With over 83,000 miles of streams and rivers, Pennsylvania is blessed with an abundance of fresh water. But not all of that water is suitable for consumption nor is it able to support the fish and aquatic life that depend on it. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is working with citizens across the state to change that.

CBF’s goal is to see dramatic changes in 2007, improving not only Pennsylvania’s water quality, but those of the Chesapeake Bay as well. But change can only happen if others get involved and take action.

2007 offers a unique opportunity for the Rendell Administration, legislators and the general public to make dramatic improvements in water quality by doing three key things:

Enacting the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP)-- This legislation was originally introduced in July 2006, and has received broad bi-partisan support in both the House and the Senate. Scheduled to be reintroduced in January 2007, the revised legislation will help to remove 15 million pounds of nitrogen annually from local streams; help reduce property losses by stabilizing streambanks and keeping soil on the land and out of the water; and will significantly improve the health of Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams, and the Chesapeake Bay’s water quality as well.

Throughout the region, farmers face skyrocketing costs and decreasing profits. Nonetheless, farmers have proven repeatedly that they want to do the right thing to improve water quality. They need and deserve proven tools to get the job done.

This first-of-it’s-kind legislation would offer transferable tax credits to farmers who implement best management practices on their property - practices that are essential to good stream health. Projects like barnyard upgrades, fencing cows out of streams, and planting trees along streambanks are eligible.

If enacted, REAP will help Pennsylvania make a huge step toward meeting the EPA’s clean water quality standards, and to meeting our requirements of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement.

Getting our Fair Share of the Federal Farm Bill – Up for renewal this year, the Federal Farm Bill could also provide much-needed investments in conservation measures that would substantially improve water quality, infuse funds into local economies, and keep farmers farming.

However, per dollar of product produced by Pennsylvania farmers, the Farm Bill investment received is less than half the national average and far below that of many other states. Data from 2000 to 2005 show that Bay state farmers (WV, DE, NY, PA, MD, VA) receive on average 4 cents per dollar agricultural production value whereas the national average is almost 9 cents. Iowa farmers receive 13 cents, and North Dakota farmers get 23 cents.

It’s time Pennsylvania farmers received their fair share of the federal funding. CBF is working with state and federal officials to increase that funding, and is looking to its members and the public to let their voices be heard as well. It’s up to our Congressmen and Senators to fight for an equal share of the pie.

Plant a Tree, Save a Stream – Over the past 10 years, CBF has worked with landowners and farmers throughout the watershed to plant native trees and shrubs along streambanks. Over 2,000 miles have already been planted. Stream-side buffers help to reduce pollution that enters a stream, stabilize the banks, provides habitat for wildlife, and ultimately helps keep our streams healthy.

Why not plant a streamside buffer on your property in 2007?

These are just a few of the opportunities to get involved in protecting water quality in Pennsylvania. To learn more check out the CBF – PA webpage.

NewsClip: Editorial: New Year’s Resolution for Improved Water Quality

Plan to Remove Trees Along River Angers Residents

Link: 83% of Assessed Streams Meet Water Quality Standards in PA

Issue NoteBook: Resource Enhancement & Protection Tax Credit Proposal

12/29/2006