The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Teddi Stark, 32, Harrisburg, was recently featured as part of the next generation that is carrying on Pennsylvania’s rich conservation legacy.

Growing up in Elk County in the Pennsylvania Wilds, Teddi spent most of her free time exploring in creeks and ponds, catching salamanders, frogs, and aquatic insects.

Now, she gets to work every day to help protect the water resources she enjoyed so much as a child.

Teddi works within DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry to make sure that riparian forest buffers -- the trees, shrubs, and grasses planted along streams to keep the pollutants from reaching the water -- are maintained, improving water quality and aquatic habitats throughout the state.

Teddi is responsible for the coordination of DCNR’s statewide Riparian Forest Buffer Initiative, which provides financial assistance and coordination to design, establish, monitor, and maintain these buffers.

Pennsylvania has more than 86,000 miles of rivers and streams. Maintaining and restoring buffers is a key strategy for improving water quality and aquatic habitat in Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth has a goal of planting 95,000 acres of riparian forest buffers statewide by 2025 to improve waterways in Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay.

Due to an increase in pollution, the rivers, streams, and other waterways in Pennsylvania can send dangerous sediment and excess nutrients into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and other key water sources.

“Our streams and rivers are sending too much pollution sediment and nutrients to the bay, which causes algal bloom and depletes oxygen from the water,” says Teddi. “This can affect life in the bay -- which sustains the economy -- and makes water unhealthy for wildlife. So many people take the trees and forests for granted and don’t think about all the good they do for the environment.”

Communicating the importance of this work is a big part of her position, which she has held for three years.

“I believe it is only through robust, collaborative partnerships that we will solve today’s environmental challenges,” she says, “and ensure a healthier world for future generations.”

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently highlighted five fresh young citizens playing significant roles in resource management, wilderness preservation, and environmental protection in Pennsylvania.

Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or conservation that we should feature? Contact DCNR by sending email to: ra-resource@pa.gov  to nominate someone.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Earth Day 50 PA

Learn about more Earth Day anniversary events at the Earth Day 50 PA website.

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[Posted: April 15, 2020]

4/20/2020