News Release

PACD Accepting Applications for Next Round of
Mini-Grants

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) is accepting applications, through September 15, 2003, for the 2003/2004 Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention and PA Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grant Programs.

The two grant programs provide up to $1,000 for projects that benefit the environment. In 2003, over $60,000 in funding was provided for sixty-eight projects. Projects funded during this grant round must take place between November 1, 2003 and May 1, 2004.

The Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention Mini-Grant Program, funded by the EPA's Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention Program, provides money for projects that help control nonpoint source pollution and protect water quality. For example, last year the Armstrong County Conservation District was awarded money to acquire a stream table to demonstrate natural hydrogeological processes at community and school events.

Funding for the PA Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grants Program is provided by the DEP's Chesapeake Bay Program to support projects within the Chesapeake Bay Drainage Basin that promote the theme, We All Live Downstream. Centre County Conservation District, for example, received funding to hold a streambank fencing and grazing tour to highlight best management practices. The tour focused on educating farmers and others on the benefits of riparian areas and rotational grazing.

Exhibits, farm tours, water quality studies, workshops and publications are just a few of the activities supported by the Mini-Grant Programs. Although the individual grant amounts may seem small, funded projects have a great impact both locally and statewide. The number of projects funded combined with the number of people reached through those projects is tremendous. The grant program is making a difference for Pennsylvania's water quality $1,000 at a time.

Additional information, including a listing of previously funded projects, and grant application forms can be found on the PACD website, http://www.pacd.org/products/mini_programs.htm.

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