On March 10, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the recognition of David Wise, Stroud Water Research Center, with the Watershed Forestry Leadership Award at the 2021 Riparian Forest Buffer Summit.

The Watershed Forestry Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leaders with significant, positive impacts that advance watershed forestry practices in Pennsylvania.

David Wise is a pioneer in buffer work and a contributor to countless working groups, committees, and teams focused on increasing buffer implementation. Wise has contributed significantly to common techniques and innovations in buffers and is inclusive of all ideas, from budding to seasoned professionals alike.

“Dave Wise firmly believes and consistently demonstrates that our work on buffers is better together,” Dunn said.

Keystone Tree Fund

Pennsylvanians interested in supporting streamside buffer and urban tree plantings can help through the newly established Keystone Tree Fund.

“Across the Commonwealth we are seeing growing understanding and interest in planting trees as a natural solution to many issues including for climate resilience, improving water and air quality, and helping with flooding,” Dunn said. “The Keystone Tree Fund gives everyone the opportunity to support that work.”

You can donate to the Keystone Tree Fund by renewing your driver’s license and vehicle registration online only.  During the online renewal, you will see a check-off box to contribute $3 to the Fund.

The fund also can accept direct donations that will support the existing TreeVitalize and Riparian Forest Buffer programs through DCNR.

Donations can be made out to “DCNR c/o Keystone Tree Fund,” and mailed to: PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry,   ATTN: Rural and Community Forestry, 400 Market St., 6th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17105.

DCNR is leading the effort involving many partners from all levels of government and many non-profits who also plant and fund streamside buffers.

Trees are one of the most cost-effective tools for improving local water quality. Streamside tree and shrub plantings filter the runoff of pollutants from the land, control erosion, slow down runoff during heavy rains, provide privacy and shade, cool stream temperatures, and improve fish and pollinator habitat.

Pennsylvania has a goal of planting more than 86,000 acres of stream buffers statewide to improve rivers and streams in the commonwealth, and help the Chesapeake Bay.

Find more information on buffers, visit DCNR’s Forest Buffers Along Waterways webpage.

Related Article:

-- DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: David Wise, Stroud Water Research Center

Related Articles - Budget DEP-DCNR:

-- Work The Problem, Cancel The Show: Environmental Funding Is About People, Not Numbers

-- 90 percent Of Voters Want MORE Funding For Critical Environmental, Conservation Programs & Local Projects-- Whose Budget Proposal Does That?

-- 90 percent Of PA Voters Want Senate, House To Provide More Funding For Critical Environmental, Conservation Programs; That Didn’t Happen In 2020

-- $201,977,000 Diverted From Environment, Energy Funds To Balance FY 2020-21 State Budget

[Posted: March 10, 2021]

3/15/2021