Chickee's Point along the Susquehanna River, Lancaster County. Print your own copy from the PDF file attached to this webpage

DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty said budget cuts proposed in Gov. Rendell’s budget request for next fiscal year “run deep,” which makes taking action on his Growing Greener II proposal all the more urgent.

DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis described his budget in less dire terms saying it was “lean and responsible.”

Both agencies, however, said they are still able to accomplish their missions.

More details, including the full budget testimony of both agencies, are included in this Digest.

This Digest also includes a DEP announcement that it would no longer accept proposals under its Land Recycling Program for projects to clean up environmental problems on agricultural land slated for development.

And in response to requests, we created an instant “Digest Photo Gallery” for all the photographs contributed by readers since we began publishing. We invite you to submit your photographs to share with others showing how beautiful our habitat is in Pennsylvania!

Session Schedule

Next scheduled voting session days begin week of March 14.

Contents – On the Hill

· DEP Budget Cuts “Run Deep,” Push Is On For Growing Greener II

· Governor Hears “Buzz” on Black Fly Spraying Program

· DCNR Looks at Inns, Lodges, Expanding PA Wilds, Wind Energy Opportunities

Other News

· New Watershed Resource Guide Available, DEP Sets Workshops

· Targeted Watersheds Nominations Due to DEP March 10

· Federal Recovery Grants Available for Floodplain Relocation, Debris Removal

· Kettle Creek TMDL Available for Public Comment

· Sign Up Now for Watershed Snapshot 2005 -- April 15–24

· DEP Draft Guidance on Protecting Streams/Wetlands From Deep Coal Mining

· West Branch Susquehanna River AMD Restoration Project Symposium Set

· Kettle Creek Landowner Stewardship Workshop April 2

· The Chesapeake Club Shows How to Adopt a “Chesapeake Lifestyle”

· Investigating Watershed Issues: Supporting Student Research - April 14 Program

· Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp Registration Still Open

· DEP Will Not Accept Land Recycling Requests for Cleanups on Agricultural Land

· Reminders: Shades of Green Nominations Due, April 7 Building Solutions Summit

· EPA Hosting Indoor, Outdoor Clean Air Programs for School Officials

· Forest Lands Beautification Program Cleans Up 33 Dumps, 287 Tons of Trash

· EPA Recognizes Limerick Township For Environmental Performance

· Display at Philadelphia Flower Show Highlights Native Species

· New Report Shows Bioenergy Could Increase Farm Profits by $5 Billion

· Quick Clips: Methane Wells, Mass Transit, Hybrid Vehicles, Open Space, Suburban Renewal, PPL Responsible, Bethlehem Museum, Carbon Natural Areas, $2.50 Gas, Furniture Recycling, Saving Water Treatment Costs

Think Spring!

· Watch the Peregrine Falcon Nest Online Video Starting March 7

· Look for Migrating Birds Coming to A Location Near You

· A Springtime Adventure: Vernal Pools

Watershed Feature

· The Chemistry of Saving Anderson Creek

Digest Photo Gallery

· Contribute Your Photographs to the Digest Gallery

Calendar of Events – Check out all the new items!

3/4/2005