PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa Legislators Continue Push To Protect Keystone Fund Citing its value to citizens and communities across the Commonwealth, Reps. William Adolph (RDelaware) and Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) Wednesday reaffirmed their support for funding the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation Fund. The lawmakers joined officials from PennEnvironment and the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association for a press conference on the main steps of the Capitol to rally support for the program, also known as Key 93. "This program plays a tremendous role in helping our local governments defray the cost associated with park and conservation projects that enhance the quality of life for residents all over Pennsylvania," Rep. Adolph, Majority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said. "I will continue to be a tireless advocate for this successful program." "Parks are essential to our communities," Rep. Harper said. "They are a gathering place where community events take place, a low-cost way for families to enjoy the outdoors and a source of opportunity for people to connect with nature." During the press conference, PennEnvironment Director David Masur presented the lawmakers with thousands of notes from Pennsylvanians across the state who wrote in to share why state parks are so important to them. The organization launched the initiative to collect the statements in response to the governor's proposed 2012-13 state budget, which would have eliminated Key 93 funding and transfer its present and future revenues to the General Fund to plug holes in the state budget. The Senate restored half of Key 93's funding in its budget proposal, Senate Bill 1466. When the bill was brought forward in the House, Rep. Adolph offered an amendment to fully restore funding for this vital conservation program which received unanimous support. "Although budget negotiations are ongoing, support for the program is strong and bipartisan," Rep. Adolph said. "I was happy to offer an amendment to restore full funding for Key 93, and the amendment passed unanimously." The program was created in 1993 after a statewide referendum vote and is funded by a portion of the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax. "Our citizens voted to create this program, and it is important that we abide by their direction and maintain the vital funding Key 93 provides to our communities," Rep. Harper said. "The clear message from the people is to leave the program and its funding alone." To date, Key 93 has helped local communities: -- Support 850 trail projects; -- Conserve 120,000 acres of green space; June 18, 2012

-- Construct 2,600 community park projects including ball fields, playgrounds, pools, picnic areas and recreation centers; -- Support hundreds of state park and forest improvements; and -- Fund 490 historic preservation projects in 65 counties. NewsClips: Budget Talks Take Baby Steps Toward Compromise Republicans Weighing New Corbett Budget Pitch Op-Ed: Invest In Preserving Environment For Children Vogel Introduces Different Shell Tax Credit Bill House, Senate Shell Tax Credit Bills Introduced Officials Boost $1.65 Billion Shell Subsidy Plan Corbett Begins PR Effort For Refinery Tax Credit Corbett Wants Speedy OK For Cracker Plant Credits DCED Secretary: Shell Asked For Cracker Plan Assistance Corbett: Others Still Vying For Shell Plant West Virginia: No Further Talks With Shell On Plant Corbett Claims Urgency For Shell Incentives Corbetts $1.7 Billion Shell Tax Break Banks On Jobs Proposed Shell Plant Tax Break Draws Debate Shell Plant Tax Credit Plan Similar To Canadian One Corbett: Shell Negotiations Are Not A Done Deal DCED, DEP Deny Act 2 Program Will Fund Shell Site Cleanup Op-Ed: Corbett Keeps Shoveling Money To Gas Companies Op-Ed: Shell Tax Credit Is About More Jobs, Walker Editorial: Make Shell Tax Credit Pay Off Editorial: Shell-ing Of Plan Is Nearsighted Op-Ed: Corbett Keeps Shoveling Money To Gas Companies Op-Ed: Corbett, Legislature Keep Punting On Transportation Op-Ed: Wheres Pennsylvanias Transportation Plan? Fiscal Office: FY 2012-13 Revenue Just Shy Of $1 Billion More Than Governors Estimate The Independent Fiscal Office Tuesday reported its official revenue estimate for FY 2012-13 General Fund revenue is $28.10 billion, about $960 million more than the Governors $27.14 billion estimate. For FY 2011-12, the Fiscal Office estimate-- $27.04 billion-- was actually lower than the Governors Office-- $27.09 billion. Did You Know You Can Search 7+ Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate June 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 House June 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Bill Calendars House (June 18): Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) providing for mineral resource development on other state lands and providing for allocation of revenue; Senate Bill 1150 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) providing for an historic preservation tax credit; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-

Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (June 18): Senate Bill 1346 (Kasunic-D-Somerset) encouraging the use of mine drainage water for fracking and other purposes; Senate Bill 1480 (Corman-R-Centre) providing for the 2012-13 Capital Budget; House Bill 608 (Brooks-R- Crawford) providing for the use of bioenergy crops in mine reclamation; House Bill 728 (Barrar-R-Bucks) setting new standards for emergency shut-off values for facilities dispensing flammable liquids; House Bill 807 (Sonney-R-Erie) further providing for the definition, content, registration and enforcement of the Biofuel Development and In-State Production Incentive Act; House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) further providing for the creation of land banks; <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: the State Government Committee meets to consider House Resolution 750 (Godshall-RMontgomery) memorializing the President and Congress to provide for the storage of used nuclear fuel; the Transportation Committee meets to consider House Bill 1643 (J.Evans-R-Crawford) further providing for persons under 16 operating snowmobiles and ATVs. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 1544 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authorizing DCNR to lease lands for wind, solar and other renewable energy projects; the Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) providing for private-public transportation projects, House Bill 1934 (F.Keller-R-Snyder) further providing for mandatory recycling. <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Other: Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will feature a presentation by the PA Biomass Energy Association.

Bills Introduced
The follow bills of interest were introduced this week-Gas Storage Areas: Senate Bill 1562 (Waugh-R-York) Amends the Oil and Gas Act to require further reporting on gas storage area operations by a licensed engineer or geologist. Ethane Plant Tax Credit: Senate Bill 1563 (Vogel-R-Beaver) and House Bill 2478 (ChristianaR-Beaver) providing for an ethane plant tax credit related to the Shell ethane plant.

Governors Desk
The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and now go to the Governor for his action--

Flood Recovery: House Bill 1913 (Culver-R- Northumberland) providing for flood damage local property tax relief and passed by the Senate. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.) The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-House Open Space: House Bill 2167 (Quigley-R-Montgomery) further providing for the preservation of open space by local governments was reported from the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. Stream Clearance: House Bill 2359 (Causer-R-Cameron) further providing for stream clearance of flood debris was reported from the House Appropriations Committee. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action. Historic Tax Credit: Senate Bill 1150 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) providing for an historic preservation tax credit was reported from the House Appropriations Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action. Storage Tank Cleanup: Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Storage Tank Cleanup Program was removed from the Table and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. Energy Assistance: House Bill 1991 (Cutler-R-Lancaster) further providing for eligibility screening for energy conservation assistance was reported from the House Rules Committee, amended on the House Floor and referred to the House Appropriations Committee. Senate Flood Recovery: House Bill 1913 (Culver-R- Northumberland) providing for flood damage local property tax relief and passed by the Senate. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.) The bill now goes to the Governor for his action. Flood Recovery II: House Bill 1916 (Millard-R- Columbia) providing for an itemized list of public improvement project for flood protection and flood damage repair amended on the Senate Floor and returned to the House for a concurrence vote. Private/Public Transportation Projects: House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation projects was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

News From The Capitol

Stream Cleaning Bill Passes House The House Monday passed House Bill 2359 (Causer-R-Cameron) to force the state Department of Environmental Protection to streamline the process for removing gravel bars and other obstructions from streams. This is great news for communities across the Commonwealth that have been unable to address these potential flood hazards because of the DEP bureaucracy, Rep. Martin Causer said. We need a reasonable process that doesnt force local officials or citizens to jump through hoops sometimes very costly hoops for what should be a simple fix. House Bill 2359 aims to create a clear, efficient and effective process to better manage stream obstruction problems without an unnecessary, complicated and expensive permitting process. The bill also includes measures to further expedite stream clearings when such activities are deemed to be an emergency by local, county or state authorities. Rep. Causer cited a situation in Emporium, Cameron County, where borough officials have been trying to remove a gravel bar for more than five years but have been unable to get the go ahead from DEP to do so. He has heard similar stories from other communities in the 67th Legislative District and across the state. When local officials have to work for years just to remove a gravel bar, the process is clearly broken, he said. Rep. Causer and fellow lawmakers from rural areas of the Commonwealth questioned DEP Secretary Michael Krancer extensively about the issue of gravel bars during House Appropriations Committee hearings earlier this year, and the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational meeting on the topic of stream obstructions as well. Rep. Causer also met with DEP privately but said the agency has yet to offer a solution to the problem. Frankly, this is a problem DEP should have addressed a long time ago, Rep. Causer said. Stream obstructions are a threat to public safety, and we have a duty to protect that. My legislation is an important step in that direction. House Bill 2359 passed by a vote of 136-60 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. NewsClips: Over $100 Million In SBA Flood Disaster Loans Approved In PA Flash Flood Victims Wont Get State, Federal Help Little Concern Over Flood Inundated Farms West Pittston Residents Working To Rebuild After Flooding Senate Passes Flood Control Legislation In Bipartisan Vote Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Wednesday praised the unanimous Senate passage of two critical pieces of flood control legislation. House Bill 1913 (Culver-R- Northumberland) would allow local taxing bodies to decrease real estate taxes for properties substantially affected by the September flooding. House Bill 1916 (Millard-R- Columbia) would authorize state funding for a list of highways, bridges, and flood control and hazard mitigation projects. "While I am pleased with the bipartisan efforts to move this essential flood relief legislation along in the legislative process, I would be remiss if I did not express frustration with the months of inaction on these important bills," Sen. Yudichak said. "Many families and businesses

throughout my district suffered massive property and financial losses in September's flooding. We cannot continue to drag our feet in Harrisburg while these families and our local economies continue to struggle in their recovery efforts." House Bill 1916 would authorize $150 million in borrowing in the form of bonds for the rehabilitation of areas affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011. The bill would allocate 75 percent of the funds for Pennsylvania's share of projects funded by the federal government; the remaining 25 percent would be allocated for projects with either an insufficient federal share or are ineligible for federal funding. House Bill 1913 would allow a county assessment office to decrease, credit or refund up to $30,000 in real estate taxes due to a decrease in property value caused by Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee. The bill would also create a real estate tax exemption on the assessed value of houses affected by the storms to encourage communities to reconstruct and rebuild flood damaged properties. Sen. Yudichak also commended state Sens. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John Blake (DLackawanna), John Gordner (R-Columbia), and Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) for their work on the flood relief legislation. NewsClips: Over $100 Million In SBA Flood Disaster Loans Approved In PA Flash Flood Victims Wont Get State, Federal Help Little Concern Over Flood Inundated Farms West Pittston Residents Working To Rebuild After Flooding Sen. Vogel, Rep. Christiana Introduce Ethane Tax Credit Bill Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) announced Wednesday he has introduced legislation-- Senate Bill 1563-- designed to attract investment into the growing ethane supply market in Pennsylvania. The legislation is written as a way to encourage Shell and other ethylene producers and downstream manufacturers to locate their operations in Pennsylvania while at the same time protecting taxpayers. Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) introduced a similar companion bill in the House-- House Bill 2478 (not yet online). "This legislation will show Shell and other manufacturers that Pennsylvania is open for business. The tax credit will be performance based and up for annual review by the legislature. This will balance the need to attract investment with a strong protection for taxpayers," Sen. Vogel said. The legislation is designed to attract natural gas ethane feedstock to stay in Pennsylvania, while encouraging manufacturers who use that feedstock to make everyday products to locate their operations in Pennsylvania. Tax credits differ from direct payments by allowing companies to reduce or eliminate their tax burden rather than using direct money from the taxpayers. Rather than offering a set amount of available tax credits for a long period of time, Sen. Vogel's legislation would require that the amount of the tax credit shall be determined annually by the General Assembly, beginning in 2017. "We owe it to the taxpayers to ask, is $66 million a year the right amount for this tax credit? Maybe so." Sen. Vogel said. "But let's make that determination. Let's make sure Shell is going to come, and let's make sure we protect the taxpayers. This is a once in a life-time opportunity for job creation, so let's make sure the cracker plant gets built, and also ensure accountability measures are in place."

