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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 16, 2006
(10/13/2006)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 10/16/06
* Ed Wytovich Wins 2006 Chevron International Conservation Award
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.
* On the Agenda/ Bills Introduced
There are several committee meetings on environmental bills next week and bills on the Senate and House Calendar of interest. Here’s the rundown…
* Senate Committee Schedules Hearing on Hazardous Sites Cleanup Funding Gap
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will hold a hearing October 16 to hear comments and alternatives for filling a $40 million funding shortfall in the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund.
* Environmental Issues Forum to Feature Environmental Training Center
The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee’s October Environmental Issues Forum on October 16 will feature a presentation by Alison Shuler, co-director of the Environmental Training Center and Small Public Water Systems Technology Assistance Center at Penn State’s Middletown campus.
* Watershed Mini Grants Available from Dominion, Western PA Conservancy
Dominion and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Freshwater Conservation Program is now accepting applications for the 2006-2007 Watershed Mini Grant Program.
* Bear Creek Abandoned Mine Project Started in Dauphin County
The Dauphin County Conservation District hosted a groundbreaking October 5 for the Bear Creek Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Project located on State Game Lands No. 264 in Wiconisco Township.
* Fish Commission Seeking Applicants for Youth Education Grants
The Fish and Boat Commission this week invited organizations and local agencies involved in offering sportfishing and aquatic resource education programming to apply for grants under its Fishing and Aquatic Education Grant Program.
* Call for Presenters for 2007 Schuylkill Watershed Congress
The 2007 Schuylkill Watershed Congress organizers invite you to share your knowledge with a presentation or poster session at the 2007 Congress which will be held on March 3 and 4, 2007 at the Montgomery County Community College West Campus in Pottstown.
* WaterSense Program to Spark Consumer Demand for Water Efficient Products
“Every drop counts.” That’s the motto for a new partnership program called WaterSense that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently launched to stimulate more efficient use of water in homes and businesses.
* Applications Sought for County Leadership in Conservation Awards
The national Trust for Public Land and the National Association of Counties are now accepting applications for the third annual County Leadership in Conservation Awards.
* PA Land Trust Association Wants Your Advice on 2007 Conference
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is now accepting proposals for workshops and roundtables for the 2007 Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference to be held on May 11-12 in State College.
* Farmland Preservation Workshop/Dinner Set for October 25 in York
The Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will hold a workshop and dinner on October 25 on balancing growth and maintaining the local $112 million agriculture economy.
* PA Preserves 5,500 More Acres of Farmland, York Celebrates 30,000 Acres
Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation, with 2,979 farms and 337,611 acres preserved, and York County has reached a milestone of 30,000 acres, according to the Department of Agriculture.
* Three PA Watersheds Selected for 2007 USDA Conservation Security Program
Pennsylvania's Lower Juniata, Lower Delaware, and Gunpowder-Patapsco watersheds have been selected to participate in the 2007 USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Security Program.
* Lancaster County Waste Authority Joins Chicago Climate Exchange
The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority announced this week it is the first public environmental services organization in the U.S. to become a Member of the Chicago Climate Exchange.
* Apply Now for EPA Innovation Grants for Solid Waste, Emergency Response
The Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting proposals for its Innovations Pilot Projects Program designed to test new ideas and strategies for waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling, land revitalization, and homeland security that may be replicated across various sectors, industries, communities, and regions.
* Green Advantage Program for Contractors Workshop November 9
The Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh in sponsoring a Green Advantage Certification Training Program on November 9 in Cranberry Township, Butler County for individuals involved in construction of green buildings.
* EPA Soliciting Proposals for Methane Recovery and Use Project Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requesting proposals to fund projects and activities that support the Methane to Markets Partnership.
* $5.1 Million in Energy Harvest Grants Announced
The Department of Environmental Protection announced $5.1 million in Energy Harvest Grants to support 27 projects that will advance the deployment of clean energy technologies, lessen the nation’s dependence on foreign fuels, and significantly reduce air and water pollution.
* Report Calls for Multi-Pronged Approach to Transportation/Transit Funding
A non-partisan study of Pennsylvania’s transportation and transit funding problems was released this week as a prelude to solving this sector’s estimated over $2 billion funding shortfalls.
* October Issue of EE Connections Newsletter Now Available
The October issue of EE Connections newsletter from the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is now available online. The highlights from this month’s issue include—
* DCNR Urges Safeguards to Protect Woodlands Against Wildfires
With hunting and other outdoor activities increasing at a time when woodlands and brush can become tinder dry in just a few days, DCNR is urging all residents to guard against wildfire outbreaks in Pennsylvania's 17 million acres of forestlands.
* New Presque Isle Specialty License Plate Unveiled
The Department of Transportation has approved a specialty plate for passenger vehicles, trucks and motor homes in Pennsylvania with the image of the Presque Isle Lighthouse.
* Video Blog - A Conversation with Tom Kerr on Conservation Challenges
In September, Tom Kerr stepped down as CEO of the Wildlands Conservancy in the Lehigh Valley after 19 years in that position and building, along with lots of partners, one of the premier land conservation and watershed restoration organizations in Pennsylvania.
* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state…
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board will meet on October 17 to consider a final mercury emissions reduction rule and several other regulations. Regulations implementing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act are on several upcoming agendas. Here’s the rundown…
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice of renewal of General Permit #WMGR038 relating to residual waste processing facilities and the beneficial use of residual waste other than coal ash.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .
* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.

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