News & Notes May 2008

PACD Puts Mini-Grant Projects On the Map

PACD developed six maps representing the past three years of mini-grant projects. These maps show the Chesapeake Bay mini-grant projects funded by the PACD through grants provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Chesapeake Bay Program and the nonpoint source pollution mini-grant projects funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Program.

Details on each mini-grant project including a description, contact information, and sample products are available by clicking on the marker of interest. You can zoom in and out on the map and choose a satellite view showing landscapes and a terrain view showing contours. Conservation districts can use these maps to see the projects that staff in their neighboring counties has conducted. The maps are also a valuable tool to avoid duplication of efforts. For example, many conservation districts have conducted rain barrel workshops. If your district is interested in conducting one, click on a rain barrel workshop link on the map to find the contact person and any flyers, presentations, press releases, and agendas that have already been developed and adapt them for use by your district.

This street map view of the 2007-2008 Chesapeake Bay mini-grant projects is zoomed out to show all of the projects.

This image shows the information available on a mini-grant project when clicking on a marker.

The Chesapeake Bay maps are located at: http://www.pacd.org/resources/cb/minigrants/map/default.htm. The NPS maps are located at: http://www.pacd.org/resources/NPS/minigrants/map/default.htm.

The PACD mini-grant program is one of the most successful educational resources for conservation districts. Last year alone, $90,000 in grant monies was awarded to fifty-five conservation district projects across the state. Applications for this year's round of mini-grants are being accepted until May 15. Go to www.pacd.org and click on "Grant Assistance" for more information.

2008-2009 Educational Mini-Grants Application Deadline Fast Approaching

May 15 is the deadline to submit applications for the upcoming year's educational mini-grant programs for conservation districts. Grants up to $2,500 are awarded for educational projects that address Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) and Chesapeake Bay Pollution Prevention strategies.

This funding allows conservation districts to implement educational programs that increase local awareness of water quality issues, promote the theme "We All Live Downstream," and encourage citizen participation in activities to improve water quality in local watersheds.

Applications for the Chesapeake Bay grant program are available online at http://www.pacd.org/resources/CB/minigrants/app.htm and Nonpoint Source Pollution at
http://www.pacd.org/resources/NPS/minigrants/app.htm. General grant information, including guidelines, reporting requirements, and current and previously-funded projects, is available at www.pacd.org/resources/grants.htm.

For more information about our mini-grants program, please contact Hannah Smith at hannah-smith@pacd.org. Applications must be received by May 15, 2008.

Funding for these grants is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Chesapeake Bay Program and the US Environmental Protection Agency's Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Program.

PACD Participates in Press Conference on Stewardship Week and REAP

Pennsylvania proclaimed April 27-May 4 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week to promote wise and responsible stewardship for our soil and water. Representatives of the PACD and the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission participated in the press conference on Soil and Water Stewardship Week and the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. The event was held at the Stoneylawn Farm in Middletown on April 29.

The theme of this year's Soil and Water Stewardship Week is "Water is Life." Soil and Water Stewardship Week is one of the largest national annual programs to promote conservation. The program has been in place for the past fifty-three years. To learn more about Stewardship Week visit www.nacdnet.org.

Also during the press conference, the first participants in the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program were announced. REAP allows farmers and businesses to earn tax credits in exchange for Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations that will enhance farm production and protect natural resources. The Kopp's (who own Stoneylawn Farm) were recognized for their participation in the REAP program. For more information click on http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/REAP.

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