"Anyone that thinks that this legislation is targeted only at Shell is thinking too small. I foresee the cracker facility as an anchor tenant that spurs investment throughout the Commonwealth. And that means more jobs and economic growth than western Pennsylvania has seen in generations. We should help put the people of Pennsylvania back to work," Sen. Vogel added. Rep. Christianas bill would create the Pennsylvania Resource Manufacturing (PRM) tax credit, which would be offered to any manufacturer purchasing natural gas containing ethane as raw material for production. The nonrefundable PRM tax credit would be five cents per gallon of ethane purchased and would be limited to 20 percent of the companys qualifying Pennsylvania tax liabilities incurred in the taxable year for which the credit was approved.Under House Bill 2478, PRM tax credits could be sold or assigned to other natural gas suppliers or Pennsylvania manufacturers buying or using an ethane derivative. Within one year after the credit is approved, a corporation would be able to apply to the Department of Community and Economic Development for approval to assign the credits to an eligible taxpayer. The buyer of the credit would be permitted to use the purchased credit to offset up to 50 percent of its Pennsylvania Tax liability. PRM tax credits approved for sale or assignment may be used only once and must be used within the tax year approved for assignment. These tax credits are crucial to locking in Beaver County as the location for the cracker plant and securing tens of thousands of jobs that will be created for Pennsylvania citizens by an industry of this magnitude, said Rep. Christiana. If we allow this company to choose another state to set up shop, we will lose a historic opportunity to cultivate Pennsylvanias economic future. This is a meaningful step, not just for Beaver County, but the entire Commonwealth; these incentives have the ability to draw other ethane-processing companies to Pennsylvania, encouraging further development and job creation, said Rep. Christiana. Attracting chemical and manufacturing industries here will be an important economic investment with long-term benefits for our residents and communities. NewsClips: Vogel Introduces Different Shell Tax Credit Bill House, Senate Shell Tax Credit Bills Introduced Officials Boost $1.65 Billion Shell Subsidy Plan Corbett Begins PR Effort For Refinery Tax Credit Corbett Wants Speedy OK For Cracker Plant Credits DCED Secretary: Shell Asked For Cracker Plan Assistance Corbett: Others Still Vying For Shell Plant West Virginia: No Further Talks With Shell On Plant Corbett Claims Urgency For Shell Incentives Corbetts $1.7 Billion Shell Tax Break Banks On Jobs Proposed Shell Plant Tax Break Draws Debate Shell Plant Tax Credit Plan Similar To Canadian One Corbett: Shell Negotiations Are Not A Done Deal DCED, DEP Deny Act 2 Program Will Fund Shell Site Cleanup Op-Ed: Corbett Keeps Shoveling Money To Gas Companies Op-Ed: Shell Tax Credit Is About More Jobs, Walker Editorial: Make Shell Tax Credit Pay Off

Editorial: Shell-ing Of Plan Is Nearsighted Study Projects 14 Percent Growth In Shale Jobs PA To Lead In Jobs From Shale Development

News From Around The State

Keep PA Beautiful Now Accepting Applications For Fresh Paint Days PA Grants Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their 2012 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania. Applications must be received by July 31 and grants will be awarded mid-August. Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania, now in its second year, is designed to provide community groups with paint and painting supplies enabling them to renew a community structure in need into something beautiful through the application of fresh paint and a lot of elbow grease. This annual event is held in partnership with support from BEHR and The Home Depot. The 2012 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania will take place in September. During this monthlong period, eight grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to 20 gallons of exterior paint and $75.00 for painting supplies. The Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania grant is available to any tax-exempt group within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will select the eight winning projects from among applications submitted. Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered only one building per application, proof of liability insurance, signed permission to paint from the building owner, and two before photos of the intended project. Selected awardees must also agree to provide a final report with during and after photos. "Thanks to the strong partnership that exists between Behr and The Home Depot, we are thrilled to take part in the 2012 Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania, states Steve Ward, Regional Sales and Operations Manager for BEHR. Our culture of strengthening and growing the communities in which we serve is exemplified in the actions of this project. We look forward to sharing in the passion and pride of the participants who want to do whatever it takes, great or small, to make their community a better place." Through our partnership with BEHR and The Home Depot, Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania empowers community groups to take a direct role in community revitalization efforts, explains Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Something as simple as a fresh coat of paint on a public library or community center sends a strong message that we care about our communities. For more information or to download the application, visit the KPB Fresh Paint Days PA webpage. Any additional questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Fresh Paint Days Pennsylvania Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org. Stonycreek Celebration Highlights PA Rivers Month Activities Fun on the Stonycreek River - from a canoe and kayak sojourn slicing though white water to leisurely tube floats - is expected to draw hundreds of paddlers, campers and other outdoors

enthusiasts to a waterway where wild and scenic beauty earned it Pennsylvania River of the Year honors for 2012. Shoreline and off-shore activities are planned throughout the day Saturday, June 16, at Greenhouse Park in Conemaugh Township, Somerset County. The celebration comes six months after the Stonycreek, flowing through Cambria and Somerset counties, was named River of the Year in public, online voting across the state. "Promoting awareness of how this river has rebounded and the continuing conservation needs of the Stonycreek and other waterways across the state is the major goal of DCNR's River of the Year designation," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan. "There is a vital connection among the waterway, area residents and visitors, and the sojourn and other activities planned by river advocates can only strengthen those bonds." In support of that goal, Gov. Tom Corbett has proclaimed June as Rivers Month in Pennsylvania, Allan noted. No less than a dozen sojourns have been held or are planned on waterways across the state to highlight their recreational and economic value. "Our current River of the Year has rebounded from abandoned mine drainage threats of the past to unlimited recreational potential of the future," Allan said. "The Stonycreek has it all - nearwilderness, pristine trout waters; nationally acclaimed white-water adventure; and a watershed steeped in natural and historical resources." Before emptying into the Conemaugh River in Johnstown, Stonycreek River flows 46 miles across the Allegheny Plateau in southern Cambria County and northern Somerset County. Anglers are drawn to Stonycreek Gorge's nine miles of near-wilderness trout water, while the Stonycreek Canyon offers 15 rapids in four miles -- the longest set of continuous rapids in the eastern United States. Its waters now rebounded from the deadly effects of abandoned mine drainage, the Stonycreek River carves out a 468 square-mile watershed that is bordered by the Allegheny Front and Laurel Ridge, and contains rolling farmland, active and reclaimed strip mines, woodlands, and classic former coal-mining communities. The river corridor contains the historic Forbes Trail and Flight 93 National Memorial, Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, Quemahoning Lake, Greenhouse Park and Whitewater Park - the first constructed set of rapids for boaters in Pennsylvania. The Stonycreek is among several key features in the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative. Led by DCNR, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and others, the initiative seeks to protect the unique character of the Laurel Highlands and recognize its communities as world-class heritage/recreation destinations as well as excellent places to work and live. Highlighting Stonycreek's celebration Saturday, an official sojourn through the river canyon's white water is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special events and a river dedication will follow, along with daredevil wave riding, paddle boarding and a "white-water rodeo." For complete activity listings, details on other upcoming sojourns across the state, and information on the 2012 River of the Year poster.

Stonycreek River of the Year Celebration is sponsored by the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative, Benscreek Canoe Club, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Somerset County Tourism Program, DCNR, Pennsylvania Organization for Watershed & Rivers, Stonycreek- Conemaugh River Improvement Project, and Lift Johnstown. The Stonycreek and other sojourn programs are coordinated by POWR in partnership with DCNR, as well as dozens of local organizations. POWR's mission is to advocate protection, restoration and enjoyment of water resources, and conduct programs that foster stewardship, communication, leadership and action. Statewide annual paddling events encompass more than 500 river miles, span more than 50 on-the-water days, and engage more than 4,000 participants. Other upcoming river sojourns include: Juniata River, June 15-20; Susquehanna North Branch, June 20-24; Lehigh River, June 2225; Delaware River, June 24-30; and Ohiopyle Over The Falls, August 18. Since 1983, a state River of the Year has been featured on posters sent to watershed organizations, local municipalities and interested individuals throughout the state to encourage a statewide focus on Pennsylvania's waterways. To learn more, visit DCNR's Rivers Program webpage. Reminder: Ohio River Sweep June 16 Volunteers are needed for the 22nd Annual River Sweep on June 16 from 8 a.m. to noon in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties. This event teaches river awareness and respect for our natural resource, said Betsy Mallison, Pennsylvania River Sweep Coordinator. Get your family involved, teach them about our waterways and help make a difference in our water quality. The River Sweep, an annual six-state effort to clean up litter and debris in the Ohio River watershed, is the largest organized volunteer river cleanup effort in the country. The event winds through Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Illinois, covering more than 2,400 miles of shoreline. In Pennsylvania, it is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission and a number of Pennsylvania corporate sponsors including Duquesne Light, Dominion Foundation, Duke Energy, Koppers, PPG Industries Foundation, Neville Chemical Company, Rex Energy, Chesapeake Energy, Range Resources and Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir, P.C. Last year, more than 600 volunteers collected 65 tons of the trash, 200 tires and other debris along the Ohio, Allegheny, Beaver, Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers and their tributaries at 20 cleanup sites. Volunteers who participate receive trash bags and a souvenir Tshirt. Residents can find out more about area River Sweep cleanup locations, by checking the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission website. DEP Invites Comments On TMDL Plans In Columbia, Montour, Snyder Counties The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on proposed Total Maximum Daily Load Plans for these watersheds-- Hoffer Creek Watershed in Snyder County; Montour Run

