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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
March 5, 2007
(3/2/2007)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 3/5/07
* * * * Flood Advisories Issued For Parts of Pennsylvania * * *
With heavy rain in many parts of the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is reminding Pennsylvanians to consider taking steps to protect lives and property from flooding.
* Online Video - Penn State’s New Solar Energy Project Subject of Video
Penn State is building a new outreach center devoted to "green" education, research and economic development -- one that will be completely powered by the sun.
* Online Training - EPA to Introduce New Stormwater Guide In Free Webcast March 7
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will introduce its new guide for assessing compliance and effectiveness of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) programs in a free webcast on March 7 at noon.
* On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced
Here are some upcoming activities by Senate and House Committees….
* Hershey Introduces Legislation to Curb Crop Damage from Deer, Wildlife
Rep. Art Hershey (R-Chester) this week announced legislation—House Bill 550 (not yet online) -- aimed at curbing the amount of damage to agricultural commodities from local wildlife, especially deer.
* Audubon PA Supports Streamside Habitat Legislation - REAP
The needs of birds aren’t much different from our own. Food and water are the absolute basics, but shelter from the weather and a safe place to raise a family are also essential.
* DCNR Reports Funding 20,500 Acres of Permanent Land Conservation
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis reported to the Senate Appropriations Committee this week that his agency provided funding to permanently preserve over 20,500 acres of land over the last year.
* Environmental Issues Forum to Focus on Regional Water Management
The first Environmental Issues Forum of 2007 will feature a presentation on the 11-county Regional Water Management Task Force in Southwest Pennsylvania and its efforts to improve water and sewer infrastructure.
* Schuylkill River Heritage Area Receives Over $271,000 in Grants from Exelon
The Schuylkill River Heritage Area has received $271,148 from Exelon to bolster the Schuylkill River Watershed Restoration Fund --a fund used to improve water quality in the river and its tributaries.
* TreeVitalize Highlights Trees and Global Warming at Philadelphia Flower Show
With so much attention on global warming, this year's TreeVitalize exhibit at the Philadelphia Flower Show highlights how planting trees can help address the warming of the Earth by absorbing carbon dioxide and cutting energy use.
* American Rivers-NOAA Community-Based Restoration Partnership Grants Due
American Rivers is seeking proposals for community-based river restoration grants as part of its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Community-Based Restoration Program.
* Cover Crop Mini- Grants From Keystone Soil & Water Conservation Society
The Keystone Soil and Water Conservation Society is again sponsoring mini-grants to be used to promote cover cropping.
* DEP Requests Comments on TMDL Plans for Watersheds in Chester, Indiana
The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Plans for watersheds in Chester and Indiana counties. They include:
* New Project Increases Awareness and Control of Noxious, Invasive Weeds
In support of National Invasive Weed Awareness Week, February 25 - March 2, the nine Pennsylvania Resource Conservation & Development Councils announced they will be conducting a special project this summer to increase the awareness and control of noxious and invasive weeds on agricultural land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program in Pennsylvania.
* New Study Shows Benefits of Competitive Electricity Markets in PA
The Electric Power Generation Association and the Electric Power Supply Association this week applauded the findings of a new study showing multiple benefits from the creation of competitive electricity markets in Pennsylvania
* Game Commission Proposes Procedures to Protect Birds, Bats from Windmills
The Game Commission this week released a model agreement and procedures it would like wind energy companies to follow in siting and operating wind energy facilities.
* Horticultural Society, PEC Hold Philly Mayoral Forum March 5
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Philadelphia Parks Alliance, will hold a Mayoral Candidates Forum on March 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
* Clinton County CleanScapes Spring Cleanups Announced
The Clinton County CleanScapes Project has announced Spring Cleanup Events in Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming and Union Counties for dates in March, April and May. Volunteers are needed for each of the events.
* Chester Ridley Crum Watershed Association Hosts Forum on Global Water Issues
In recognition of World Water Month, Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association will host a forum on March 11 featuring the Philadelphia Global Water Initiative.
* Applications Available for 2007 Pennsylvania Waste Watcher Awards
The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, the Solid Waste Association of North America and the Pennsylvania Waste Industry Association are now accepting applications for the e 2007 Waste Watcher Awards.
* EPA Accepting Nominations for Environmental Justice Awards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is inviting nominations for its "Achievement in Environmental Justice" award to recognize U.S. industry organizations who undertake environmental justice initiatives that impact their communities.
* DCNR Hosting Environmental Careers Camps for Students
Two residential camps for high school students interested in pursuing environmental careers will be offered this summer by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
* Online Peregrine Falcon Cam Goes Live in Harrisburg March 5
The live video webcam showing the peregrine falcon nest on the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg will go live on March 5 inviting students and adults from around the world to watch the courtship, egg laying and finally the fledging falcons’ first flight.
* Cook Forest Big Tree Extravaganza April 21-22
On April 21-22, Cook Forest State Park, in conjunction with the Eastern Native Tree Society, will host the Big Tree Extravaganza, a series of free events focusing on the old growth forests of Cook Forest and the Eastern United States.
* Wild Resource Conservation Fund to Hold Two Wild Resource Festivals
Two Wild Resource Festivals are set for May 12 at Moraine State Park and June 9 at French Creek State Park to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Wild Resource Conservation Fund.
* Help Wanted: Recycling Markets Center, Watershed Assn. Development Director
Pennsylvania’s Recycling Markets Center and the Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association are seeking to fill positions. Here are the details…
* Heritage - Rachel Carson Online Book Club, Blog Begins in March to Celebrate 100th Birthday
Rachel Carson is considered by many to be the mother of modern-day ecology. This year, to mark the 100th anniversary of Rachel Carson's birth, the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, working with the Friends of the National Conservation Training Center, will celebrate the achievements of its most notable employee by launching the Rachel Carson Online Book Club.
* Feature - Winging It Northward
By Joe Kosack, Pennsylvania Game Commission
* 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 Department of Environmental Protection, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the Historic Preservation Board all published notices this week. Here are the details…
* Technical Guidance & Permits
No new guidance documents were published this week.
* 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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