The Department of Environmental Protection this week published a new “Watershed Stewardship: A Planning and Resource Guide” that is available two ways-- free online or on a CD upon request.

The Guide is designed to give grassroots watershed groups and local governments a framework for developing comprehensive watershed plans that address local goals, ensure compatibility with regional and state-scale planning efforts, and provide groups with the most current data available on restoration efforts.

The Guide includes a general introduction to watershed resources and six special “toolboxes” for--

· Watershed Organization Development and Sustainability;

· Securing Financial and Human Resources;

· Watershed Assessments;

· Developing the Watershed Management Plan;

· Implementation; and

· Monitoring for Success

The introduction and each of the toolboxes must be downloaded separately from DEP’s e-Library.

The DEP Watershed Academy and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Watershed Assistance Center are offering two, one-day workshops to watershed managers, watershed specialists, municipal officials, planners and watershed organizations interested in learning how to use the Guide effectively.

The workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on two dates:

· March 16 in the Susquehanna Room of DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

· March 22 in the Terrace Room of the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, Lycoming County.

To register or for more information on the workshops, call the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Watershed Assistance Center at 724-459-0953, ext. 113, before March 9.

“Watershed Stewardship: A Planning and Resource Guide” is available on CD and DEP’s online e-Library.

For more information on the Guide, contact Diane Wilson, DEP Watershed Assistance Division, by phone at 717-787-3730 or via e-mail diawilson@state.pa.us.

3/4/2005