Watershed in Columbia and Montour counties; and Mud Run Watershed in Columbia County. (PA Bulletin page 3524) Visit DEPs TMDL webpage for copies of these proposed plans. PA Assn. For Sustainable Agriculture Supports Marcellus Moratorium The Board of Directors of the PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture recently adopted a policy statement on the topic of unconventional natural gas extraction after considering comments from the organizations members and supporters. Since PASA formed in 1992, the Board of Directors has developed formal position statements on specific policy issues of relevance to agriculture, with an aim to supporting sustainable farms and food systems. Other policy statements in the past have focused on topics such as concentration of the agricultural industry, food safety, the National Animal Identification System, and more recently, genetically modified crops and livestock. PASAs mission, as reflected in such policy statements, is to support profitable farms that produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment. PASA struggled with the issue of unconventional natural gas extraction, involving long horizontal drilling and hydro-fracturing, or fracking, for a long time before arriving at this policy statement. Im sure many folks will consider this statement to be too little, too late, said PASA Executive Director Brian Snyder. But we really wanted to get this right, considering the needs and interests of our members on all sides of this critical issue, while also firmly adhering to our mission, he added. The PASA board is hopeful that the statement can serve to rally interest in examining the natural gas extraction industry more closely at a time when lower prices have also raised questions about its economic feasibility. The text of the policy statement follows: PASA asserts its position in favor of a moratorium on unconventional gas extraction, until it is determined that this practice will not impair the ability of farms to profitably produce healthy food while respecting Pennsylvanias air quality, water resources and the natural environment. PASA supports: -- Assuring the highest quality of life for the farming community and the environment in all aspects of natural gas extraction through unbiased, third party studies of the long-term impacts. These studies must assess the impacts on the environment and public health, including an in-depth look at the integrity, health and long term sustainability of our food supply. -- Establishing baselines, parameters, and comprehensive third party testing of water resources, soil health, air quality and human and animal welfare prior to and after extraction procedures. -- Requiring drilling companies to post a bond which is held in escrow in their name, payable with interest in the event that there are no negative environmental consequences 5 years after capping the well, to be determined by a certified third party engineer. -- Developing and moving towards a comprehensive sustainable and renewable energy plan that encourages conservation of our natural resources. -- Enabling the farming communitys input in decision making regarding the location of natural gas facilities and related pipelines. -- Requiring fairness and transparency in all stages of exploration, leasing, drilling and production, and recognition and respect of landowners' rights, including those who do not own subsurface

rights. Full disclosure creates trust between landowners, energy companies and land aggregators, and needs to be addressed before additional wells are drilled. -- Full accountability and fairness in remediation for any negative environmental and/or economic loss to farmers. PASA recognizes its mission extends far beyond the edge of field and pasture. This work encompasses the development of and education around healthy food systems for both urban and rural communities. Unconventional gas drilling affects local farmers and farms, the food they produce, and the consumers who eat it. We therefore urge the Governor and Legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to use this moratorium to ensure that the above issues have been addressed and resolved, and to reevaluate the safety of methods used in natural gas extraction and its potential threat to our watersheds, food safety and the quality of life of farmers. PASA continues to provide educational programming to support sustainable agriculture practices resulting in economically viable farms. We are committed to maintaining an organization that protects food systems by focusing on our mission of promoting profitable farms that produce healthy food for all people while respecting the natural environment. Corbett Administration Highlights Potential Of 20,000 Jobs From Shell Ethane Plant Members of Gov. Tom Corbetts Cabinet were joined by a coalition of supporters Thursday to discuss the importance of bringing a petrochemical complex to Pennsylvania that would create more than 10,000 construction jobs and up to 20,000 permanent jobs in spinoff production and manufacturing industries. The benefits of employing up to 20,000 Pennsylvanians and lowering the raw materials cost for Pennsylvania manufacturers far outweigh the investment, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said. Its not about politics; its about jobs. Its about real people who rely on those jobs to pay their bills, feed their families and invest for retirement. A petrochemical complex would include an ethane cracker that would process ethane from wet Marcellus natural gas to produce ethylene, one of the primary building blocks for petrochemicals. Ethylene is used for a number of chemical derivatives that are used to produce various products, including food packaging, bottles, house siding, pipes, toys, tires, diapers, footwear, detergent, adhesives and other products. An ethane cracker plant means jobs for Beaver County, for this region, and for the state of Pennsylvania, said Secretary of Labor and Industry Julia Hearthway. According to the American Chemistry Council, the construction of an ethylene production complex in Pennsylvania will lead to at least 10,000 construction jobs, 400 direct plant jobs, and approximately 17,000 jobs in associated industries that will emerge to support and take advantage of this plants operations. Pennsylvania, led by Corbett, beat out tough competition from surrounding states to become the primary choice location for this project. This plant will be the first in the northeastern U.S. and will, in order to be successful, require substantial additional investments made by dozens of new manufacturers. If we passively stand by and do nothing, we will not only lose the Shell project but also lose our ability to grow the manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania, Department of Revenue

Secretary Dan Meuser said. This project and others could end up in Ohio, West Virginia or in the Gulf Coast, where 26 of the nations 29 crackers are located. The Corbett administration officials were joined by local supporters of the project including Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Allegheny); Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver); Rep. Jim Marshall (RBeaver); Rep. Robert F. Matzie (D-Allegheny); and Rep. Jaret Gibbons (D-Beaver). Also in attendance were local and regional officials, including Dennis Yablonsky, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, members of the local trade unions and representatives of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. NewsClips: Vogel Introduces Different Shell Tax Credit Bill House, Senate Shell Tax Credit Bills Introduced Officials Boost $1.65 Billion Shell Subsidy Plan Corbett Begins PR Effort For Refinery Tax Credit Corbett Wants Speedy OK For Cracker Plant Credits DCED Secretary: Shell Asked For Cracker Plan Assistance Corbett: Others Still Vying For Shell Plant West Virginia: No Further Talks With Shell On Plant Corbett Claims Urgency For Shell Incentives Corbetts $1.7 Billion Shell Tax Break Banks On Jobs Proposed Shell Plant Tax Break Draws Debate Shell Plant Tax Credit Plan Similar To Canadian One Corbett: Shell Negotiations Are Not A Done Deal DCED, DEP Deny Act 2 Program Will Fund Shell Site Cleanup Op-Ed: Corbett Keeps Shoveling Money To Gas Companies Op-Ed: Shell Tax Credit Is About More Jobs, Walker Editorial: Make Shell Tax Credit Pay Off Editorial: Shell-ing Of Plan Is Nearsighted Study Projects 14 Percent Growth In Shale Jobs PA To Lead In Jobs From Shale Development Penn State Extension: Woodlots And Water Quality Did you know that approximately 66 percent of Pennsylvania is still covered by forests? So much forested cover means that many land owners and farmers have small or even sizable woodlots on their property. Terms such as forest or woodlot have very broad definitions. They can include anything from a small stand of mature oaks to sprawling acres of conifers to a few acres of abandoned pasture that is converting into an early succession forest filled with saplings and underbrush. These woodlots are valuable uses of land just as pastures or crop fields are, and a combination of the three is even better! If managed properly, woodlots can improve the quality of water in nearby streams and decrease impacts on the land. They can also provide a valuable source of income from your property and even increase the wildlife you see! One ecologically valuable type of wooded area borders a stream or standing body of water. These areas act as a streamside buffer by limiting the amount of polluted runoff that reaches a stream by slowing the runoff down, allowing the soil to absorb water and naturally filter out pollutants.

Wooded areas located between streams and pastures or fields can limit the amount of nutrients from manure and fertilizers that make it into the waterway. This alone is a huge benefit and has a direct, positive impact on the water quality. Stricter regulations for protecting water quality have recently been established that require buffers such as these with widths of at least 100 feet to border streams throughout properties, although even a narrower buffer will have benefits. Some cost-share programs are available to assist in implementing these Best Management Practices to establish forested riparian buffers through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Woodlots can also capture and hold excess water from rainstorms. The soils in forests are very porous because of a high organic content from decomposing leaf litter. Since most trees have deep root systems, much more water can be collected by the trees as it percolates into the ground in a forest than the amount of water collected by crops with shorter root systems in a field. Another benefit of these long root systems is that they hold the soil in place and stabilize the stream banks which prevent erosion and sedimentation from occurring. The leaves on the trees slow hard driving rains down, preventing the rain drops from eroding the soil. The shade created by the leaves of mature trees also helps to cool the water in the streams which increases the dissolved oxygen levels making a healthier environment for fish and other aquatic organisms. Dead limbs and other debris also create fish habitat and nourish insects in the streams. Some of the highest quality trout streams in Pennsylvania are found running through forests. This can make casting a fly line a challenge, but it allows for healthier fish populations. A final benefit of the forests and woodlots on your property is that they offer a unique habitat for animals. All animals- birds, mammals and even reptiles and amphibians- benefit from the diverse species of trees and other types of vegetation that are common to Pennsylvanias forests. Smaller woodlots may serve a major purpose of connecting larger patches of forests together and creating forested corridors. This prevents habitat fragmentation by allowing safe areas through which wildlife travels. By managing your woodlots properly, you can help to ensure that quality habitat remains for the wildlife, as well as preventing or limiting unwanted or unexpected interactions between wildlife and humans. The best way to manage a woodlot on your property is to create a Forest Stewardship Management Plan. In these plans, the number and types of trees are accounted for and evaluated for health and monetary value if harvested. The management plan offers suggestions to improve your woodlot all the while taking into consideration actions that can prevent erosion and sedimentation as well as other ways to improve water quality. By following these plans, you can ensure that you have a sustainable, healthy, potentially profitable woodlot while limiting your impact on other natural resources. Here are some resources for information on environmental tree benefits, Forest Stewardship or identifying the trees you have. (Dana Rizzo, Water Resources Educator, Penn State Extension, Westmoreland County, reprinted from Watershed Winds, Penn State Extension.)

