Pennsylvania American Water announced Wednesday eight watershed initiatives across the state have earned financial support through the company’s 2013 Environmental Grant Program.

The recipients will receive a share of grant funds totaling nearly $35,000 for their community-based projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds.

A panel of judges selected the winners from more than 30 grant applications, which were evaluated on such criteria as environmental need, innovation, community engagement and sustainability.

“Each one of these organizations is making a difference in its community, and we are very proud to partner with them on these important watershed improvement projects,” said Kathy L. Pape, president, Pennsylvania American Water. “Now in its ninth year, our Environmental Grant Program has provided needed support for community-based projects that positively impact the environment and our water sources.”

The following describes the winning Environmental Grant projects:

-- Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Luzerne County: With the funding, EPCAMR will address watershed and habitat degradation of Solomon’s Creek. The restoration project will remove large woody blockages from previous flood events, plus trash and debris that compromise the health and ecosystem along the Creek and its tributaries. The group will also implement tree plantings and trout stream restoration within the riparian corridor of the watershed.

-- Evergreen Conservancy, Indiana County: The organization will use the funding to purchase and install a solar panel that will power a water quality monitor in the Tanoma Wetlands. An educational program involving renewable energy and water quality will also be part of the program.

-- Friends of Cherry Valley, Monroe County: The organization plans to enhance and restore wetland area in a bog turtle habitat recently acquired as part of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers will remove invasive plant species from a 20-acre area and monitor bog turtle nesting.

-- Pennsylvania Resources Council, Allegheny County: With the funding, PRC will host household chemical collection events in western Pennsylvania and educate the public about alternative cleaning products and waste disposal.

-- Londonderry Township, Dauphin County: The grant will support restoration of the riparian buffer along sections of Swatara Creek in an area flooded by 2011’s Tropical Storm Lee. Volunteers will plant native trees and shrubs to vegetate the restored floodplain.

-- Borough of Kittanning, Armstrong County: The grant will support the installation of a rain garden along the Armstrong Trail that will address drainage issues. The project will utilize best management practices to reduce runoff volume and enhance aesthetics along the trail.

-- Dunmore Historical Society, Lackawanna County: Funding will allow the group to improve wetland areas around the Dunmore #1 Walking Trail by stabilizing the wetlands with vegetation, improving drainage in those areas, and reducing the amount of standing water.

-- Manada Conservancy, Dauphin County: The conservancy plans to restore wetland areas in Boathouse Park along Swatara Creek. Native shrubs and plants will be planted to restore the riparian zone, promote biological diversity, and improve the aquatic habitat.

4/29/2013