News & Notes March 2005

Mini-Grant Funds District Collaboration

In November 2003, the Lebanon and Lancaster County Conservation Districts worked together to hold a Watershed Forum. The Forum was funded by PACD's Mini-Grant Program through the Environmental Protection Agency's Section 319 Program. This nonpoint source pollution prevention educational project involved the collaboration of Watershed Specialists Matt Kofroth (Lancaster) and Stephanie Harmon (Lebanon).

During 2002, both counties held individual watershed forums with similar programs. Both were well attended. When Matt and Stephanie posed the idea of using the "watershed approach" and combining their forums into one event, the response from past participants was encouraging.

The Lebanon/Lancaster Watershed Forum was open to all individuals, watershed organizations, and municipalities interested in the education, restoration and enhancement of their local watersheds. The three-hour event addressed nonpoint source pollution problems in Lebanon and Lancaster Counties. The Forum provided a platform for watershed organizations from both counties to share resources and ideas on implementing best management practices such as buffer plantings and storm water management and to help form a network of individuals and groups working to address nonpoint source pollution.

Speakers participated from the Lancaster County Planning Department, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Izaak Walton League of America, local townships and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. Topics included wellhead protection, watershed assessments, stormwater issues, invasive plants and working with municipalities.

Sixty people attended the Forum and feedback from participants was positive. Matt stated that there were a number of positive outcomes after the Forum. Watershed groups now rely on each other for advice on carrying out projects others have already completed and share both funding and volunteers. The watershed organizations have increased cooperation as a result of the event. The Forum may be expanded in the future to include other counties.

These districts are to be commended for successfully collaborating to educate interested citizens on nonpoint source pollution. For more information on PACD's Mini-Grant Program, click on http://www.pacd.org/products/mini_programs.htm.

Pennsylvania Leads Bay Clean-up

2005 marks the year for Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay efforts to enjoy the spotlight. It began with Governor Edward G. Rendell's election in January as chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council and will culminate this fall as Pennsylvania hosts the Chesapeake Bay Education Summit.

In accordance with the 1987 Chesapeake Bay Agreement, the Executive Council is the governing body for restoration efforts undertaken by Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, the District of Columbia, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Chesapeake Bay Commission. This is the first time since the Council was formed that a Pennsylvania governor will serve as chair.

"For more than two decades, the Chesapeake Executive Council has been an important voice in restoration efforts to protect a way of life for millions of residents who rely on the Bay and ensure greater benefits to all of those who enjoy its bounty and beauty," said Governor Rendell. "Despite all the progress we've made, a great deal more work remains to be done."

Governor Rendell said the new post provides an opportunity to share what the Commonwealth has done to improve water quality. For example, Pennsylvania was the first state to enact nutrient management laws for farms, initiate phosphorus limits on major wastewater dischargers and achieve a net gain of wetland resources.

PACD will continue in its unique role administering the Governor's Chesapeake Bay Education Office. In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, PACD will facilitate the Chesapeake Bay Education Summit in October 2005. Teams of school teachers, administrators, and resource professionals, including conservation district staff, will convene in Central Pennsylvania to share programs that promote teaching and learning about the Bay, with an emphasis on the Commonwealth's academic standards.

The Bay Executive Council's "Chesapeake Bay Program Education Initiative" calls for an education summit every two years. This will be the first time the summit has been held in Pennsylvania. In addition to providing professional development and networking for participants, the Summit will be an opportunity to showcase some of Pennsylvania's education programs. Summit outcomes will be reported back to the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council, providing even greater exposure for Pennsylvania's efforts.

For more information about the 2005 Chesapeake Bay Education Summit or other Chesapeake Bay education activities, contact Kathleen Banski at the PACD office: kathleen-banski@pacd.org.

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