Nutrient Management Training Helps PA Organic Growers Organic farmers can access educational workshops and materials on nutrient management, thanks to a program developed by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Elsa Sanchez, associate professor of horticultural systems management, and Heather Karsten, associate professor of crop production and ecology, described their program in a journal article that received the American Society for Horticultural Science Outstanding Extension Publication Award for papers published in 2011. They will be recognized at the ASHS Annual Conference in July. The article details the development of a training program for agriculture educators from Pennsylvania, New York and New Hampshire who work with university Extension services, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Rodale Institute. The program focused on using organic nutrient sources. During the first year, participants met to learn effective methods to help organic growers with nutrient management. In the second year, they delivered educational sessions on nutrient management to the organic growers. Organic nutrient sources, such as compost, most often do not supply the correct ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium needed by the plants. Therefore, it is easy to apply too much compost when meeting nitrogen needs. "Nutrient management with organic nutrient sources is more complicated because organic nutrients have to go through the process of mineralization to become useable by plants," Sanchez said. "So it's tricky to know when and how much to apply for good crop yields so that there's not an excess accumulation of nutrients." To address these issues and develop the training program, Snchez and Karsten met with organic growers to learn about the nutrient-management tools and techniques currently used in their operations. Working with Tom Richard, professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and Rick Stehouwer, professor of environmental soil science, they then developed a program to help agriculture educators advise the growers. Before attending the program, participants also talked with organic growers about their current nutrient-management plans and took soil and compost tests. They found compost was generally not analyzed before use, and the compost was generally applied by volume rather than based on the plant nutrient needs. Also, soil on several farms had high levels of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium. As a result, soil and compost test results were modified during the training program to help organic growers determine the amount of an organic nutrient source to apply and to better understand the hazards of excessive nutrient levels. Participants in the training program also examined nutrient-management computer programs and provided feedback to three program developers regarding possibilities for use on organic farms. Finally, participants developed educational materials and workshops. Six articles distributed through university Extension outlets reached more than 350 growers and agriculture educators. A presentation about using compost for growing organic vegetables was developed and then presented at eight meetings, reaching 235 growers and agriculture educators in Pennsylvania, New York and surrounding states from 2008 to 2010. A class also was developed to guide growers in making nutrient-management plans for their farms.

Educators responded positively to the training program, and growers attending the workshops offered by participants in the training program rated them highly. "We found that the educators felt their ability to help growers using organic nutrient sources was excellent or above average," Sanchez said. "Growers had improvements in their knowledge of using organic nutrient sources as well. "We have a whole team of educators who are now better equipped to help organic growers and growers who use organic nutrient sources," Sanchez said. A publication developed as a result of the research, "Using Organic Nutrient Sources. Single copies of the publication can be obtained free of charge by Pennsylvania residents through county Penn State Extension offices, or by contacting the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center at 814-865-6713 or send email to: AgPubsDist@psu.edu. For cost information on out-of-state or bulk orders, contact the Publications Distribution Center. A related online-only publication, "Deciding which Organic Nutrients to Use and How Much to Apply," which provides a flow chart and formulas to help growers determine what nutrients are needed in their fields. Research was funded by the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. Preservation Board Protects Nearly 2,400 Acres Of Prime Farmland The Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board Thursday protected 2,389 additional acres on 28 farms from development through the state's nationally recognized farmland preservation program. The newly preserved farms are located in Allegheny, Berks, Butler, Clinton, Cumberland, Greene, Indiana, Lancaster, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry and Schuylkill counties. Since the program began in 1988, state, county and local governments have invested more than $1.1 billion to safeguard 463,595 acres on 4,293 farms for future agricultural production. "Preserving farmland is the first step to ensuring the continued success of agriculture, our state's leading industry," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "Thanks to the foresight of producers across the state, we're able to preserve a way of life for a new generation that will keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future." The state's farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program to help slow the loss of prime farmland to nonagricultural uses. The program enables state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements, also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland. For more information, visit the PA Farmland Preservation webpage. NewsClip: State Shields 2,389 Farm Acres From Development PECO Funding For Open Space Projects Passes $1 Million Mark PECO has provided 18 municipalities across the Greater Philadelphia region with $150,000 in grant funding as part of PECO Green Region, the companys municipal open space and environmental grant program. Since its inception in 2004, PECO has awarded more than $1 million for qualifying projects.

Since 2004, PECO Green Region has funded more than 144 projects across Southeastern Pennsylvania. The program provides grants for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and environmental conservation. Projects include the development of recreation trails, the purchase of open space, planting of trees and other vegetation. I am thrilled that we have provided more than $1 million and sustained nearly 10 years of successful environmental grant funding for our local municipalities through the Green Region program, said Craig Adams, PECO president and CEO. The success of this program reflects PECOs commitment to environmental preservation. In partnership with Natural Lands Trust, the regions leading land conservation organization, PECO has awarded 2012 Green Region grants to the following municipalities: --Bucks County: Penndel Borough ($10,000) Warminster ($10,000), and New Britain Borough ($8,000). -- Chester County: East Brandywine Township ($10,000), West Bradford Township ($5,000), Westtown Township ($7,500), and Oxford Area Recreation Authority ($7,500). -- Delaware County: Millbourne Borough ($10,000), Rose Valley Borough ($7,500), Aston Township ($7,500), and Newtown Township ($5,000). -- Montgomery County: West Pottsgrove Township ($10,000), Hatfield Township ($10,000), Limerick Township ($7,500), and Worcester Township ($7,500). -- Philadelphia, three organizations have received Green Region funding for open space projects this year. The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation and Friends of Wissahickon each will receive $10,000. Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park will receive $7,000. PECO understands that green spaces are an absolutely essential part of a healthy, prosperous region and has made an extraordinary commitment to ensuring that the communities they serve have access to excellent parks and natural areas, said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Land Trust. We are truly honored to partner with PECO on the Green Region program. Municipalities can apply for a Green Region grant of up to $10,000 per project each year. A committee with representatives from PECO, Natural Lands Trust, county agencies and conservation organizations reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding. From PECOs grant programs supporting local environmental projects and initiatives, operating an environmentally-friendly fleet of vehicles, to launching PECO Smart Ideas to help our customers save energy and money, all of our local environmental efforts contribute to and support Exelon 2020: A Low-Carbon Roadmap, the comprehensive environmental strategy of our parent company. Help Restore Pittsburgh's Urban Forest, The Sprout Fund For five years Tree Pittsburgh has been working to restore Pittsburgh's urban forest by planting thousands of new trees from diverse stocks, maintaining the existing population of trees, and educating the public about the environmental benefits trees provide for the city. In 2009, Tree Pittsburgh sought to expand their operation by constructing a nursery to house a diverse array of seeds and saplings for use in beautification and reforestation projects around Pittsburgh. To finance their project, Tree Pittsburgh applied for and was awarded a large grant from The Sprout Fund's Spring program.

Danielle Crumrine, Tree Pittsburgh's executive director, speaks about the impact of the nursery, "Pittsburgh's urban forest provides us with the seed stock we need, and it's fun to find and harvest seeds! The support of The Sprout Fund enabled us to get our nursery off the ground, and in just two years, we have over 7,000 thriving seedlings." Tree Pittsburgh is planning beautification projects to bring greater curb appeal to the nursery such as flower planting, installing signs, and tree planting around the perimeter. The organization also offers public classes on identifying and caring for Pittsburgh's trees. Crumrine encourages the public to get involved, "Anyone interested in volunteering at the nursery should check the Tree Pittsburgh events calendar at www.treepittsburgh.org or sign-up to receive our monthly e-blast. Special alerts go out whenever help is needed at the nursery." "Tree Pittsburgh is leading the way to a more thriving urban environment by diversifying Pittsburgh's urban tree population," said Dustin Stiver, Program Officer at The Sprout Fund. "At Sprout, we were able to support grassroots initiatives like these through our Spring program that catalyzed 20 projects to enhance biodiversity in the Pittsburgh region." Tree Pittsburgh's nursery provides the city with a diverse tree stock for local reforestation and ecosystem restoration efforts. To stay up to date about volunteer opportunities at the nursery, check Tree Pittsburgh's events calendar at www.treepittsburgh.org or sign up for their monthly eblast. See Nature Thrive In Pittsburgh's East Liberty Neighborhood, The Sprout Fund East Liberty Development, Inc. has brought a green roof bus shelter to the East Liberty neighborhood. First hatched in 2010 by Planning Coordinator Katherine Camp, the green roof bus shelter is unique to Pittsburgh. The Sprout Fund awarded ELDI a large grant through its Spring program to construct a bus shelter whose roof houses plant life, giving flora and fauna a foothold, creating stopping points for organisms to return to the urban environment. "East Liberty's green roof bus shelter could not have happened without The Sprout Fund's support," said Loralyn Fabian, Sustainable Projects Manager, "We are honored to have such a progressive, philanthropic organization in Pittsburgh that supports innovative and impactful local projects." In addition to providing a home for a variety of plant and animal life and reducing air and water pollution, the green roof bus shelter educates the public about green roofs and green practices through the informational signs found on the shelter's panels. "Until comprehensive green infrastructure plans are developed for our cities, it will be up to the individual communities, at the most local of levels, to influence and implement green infrastructure projects," said Fabian, "Pittsburgh is seeing a great rebirth since its industrial age, and we need to continue to consider our environment's health in this transformation." "East Liberty Development has literally brought advanced concepts in green building design down to street level," said Dustin Stiver, Program Officer at The Sprout Fund. "At Sprout, we were able to support grassroots initiatives like these through our Spring program that catalyzed 20 projects to enhance biodiversity in the Pittsburgh region." Visit the green roof bus shelter in person at the corner of Penn Avenue and North Whitfield Street in East Liberty. Try Your Hand At Growing Forgotten Foods Native To Southwest PA, The Sprout Fund

