Proposals for Methane Recovery and Use Project Grants

· $5.1 Million in Energy Harvest Grants Announced

· Report Calls for Multi-Pronged Approach to Transportation/Transit Funding

· October Issue of EE Connections Newsletter Now Available

· DCNR Urges Safeguards to Protect Woodlands Against Wildfires

· New Presque Isle Specialty License Plate Unveiled

PA Environment Digest Video Blog

· A Conversation with Tom Kerr on Conservation Challenges

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

10/13/2006