The goals and initiatives undertaken by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership to protect and improve the green infrastructure of water-based and land-based trails, riparian buffers and pathways linking the Susquehanna River and the West Branch were highlighted in the Environmental Issues Forum this week sponsored by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.

Gary Bloss, Executive Director of the Partnership, Trish Carothers, the Partnership's Development and Outreach Coordinator and Brenda Barrett, Director of DCNR's Bureau of Recreation and Conservation provided the overview to the Committee.

Bloss said the Partnership was commissioned under former Gov. Tom Ridge to develop an interagency strategic plan designed to coordinate public and private investments to enhance recreation, promote healthy living, creating economic opportunities and improving environmental stewardship.

A copy of Bloss' comments is available online.

Barrett said the Susquehanna Greenway spans nearly 500 miles making it Pennsylvania's largest greenway which provides nearly half of the fresh water entering the Chesapeake Bay. She said the Partnership is creating a network of hubs, such as parks, conservation areas, historical, cultural and recreational sites to attract more use of Greenway resources.

Carothers said for every $1 million invested in developing and promoting Greenway resources creates $1.3 to $1.8 million worth of economic impact. As a result, the Partnership is a generator of green collar jobs for designing, constructing, maintaining and using Greenway projects.

2/13/2009