In 2011 Blackberry Meadows Farm started Heritage Seed Co., the first and only seed bank in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region focusing on providing local growers with seeds for heirloom varieties of plants native to the region. To help finance this project, Blackberry Meadows Farm received a large grant from The Sprout Fund's Spring program. "The Sprout Fund award is an inspiration for a cornerstone of our civilization and past village life to be renewed and celebrated." Says Heritage Seeds co-founder, Greg Boulos, "We are in the midst of a food global food crisis, due largely to the lack of backyard and village-scale farms. This project will enable the people to restore these lost traditions." Heritage Seed Co. currently offers Fish Pepper, Boston Marrow Squash, Chalk's Early Jewel Tomato, and Amish Paste Tomato seedlings, as well as many others. Heritage Seed Co. is also working to produce an informative manual on seed saving in seven different languages. According to Boulos, "People who want to see this project succeed can buy seedling kits and seedlings, which are investments in the restoration of our diverse food culture, and get excited about 'strange' foods." "Blackberry Meadows Farm has recognized the importance of introducing greater biodiversity into the agricultural system," said Dustin Stiver, Program Officer at The Sprout Fund. "At Sprout, we were able to support grassroots initiatives like these through our Spring program that catalyzed 20 projects to enhance biodiversity in the Pittsburgh region." Interested growers can buy seedlings from Blackberry Meadows Farm at the Farmers@Firehouse market at 2216 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh's Strip district on Saturday mornings, the Phipp's Farmers Market at Phipps Conservatory in Oakland on Wednesdays from 2:30-6:30, and from the farm itself (by appointment only, call 724-226-3939). Supporters and fans can also donate to Heritage Seed Co. on their website. Learn About the Diversity In Your Own Backyard, The Sprout Fund Carnegie Science Center educates children, youth, and families about science by connecting it to everyday life. Among the center's methods of educating audiences are its traveling science programs. To educate the public on the value of biodiversity, illustrate that value to humans, and demonstrate the need for its protection, Carnegie Science Center conceived a new traveling program called Take a Hike: Backyard Biodiversity. The program was launched through a large grant from The Sprout Fund's Spring program. "Sprout support allowed us to create an ecosystem expedition showcasing the rich diversity of life in our own backyards." says Mike Hennessy, Program Development Coordinator for Carnegie Science Center, "Students can meet local role models in environmental science and hopefully be inspired to get out in nature and explore for themselves." Designed for traveling presentations at different schools, Take a Hike engages students in a backyard science "treasure hunt," with a live Carnegie Science Center presenter leading them on a trip through different ecosystems. The show features live demonstrations on backyard biodiversity, water quality, native species, composting, photosynthesis, and renewable energy. Hennessy says, "Our hope is that this indoor theatric presentation will excite students to go outdoors and to appreciate and conserve the amazing natural wonders in their own backyards." "Carnegie Science Center makes science learning fun, accessible, and meaningful for children and the public. Their work is essential to raising greater awareness and understanding of earth sciences and biodiversity," said Dustin Stiver, Program Officer at The Sprout Fund. "At

Sprout, we were able to support grassroots initiatives like these through our Spring program that catalyzed 20 projects to enhance biodiversity in the Pittsburgh region." The public can get a sneak peak at the new show on select days this summer at Carnegie Science Center. Additionally, interested schools and organizations can arrange for Take a Hike to be performed at their site by calling 412-237-3374. Help Pittsburgh Urban Farm Build Bioshelter, The Sprout Fund Garfield Community Farm is an urban farming project revitalizing vacant land in Pittsburgh's Garfield neighborhood. Led by The Open Door Presbyterian Church, the farm has been learning, practicing, and teaching principles of organic, permaculture gardening in the Garfield community since 2008. In 2010 the farm decided to build a bioshelter, a structure that extends the growing season and is heated largely by solar energy and composting. To build their bioshelter, Garfield Community Farms received a large grant from The Sprout Fund's Spring program. Reverend John Creasy, pastor at The Open Door and Garfield Community Farm's lead farmer, says "The Sprout Fund has provided us with the opportunity to create a uniquely and creatively designed greenhouse for education toward a truly sustainable food system through all four seasons." Garfield Community Farm is beginning their bioshelter's construction now. Throughout July the farm will host volunteer work days to construct the wood framing of the bioshelter and in late summer will conduct classes in the bioshelter focusing on four season vegetable production and practical implementation of permaculture in small scale home gardens. Rev. Creasy encourages volunteers to learn and work on the farm, "Every Thursday night from 6 - 8 p.m. Garfield Community Farm conducts educational volunteer opportunities where community members can learn about ecological farming and how to grow their own food, all while helping get work done at the farm." "Garfield Community Farm is taking a very grassroots approach to environmental stewardship and urban food production that allows the community to participate in and benefit from the work." said Dustin Stiver, Program Officer at The Sprout Fund. "At Sprout, we were able to support grassroots initiatives like these through our Spring program that catalyzed 20 projects to enhance biodiversity in the Pittsburgh region." Mark your Thursdays in July for volunteer work building a bioshelter at Garfield Community Farms! For more information and opportunities to get involved, visit the farm's website. Help Create A Refuge For Pittsburgh's Natural Heritage, The Sprout Fund Pittsburgh Botanic Garden has been working for several years removing old coal mines, renovating, and repopulating a section of Settler's Cabin County Park with a diverse array of plant life. In 2011, the organization built a nursery to raise plants from seeds and sprouts for use in creating their gardens. The funds for this project were obtained from The Sprout Fund's Spring program. In recognition of the support, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden named their new facility the Sprout Nursery.

"The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden has increased its capacity and competency due to the Sprout Nursery funding," says Greg Nace, President of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. "We are deeply grateful for The Sprout Fund's investment in the early stages of the region's only outdoor, comprehensive botanic garden." Currently, the nursery houses 21 young apple saplings, two seedlings of the newly developed strain of American Chestnut trees, Black Walnut saplings, and tiny sprouts of American Beech, Tulip Poplar and a variety of oaks. These saplings will beautify and restore areas of the garden. Kitty Vagley, Director of Development, reaches out to the public for help in this effort. "We rely on volunteers to bring the Botanic Garden to life! Please help us plant native trees for three days in the fall. [We're asking people to] mark September 15th, September 29th, and October 13th on [their] calendars." "Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is building an important ecological asset in our region that will preserve and restore plant species native to Appalachia," said Dustin Stiver, Program Officer at The Sprout Fund. "At Sprout, we were able to support grassroots initiatives like these through our Spring program that catalyzed 20 projects to enhance biodiversity in the Pittsburgh region." Plant trees in the fall to support Pittsburgh Botanic Garden! Volunteers are encouraged to call 412-444-4464 or send email to: info@pittsburghbotanicgarden.org to schedule a work day. Lesson Plan Reviewers Needed For Biodiversity Education Project Natural Biodiversity is seeking teachers and environmental educators to review lesson plans geared toward 4th through 8th grades as part of the Biodiversity Education...the Creative Way project. NB is looking for volunteers to review two lessons (one indoor and one outdoor) based on one of the following five threats to Pennsylvania's biodiversity: habitat degradation and loss, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and the overuse of resources. All finished materials will be available free of charge to educators and the public alike on www.PennBiodiversity.org, launching this summer. This project is funded by a grant through DCNRs Wild Resources Conservation Program. The review period will run from July 1 to July 15. Please send email to: scollis@naturalbiodiversity.org with choice of topic to volunteer. DEP Now Accepting Applications For 2011 Recycling Performance Grants The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for 2011 Recycling Performance Grants. Applications are due October 1. (formal notice) Visit DEPs Recycling Grants webpage for more information. University of Pennsylvania Joins Mark Group To Bring Sustainability Home Mark Group, a leading global provider of home energy efficiency analysis and improvements, has joined with Penn Home Ownership Services at The University of Pennsylvania to offer 'Penn sustainability@ home.' Through the program, university employees are granted access to home performancefocused educational workshops, free home energy assessments, and discounted rates for energy

efficiency home improvements. The University's $7,500 Enhanced Forgivable Loan, available to eligible Penn homeowners, can be applied to home energy upgrades. Since 2007, the University of Pennsylvania has added 'green' to the Red and the Blue. The first Ivy League university to sign the American College and University President's Climate Commitment, Penn is dedicated to promoting sustainable initiatives and programs. "We are proud to now bring our commitment to sustainability 'home'," comments Marie Witt, vice president of the Division of Business Services that oversees Penn Home Ownership Services. "Sustainability is not a 9 to 5 effort, nor something that takes a summer break. 'Penn sustainability@home' empowers staff members to define what sustainability means to them, beyond campus boundaries." 'Penn sustainability@home' puts a financially and ecologically responsible spin on popular group-buying platforms, helping employees save money on their non-discretionary monthly energy costs as opposed to a discounted facial. Under the program, Penn employees will save up to $300 on energy efficiency home improvements and $500 off solar upgrades. During the 'Penn sustainability @ home' pilot, three Penn associates received Mark Group Home Energy Assessments and proceeded with the installation of energy-saving measures. Mark Group will submit monthly reports to the University, tracking engagement and energy-saving impact. If 500 Penn employees implemented basic air sealing and insulation energy efficiency home improvements this year, the community would enjoy an estimated $278,500 in avoided energy expenditures. Visit the Penn sustainability@home webpage for more information. DEP Forecasts Air Quality Action Day On June 16 For Pittsburgh The Department of Environmental Protection and its regional air quality partnerships have forecast a code Orange air quality action day for ozone for June 16 in the Pittsburgh and Liberty-Clairton areas. On air quality action days, young children, the elderly and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of air pollution and should limit outdoor activities. The air quality forecast predicts Saturday to be code Orange for ozone. The Pittsburgh area is Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties. The Liberty-Clairton region is the municipalities of Clairton, Glassport, Liberty, Lincoln and Port Vue, all in southeastern Allegheny County. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys standardized air quality index uses colors to report daily air quality. Green signifies good; yellow means moderate; orange represents unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive people; and red warns of unhealthy pollution levels for all. Ground-level ozone, a key component of smog, forms during warm weather when pollution from vehicles, industry, households and power plants bakes in the hot sun, making it hard for some people to breathe. To help keep the air healthy, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily limit certain pollution-producing activities by: -- Riding the bus or carpooling to work; -- Washing dishes and clothes only with full loads; and -- Saving energy by turning off unused lights in your home.

These forecasts are provided in conjunction with the Air Quality Partnership of the Delaware Valley, the Southwest Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership, the Lehigh Valley/Berks Air Quality Partnership and the Susquehanna Valley Air Quality Partnership. For more information, visit DEPs Air Quality Partnership webpage. DEP Sets June 27 Meeting/Hearing On Homer City Power Plant Proposal The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting and hearing on June 27, about EME Homer City Generations proposal to increase its permitted discharge of wastewater. An informational meeting to explain the need for the amended permit will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Homer-Center High School on Wildcat Lane in Homer City, Indiana County. This combined public meeting and hearing will give residents an opportunity to hear about the proposal, ask questions and, if they wish, provide testimony, DEP Southwest Regional Director Susan Malone said. DEP is reviewing an application with amendments to the facilitys National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that would accommodate additional flow from treated landfill leachate, which is most of the wastewater associated with landfill activities; cooling tower blowdown, or water drained from the plants cooling towers; and makeup water, which is water needed to replace cooling water that has evaporated. During the meeting, DEP staff will explain the agencys role in reviewing such applications, and representatives from EME will explain the companys proposal. A question-andanswer session will follow. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the public may present up to five minutes of oral testimony about the proposed NPDES permit amendment. Written testimony of any length will also be accepted. The oral testimony will be recorded by a stenographer and transcribed into a written document. At the end of the 30-day public comment period, DEP will develop a written response to all relevant written and oral testimony. The final NPDES permit amendment, if issued, will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. DEP recently approved EMEs plan to install two dry scrubber systems on Units 1 and 2 of the plant. Those who wish to present oral testimony should contact DEP Community Relations Coordinator John Poister at 412-442-4203 or register that evening prior to the hearing. For anyone unable to attend the public hearing, written comment should be submitted to Dana Drake, PA DEP Clean Water Program, Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. The public comment period will close on July 7. Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact John Poister or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD). For more information, call 412-442-4000. DCNR Announces Grants Available For Protecting Non-Game Species Marking its 30th anniversary of safeguarding Pennsylvania's non-game animals, native plants and their habitat, the Wild Resource Conservation Program again is accepting applications for grants to protect the state's native biodiversity. Applications are due July 2.

For the past three decades, the program overseen by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has awarded more than 1,700 grants in support of research, conservation and education projects across Pennsylvania. The WRCP is soliciting grant applications in four areas: species surveys; conservation and management; research; and educational media. "To secure our best investment of grant dollars, we have solicited input from DCNR's bureaus of forestry, state parks, and recreation and conservation," said WRCP Executive Director Greg Czarnecki. "This diverse input will better enable us to identify the most effective research and conservation efforts." Launched in 1982, the program and supports research and protection efforts to conserve Pennsylvania's diverse native wildlife resources, including bird and mammal species, amphibians and reptiles, insects and wild plants. Applications should be for work performed between January 2012 and June 2013. Applications will only be accepted electronically through DCNR's eGrants online grant application system. To apply for a grant, or learn more about the application process and this year's priorities, visit the Wild Resource Conservation Program webpage. Habitat Work Underway On State Game Lands As Pennsylvania hunters and trappers begin purchasing their 2012-13 licenses, Pennsylvania Game Commission teams of land managers, foresters and Food and Cover Corps crews are focusing their efforts and the agency's license revenues on a massive amount of habitat improvement projects on the more than 1.4 million acres of State Game Lands. "Wildlife habitats are changing across the landscape as farming practices evolve and urban/suburban expansion convert former wildlife habitats into various types of developments, from homes to shopping malls," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "According to Pennsylvania's Wildlife Action Plan, 300 acres of wildlife habitat are being lost every day, primarily to sprawl. "For this reason, the Game Commission's network of State Game Lands is critical to ensuring that wildlife will always have access to the three habitat components it needs to survive: food, shelter and water. And, through our habitat improvement efforts, we strive to ensure habitat diversity for all wildlife. Click Here for a rundown on habitat development activities on state game lands. Hawk Mountain Launches Pennsylvania Farmland Raptors Project Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, is in search of Pennsylvania farmers and rural land owners willing to help four farm-friendly raptors. In the spotlight are three species in sharp decline: the Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl and Northern Harrier, as well as the American Kestrel, a species that is still common but has shown a steady drop in populations. The Barn Owl is classified near threatened in Pennsylvania, while the Short-eared Owl is endangered. Just this year the Northern Harrier was down-listed from a species of special concern to threatened, and migration counts show that American Kestrel populations are experiencing a consistent and steady drop.

In response, Sanctuary biologists with support from the Wild Resource Conservation Program have launched the Pennsylvania Farmland Raptor Project to build a network of farmbased partners to help watch for and report any of the four species. Results will help to better gauge distribution across the state and to learn more about the birds and their conservation needs. First Hawk Mountain hopes that farmers and rural landowners will join the new network by signing up through their website, calling the Sanctuary or sending an email. Then, the non-profit will provide participants with more information on the birds and what they look like. Finally, participants simply report when and where they see any of the four species and every participant will receive a participatory gift. Other ways landowners can help is to provide nestboxes for the American Kestrel and the Barn Owltwo cavity nestersor to maintain large areas of untouched property for ground nesting species like the Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owl. Another option is for landowners to hold off mowing large areas of grassland and pasture until late summer when ground nesters have finished laying eggs and young have left the nest. Pennsylvania residents who own or work on more than 10 acres of farm or grasslands and wish to join the Farmland Raptor Network or learn more about how to identify and conserve the four species is available online, send email to: info@hawkmountain.org with subject line Farmland Raptors, or call 610-756-6961. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the worlds first refuge for birds of prey, an international center for raptor conservation and research, and operates a 2,500-acre wildlife sanctuary open to the public year round.

Feature
Game Commission Renews Effort To Protect Great Egrets, Night Herons Game Commission officials Wednesday announced they, along with officials from the U.S. Department of Agricultures Wildlife Services, have renewed a program to sustain and protect a historic nesting colony of great egrets and black-crowned night-herons - two state endangered species - on Wade Island, a three-acre isle near Harrisburg in the Susquehanna River. This effort includes the limited culling of double-crested cormorants increasingly hoarding canopy space on this relatively unique nesting site. Culling was first used in 2006, and again in 2011. So far, 90 cormorants have been culled from Wade Island, and there are plans to remove a few dozen more over the next few weeks. More importantly, however, great egrets and blackcrowned night-herons were seen quickly making use of the recently vacated trees. Wade Island is home to the states largest nesting colony of black-crowned night-herons and great egrets, both of which are on Pennsylvanias endangered species list, said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Section supervisor. It isnt clear what brings these colony nesting birds to Wade Island. Perhaps it is good food resources in the Susquehanna River or its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. Whatever the reason, no other place in the state comes close when comparing the number of nesting sites of these magnificent birds. Unfortunately, double-crested cormorants - also colony nesters - have pushed their way into the night-heron and egret nesting area, and the nesting activity of the cormorants has increasingly become a concern. While cormorants were at one time rare in Pennsylvania, populations have steadily increased. In fact, populations of double-crested cormorants have been

increasing rapidly in many parts of the U.S. since the mid-1970s, and their abundance has led to increased conflicts with various biological and socioeconomic resources, including recreational fisheries, other birds, vegetation, and fish hatchery and commercial aquaculture production. Comparing the latest survey, conducted on May 2, to the survey conducted on June 28, 2011, the number of great egret nests increased from 103 to 185, and the number of double-crested cormorant nests increased from 127 to 188. However, the number of black-crowned night-heron nests dropped from 87 to 67, during the same time period, and represents the fourth lowest number of night-heron nests in the 27 years of nest surveys on Wade Island. Cormorants were first confirmed nesting on Wade Island in July of 1996. At that time, only a single nest was found. Since then, though, the number of cormorant nests on Wade Island has increased dramatically. Unfortunately, there is a limited number of nesting sites on Wade Island, Brauning said. This is a particular problem for great egrets, which prefer nest locations similar to those used by the cormorants. Therefore, we have initiated a culling operation by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Wildlife Services to remove cormorants using specialized air rifles and/or suppressed .22 caliber rifles. In 2006, USDA Wildlife Services removed 64 cormorants, and in 2011, the agency culled 40 cormorants. USDA Wildlife Services has obtained all of the necessary permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct this operation under the direction of the Game Commission. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources owns Wade Island and has provided approval for this operation. All culled cormorants that are recovered are being turned over to the Game Commission for disposal. Brauning noted that extreme care is taken to not disturb the endangered species nesting on the island. Culling efforts will be stopped immediately if it is perceived that activities are threatening the nesting of egrets or herons. To ensure public safety, the Game Commission has been providing law enforcement assistance or arranging for assistance from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission throughout the operation. The equipment used is designed to reduce any risks and is used in the safest manner possible. Brauning noted that studies have shown when nesting cormorants encroach upon colonies of other nesting birds, including both black-crowned night-herons and great egrets, they reduce the amount of nesting space for those other nesting species. In addition, cormorants have been known to take over egret nests and also kill trees as a result of their nesting activity. Several other cases found that cormorant droppings on the leaves and branches of nesting trees apparently caused egrets to abandon colonies. Brauning stressed that culling a portion of the cormorants was not the first option explored, and has been used only twice. He noted that in 2004 and 2005, the agency attempted to encourage nesting by egrets and night-herons on neighboring islands. However, that effort was met with limited to no success. Trying to lure some of Wade Islands herons and egrets to a nearby island was unsuccessful, Brauning said. Egret decoys were placed on an island that neighbors Wade Island with hopes of attracting some birds away from the growing cormorant population. The use of decoys will continue, but such efforts generally provide only mixed success and may attract cormorants as well. Other methods to control the success of the cormorant nests (oiling of eggs, use of poles and high-pressure sprays) are not possible on Wade Island, because of the nest height.

Therefore, lethal removal of the cormorants was determined to be the safest, least disruptive, most cost-efficient and promising control method. In support of this conclusion, USDA Wildlife Services also has considered all available management options and the adverse effects associated with those options. Wildlife Services has determined lethal control to be the most appropriate management option and does not foresee any significant negative impacts to other wildlife or the public from this option. The Game Commission is responsible for managing all of the Commonwealths wildlife species, Brauning said. Particular care must be taken when managing endangered species to protect them from further reduction and their possible disappearance from the state. Disturbances or increasing competition for nest sites - can cause colony nesters to move abruptly. Wade Island is an extremely important nesting habitat for both the endangered black-crowned night-herons and great egrets, but the future use of the island by these two birds is threatened. While we recognize that some people will be offended by the lethal removal of cormorants on Wade Island, we believe it is the best way to ensure the continued nesting success of the great egrets and black-crowned night-herons that use this unique nesting area. In addition, the Game Commission will continue to research and look for other methods to help promote the continued existence and well-being of these two endangered species and to secure their future within our state. For more information, visit the Game Commissions great egrets and black-crowned nightherons webpages. PA Parks & Forests Foundation June Newsletter Now Available The June newsletter of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation is now available online. Subscribe now to the PPFFs regular Friday email as well as their regular newsletter by clicking here. Fish & Boat Commission To Host June 21 Meeting On Penns Creek Access The Fish and Boat Commission is inviting private landowners who own stream frontage along Penns Creek in Centre and Union counties to attend an upcoming public meeting to learn about the benefits of the agencys public fishing access and conservation easement programs. The meeting will be held on June 21 from 6:30 8:30 p.m. in the Aaronsburg Community Building, West Aaron Square, Rt. 45, Aaronsburg PA 16820. The meeting also will include an overview of the Penns Creek fishery. PFBC staff will discuss how the fishery is currently managed and will describe future regulations being considered for Section 03, a 7-mile section that extends from Coburn, Centre County, to Swift Run, Snyder County. The regulations being considered are Catch and Release Artificial Lures Only. The objective of this proposal is to increase the biomass and improve the size structure of the fishery. Acquiring public access easements is part of the agencys strategy to improve public fishing areas and ensure that the public has access to these opportunities, said Jackie Kramer, PFBC statewide public access program director. Private landowners interested in providing public access for anglers and learning how this easement purchase program operates are encouraged to attend. A public fishing easement is a voluntary and permanent legal contract between the landowner and the Fish and Boat Commission. The easement typically provides a 35-foot corridor

along a stream bank that allows the public to wade in or walk along the stream bank for the purpose of fishing. The landowner continues to own and control the land. The meeting will include an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide comments to the PFBC on both matters to be discussed. State Agencies Issue Alert To Contain Invasive Species In Youghiogheny With the recent confirmation of the invasive aquatic alga known as didymo, or rock snot, in the Youghiogheny River, Fayette County, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are reminding anglers and boaters that cleaning their gear is the easiest, most effective means of preventing its spread to other waters. During the past two months, state officials have documented didymo blooms in the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park, in the Delaware River as far south as Bucks County, and in Dyberry Creek in Wayne County. It does not present a public health hazard, but is of ecological concern. We may not be able to eliminate didymo from an infected waterway, but we can do our best to slow its spread and to prevent it from spreading to other waters, said Bob Morgan, the PFBCs biologist who studies aquatic invasive species (AIS). Didymo cells can easily be carried downstream and can be picked up by any items or equipment contacting the infected water, including fishing tackle, waders, recreational equipment, and boats and trailers. It takes only one live didymo cell to start a new colony of the alga. We urge anglers and boaters to Clean Your Gear! before leaving a water body and entering another one. The Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park provides some of the best white- water boating and water based recreation in the Eastern United States, said Bureau of State Parks Director John Norbeck. The discovery of didymo has no immediate impact to the visitor experience on or along the Yough. Didymo is not considered a significant risk to human health. Norbeck said the park is working with the Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Environmental Protection to monitor and survey the Youghiogheny River. The park encourages all boaters, fishermen and visitors to be vigilant and avoid spreading didymo into other rivers and streams by properly washing all gear, equipment and watercraft used in the Yough, Norbeck said. The Lower and Middle Yough are open for all recreational uses including white-water boating and fishing. The PFBC recommends that anglers allow exposed equipment to completely dry before entering new waters. After equipment is dry to the touch, allow to dry another 48 hours, the commission suggests. Thick and dense material -- life jackets and felt-soled wading gear -- will hold moisture longer, take longer to dry, and can be more difficult to clean. Soaking equipment in hot water containing dishwashing detergent (2 cups of detergent for every 2.5 gallons of water) for 20 minutes or more also will kill didymo and some other AIS. Cleaning boats and equipment with hot water (maintained at 140 F) by pressure washing or soaking is another effective method. If hot water is not available, a commercial hot-water car wash also makes a good location to wash boats, motors and trailers. At the other end of the temperature range, freezing items solid for at least 24 hours is effective. If cleaning, drying or freezing is not practical, please restrict the equipments use to a single waterway. The PFBC and DCNR are coordinating to identify appropriate next steps, including further sampling of waterways to determine if there are additional areas with didymo.

Didymo is not a public health hazard, but it can cause ecological damage by smothering other organisms which also live on the riverbed and support the food web for the resident fish community. Its been called rock snot because of its appearance. When squeezed dry, the alga, which is generally tan to beige in color, actually has the feel of moist cotton or wool. Its scientific name is Didymosphenia geminata." For more details on how to stop the spread of didymo visit the didymo webpage. For more information on how to clean your gear, visit the Fish and Boat Commissions Clean Your Gear webpage.

Feature Habitat Loss: Can We Do More For Showshoe Hares In Pennsylvania?

By Joe Kosack Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist Game Commission At the direction of its Board of Game Commissioners, the Game Commission will take a closer look at whats limiting the states indigenous snowshoe hare population. Insufficient quality habitat has been the primary suspect for some time. The Board also took action recently to reduce significantly the snowshoe hare season for the upcoming license year. Historically, the Game Commissions approach to managing snowshoes focused largely on augmenting the states population with repeated stockings to the tune of more than 33,000 hares from 1918 to 1981. It also has whittled what was once a month or longer hunting season to less than a week. But the agencys management emphasis to sustain substantial white-tailed deer numbers during the twentieth century fostered forest conditions particularly in the hares primary range in the northern tiers mountainous and swampy areas that inadequately supported snowshoes in many places. Deer, which have similar dietary needs as hares, had snowshoes at a disadvantage, given the whitetails numbers, mobility, reach and consumption capacity. But with increased management emphasis in recent years to balance deer populations with habitat in many Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) across the northern tier, maybe the playing field has been leveled some. Its been said we really dont know whats happening to the species, that we havent performed enough research on hares, Game Commissioner Jay Delaney said. Maybe its time we find out, especially with forest habitat rebounding in many areas of the snowshoes primary range. Hares are important to hunters. Theyre a maintenance species in our Wildlife Action Plan. So it makes sense to try and do something more for hares, if we can. In an effort hoped to bolster hare numbers where theyve sagged or disappeared, and to increase their potential as a game species, the Board closed the snowshoe hare hunting, except for WMUs 2F, 2G and 3A, at its April quarterly meeting. The Board is keenly interested in why hares are doing well in some areas, and not others. Many factors influence the snowshoe hare in Pennsylvania, said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. Two of the most prevalent are that

our state is near the southern limit of the hares range in North America, and snowshoes have a fairly restricted range within our borders. Our Game-Take Surveys indicate hares still maintain a presence in some cases, significant populations in many of those counties where they have been found historically. But the loss of acceptable habitat, from development and forest maturation and fragmentation has been plaguing hares for decades. Where good habitat can be found in their range, youll find hares. Working in concert with the U.S. Geological Surveys Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State, the Game Commission plans to develop a revised management approach for snowshoe hares. Itll start by conducting fieldwork to assess the densities and range of the states hare population and to identify areas of suitable and potential hare habitat. That data then will be correlated to measure the relationship between hares and habitat. This fieldwork will help us confirm the habitat needs of hares and will hopefully shed light on their ability to disperse to improved habitat and from deteriorating habitat within their current range in Pennsylvania, DuBrock said. It will help us solidify our management approach for hares and improve snowshoe populations. The Boards action to close the hare season in all but three WMUs statewide marks the third time in the agencys 117-year history snowshoe hare season has been closed. The other times were statewide season closures in 1936, and from 1939 through 1942, when hares were hunted mostly in November. Since 1954, the hare season has been one week or less. However, hunting is not believed to have an adverse effect on hare populations, according DuBrock. Habitat quality and availability are clearly the most important factors affecting population distribution and status at this time, DuBrock said. The hare harvest in Pennsylvania has declined slowly over the past 20 years, and so has hunter participation, which can be influenced by many factors ranging from weather to hunter access. Hunters have helped the Game Commission keep tabs on the states snowshoe population by reporting their harvests and in later years, effort in the annual Game-Take Survey and other hunter surveys since 1930. But hare hunters over the past 20 years have been a small group they currently represent less than one percent of the states hunting population and their hunting for some time has been limited to a few days between Christmas and New Years Day, which can be influenced greatly by weather. Extrapolating reliable hare harvest and hunter data is difficult, and the product serves more as a guide in trends than a weighted measurement, DuBrock said. With that in mind, from 2006 to 2010, the Game-Take Survey shows the states hunters have reported an average annual harvest of about 1,100 hares. Annual hare hunter numbers over the five-year period averaged about 3,700. Hare harvests have been recorded by the agency since 1930, when about 20,000 were estimated taken by hunters in a 25-day season. In 1980, 15,200 were estimated taken by hunters in a six-day season. In 1990, Game-Take estimated a harvest of 3,600 hares in a six-day season The Game Commissions hare harvest over time reflects a diminishing harvest. The only way that decline could have been confirmed was through continuous monitoring, which didnt happen. Consequently, biologists must deduce population trends from harvest data.

The harvest drop over time also has been influenced by declining hare hunter numbers, loss of quality habitat and harvest reporting modifications to improve accuracy in data collection over time. But eight decades of harvest data do show consistent hare hunter success in Pennsylvania. Whats interesting about the snowshoes range in Pennsylvania is that it still roughly parallels the range hares held at the start of the 20th Century. In 1903, Samuel N. Rhoads status assessment of hares in The Mammals of Pennsylvania and New Jersey indicates their primary range was in the states northern tier, with pockets in Alleghenies. In 2010, the most recent snowshoe hare range map in Terrestrial Vertebrates of Pennsylvania: A Complete Guide to Species of Conservation Concern shows the hares primary range still is generally in the Poconos and Allegheny National Forest, with secondary range from the states northcentral counties south through the Laurel Highlands. Terrestrial Vertebrates of Pennsylvania was developed as an appendix of Pennsylvanias Wildlife Action Plan. The Boards action in April limits hare hunting to three WMUs in northcentral Pennsylvania. Hare hunting will be closed in the states remaining 19 WMUs, including those that contain all of the Poconos Mountains. Further north, snowshoe hares are doing fine in New York, although loss of quality habitat also is starting to pinch the population some there. The states hare season varies, depending upon the wildlife management unit hunted, and season length ranges from roughly one to five months; more than a dozen wildlife management units also are closed annually to hare hunting. The states five-year annual average for hare harvest from the 2006-07 license-year to 2010-11 was 28,902, according to the New York State Small Game Hunter Survey. The five-year annual average for hunters was 18,434. Snowshoes are an endangered species in Maryland, and have been presumed extirpated there for years. In West Virginia, snowshoes are hunted from early November through February, but the state does not keep harvest data currently. Our snowshoe hunters enjoyed a long season and were successful, but that is more due to access then a growing population, said Ken Krantz, a West Virginia Division of Natural Resources biologist. I believe clear-cutting on the Monongahela National Forest has helped the states hare population. Hares are listed as endangered in Virginia and found in only one county, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website. The southern range of hares once extended through the Appalachian Mountains south into North Carolina and Kentucky. Keeping snowshoes in Pennsylvanias secondary hare range through the Allegheny Mountains of Somerset and Cambria counties and the High Plateaus of northcentral Pennsylvania is an important management consideration, according to Dr. Duane Diefenbach, unit leader at the U.S. Geological Surveys Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Penn State University. The snowshoe hares continued presence on this secondary range helps to preserve an important pathway for north/south gene flow within its southern range, said Dr. Diefenbach, who wrote the snowshoe hare account for the Terrestrial Vertebrates of Pennsylvania. Thats important to Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the snowshoes last strongholds in their southern Appalachian range. If we can ensure theres an adequate amount of suitable habitat that has sufficient connectivity between established hare population centers, theres a chance. Pennsylvanias Wildlife Action Plan noted several habitat issues that likely have limited the snowshoe hares ability to augment its population or expand its limited range in Pennsylvania. Habitat deficiencies included loss of early successional forests (five to 15 years old); loss of lower

elevation mixed forests dominated by sugar maple, beech, birch and conifers; and loss of conifer plantations, hemlock stands and high-quality, high elevation shrub-scrub swamps. Other habitat factors include loss of preferred plants to deer overbrowsing and hemlocks to wooly adelgid infestation, habitat fragmentation (especially in the Poconos), poor forest regeneration from acid deposition, and poor forest management on private lands. Predation is probably the greatest mortality factor hares face, Dr. Diefenbach wrote in his Terrestrial Vertebrates of Pennsylvania snowshoe hare account. It involves most mammalian and avian predators that occur in the state. The large number of potential predators may explain why hare populations exhibit little evidence of population cycling in Pennsylvania. Still, habitat shortcomings and deficiencies are the primary factors influencing hare abundance in Pennsylvania. Not predators. Not lack of camouflaging snowfall. Not overharvest by hunters. A more aggressive habitat management program designed to maintain early-successional forestland and a similar outreach program on private lands would like help snowshoes. But it comes with no guarantee. Trying to jumpstart the existing Pennsylvania snowshoe population with stocked hares also could be a risky step, because it presents the potential to compromise healthy hare populations with some disease, disorder or virus the imported hares may harbor. Research in Pennsylvania and elsewhere has shown that the risks often far outweigh the benefits when relocating wild animals in some instances. The future of snowshoe hares in Pennsylvania is tied directly to habitat, DuBrock said. They likely have the capability to increase their numbers in Pennsylvania, but only if there are more brushy thickets, primarily high-quality early successional forestlands, and mixed-hardwood and boreal swamps. But this sort of optimal habitat has been shrinking not increasing in the Commonwealth. Thats bad for snowshoes, as well as other species of conservation concern, such as the golden-winged warbler, Appalachian cottontail and the American woodcock. Changing this trend through habitat management would help species of conservation concern, game animals and a plethora of other less-burdened species and truly represent conservation progress in its broadest application. Its a step in the right direction to help our snowshoe hare population and provide collateral benefits for a whole host of wildlife along the way. Opportunity To Bid On DEP, DCNR Projects The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Fayette County and a Lackawanna County mine reclamation project. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice of an opportunity to bide on a boat launch facility in Clinton County.

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. June 22-- PA Wilds Welcome Sign Mini-Grants June 29-- DEP Act 101 Recycling Implementation, Waste Planning Grants

July 2-- NEW. DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Grants July 6-- PROP Recycling Film Festival July 15-- Pocono Forest and Waters CLI Conservation Assistance Grants July 31-- NEW. Keep PA Beautiful Fresh Paint Days PA Grants July 31-- DCNR Southcentral PA Natural Resource Protection Grants August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants October 1-- NEW. DEP Recycling Performance Grants October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest December 14-- EPA College Campus RainWorks Challenge -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Budget Budget Talks Take Baby Steps Toward Compromise Republicans Weighing New Corbett Budget Pitch Op-Ed: Invest In Preserving Environment For Children Vogel Introduces Different Shell Tax Credit Bill House, Senate Shell Tax Credit Bills Introduced Officials Boost $1.65 Billion Shell Subsidy Plan Corbett Begins PR Effort For Refinery Tax Credit Corbett Wants Speedy OK For Cracker Plant Credits DCED Secretary: Shell Asked For Cracker Plan Assistance Corbett: Others Still Vying For Shell Plant West Virginia: No Further Talks With Shell On Plant Corbett Claims Urgency For Shell Incentives Corbetts $1.7 Billion Shell Tax Break Banks On Jobs Proposed Shell Plant Tax Break Draws Debate Shell Plant Tax Credit Plan Similar To Canadian One Corbett: Shell Negotiations Are Not A Done Deal DCED, DEP Deny Act 2 Program Will Fund Shell Site Cleanup Op-Ed: Corbett Keeps Shoveling Money To Gas Companies Op-Ed: Shell Tax Credit Is About More Jobs, Walker Editorial: Make Shell Tax Credit Pay Off Editorial: Shell-ing Of Plan Is Nearsighted Op-Ed: Corbett Keeps Shoveling Money To Gas Companies Op-Ed: Corbett, Legislature Keep Punting On Transportation Op-Ed: Wheres Pennsylvanias Transportation Plan? Other Litter Campaign Cans Steelers Star Sanders

Letter: Corbett Advocates For States Environment Smart Energy Use Offers Sustainability Tips Gamesa Scraps Wind Farm Project In Somerset Op-Ed: PA About To Lose Its Lead In Solar Industry Editorial: PAs Too Cool To Solar Energy Philadelphia Set To Assign Green Score To Buildings Op-Ed: Allentown Sludge-To-Energy Plant Is A Positive DEP June 27 Meeting/Hearing On Homer City Power Plant Public Comments Being Accepted On Nuclear Site Cleanup Cleanup Begins At Former GAF Site In Erie Businessman Sentenced For Dumping Wastewater Letter: DEPs Library Resources Will Be Accessible Farmers: Strange Start To Growing Season Lackawanna College Begins Work On Environmental Center State Shields 2,389 Farm Acres From Development BioBlitz Documents Hundreds Of Plant, Animals At Kings Gap Habitat Work Underway On State Game Lands Wildlands Announces Purchase Of 4.4 Acres In Salisbury New Link Opens On Schuylkill Trail Plenty Of Trout-Rich Streams In Central PA New Law May Give Fish & Boat Commission More Financial Control Many Species On Display At Noxen Rattlesnake Roundup Sunday Hunting Ban Headed To Court Appalachian Trail Museum Hall Of Fame MSHA Touts Mine Safety Improvements

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--PA Lobbying For DRBC Fracking Rules Study Projects 14 Percent Growth In Shale Jobs PA To Lead In Jobs From Shale Development Vogel Introduces Different Shell Tax Credit Bill House, Senate Shell Tax Credit Bills Introduced Officials Boost $1.65 Billion Shell Subsidy Plan Corbett Begins PR Effort For Refinery Tax Credit Corbett Wants Speedy OK For Cracker Plant Credits DCED Secretary: Shell Asked For Cracker Plan Assistance Corbett: Others Still Vying For Shell Plant West Virginia: No Further Talks With Shell On Plant Corbett Claims Urgency For Shell Incentives Corbetts $1.7 Billion Shell Tax Break Banks On Jobs Proposed Shell Plant Tax Break Draws Debate Shell Plant Tax Credit Plan Similar To Canadian One Corbett: Shell Negotiations Are Not A Done Deal

DCED, DEP Deny Act 2 Program Will Fund Shell Site Cleanup Op-Ed: Corbett Keeps Shoveling Money To Gas Companies Op-Ed: Shell Tax Credit Is About More Jobs, Walker Editorial: Make Shell Tax Credit Pay Off Editorial: Shell-ing Of Plan Is Nearsighted Federal Court Rules In Favor Of PA Gas Pipeline National Fuel Completes Trout Run Gathering System Labor Regulators Cracking Down On Gas Industry Ligonier Twp Joins Gas Law Foes DEP Keeps You In Dark About Spills Officials Say Shale Testing To Start In Robinson, Washington County Gas Company Drops 3 County Pipeline Project In SW Saylor Blasts SEPTA For Snubbing Natural Gas Buses Advisory Opinion Sought On Pittsburgh Drilling Ban Financial/Other States Panel OKs Bill To Keep Drilling Waste Out Of NJ Chesapeake To Renegotiate 4,400 NY Gas Leases

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding Over $100 Million In SBA Flood Disaster Loans Approved In PA Flash Flood Victims Wont Get State, Federal Help Little Concern Over Flood Inundated Farms West Pittston Residents Working To Rebuild After Flooding Other Watershed NewsClips Reminder: Annual Ohio River Sweep June 16 Farmers Brace For Federal Scrutiny On Pollution Cleanup Mandate Cleanup Being Scheduled On North Branch Susquehanna Settlement Funds Used For Watershed Projects Bethlehem Watershed Fights Fire With Fire PEC Sponsors Monongahela River Sojourn Lackawanna River Jamed For RiverFest 2012 Rock Snot Found In Youghiogheny River Rock Snot Invades Monongahela River Locks, Dams May Get Boost

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - June 16, 2012 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice of consumptive water use requests approved in April. The Public Utility Commission published notice formally withdrawing proposed rulemaking and statements of policy on universal service, energy conservation reporting and customer assitance programs. The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of changes to the list of certified radon contractors (PA Bulletin page 3522) Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. June 18-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) providing for private-public transportation projects, House Bill 1934 (F.Keller-R-Snyder) further providing for mandatory recycling. Rules Room. Off the Floor. June 18-- NEW. House State Government Committee meets to consider House Resolution 750 (Godshall-R- Montgomery) memorializing the President and Congress to provide for the storage of used nuclear fuel. Room 205 Ryan Building. 12:00. June 18-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will feature a presentation by the PA Biomass Energy Association. Room G-50 Irvis Building. Noon. June 19-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 1544 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authorizing DCNR to lease lands for wind, solar and other renewable energy projects. Room 8E-B East Wing. 9:30.

June 19-- NEW. House Transportation Committee meets to consider House Bill 1643 (J.Evans-RCrawford) further providing for persons under 16 operating snowmobiles and ATVs. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 10:00. June 19-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is July 17. (formal notice) June 19-- CANCELED. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. The next scheduled meeting is July 17. June 19-- CANCELED. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. The next scheduled meeting is September 18. (formal notice) June 19-- NEW. DCNR PA Recreational Trails Advisory Board meeting. Holiday InnHarrisburg, 604 Station Road, Grantville. 10:30. Contact: Vanyla Tierney 717-783-2654. (formal notice) June 20-- Agenda Released. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, Harrisburg. 10:00. June 21-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) June 21-- Agenda Released. DEP State Board For Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators meeting. 8th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call 717-234-1716.

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