DEP’s latest Health Waters Chesapeake Bay newsletter is packed with updates on the program, available grants, county implementation reports and upcoming events, accomplishments and much more--

The State of Maryland is providing over $20 million to purchase water quality outcomes to meet the nutrient reduction goals of the Conowingo Watershed Implementation Plan through the Conowingo Pay For Success Program.

The funds are administered by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission and will target projects that reduce nutrient loads entering the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Projects located anywhere in the Susquehanna watershed are eligible. Those in the most effective basins developed by the Conowingo WIP, including in the sub-watersheds of Deer Creek, Conowingo Creek or Octoraro Creek in Pennsylvania will receive additional prioritization.

A formal request for proposals is expected to be released in October with a December due date.

Pay for Success contracting is authorized under Maryland's Conservation Finance Act, is a proven method of procuring verified environmental outcomes more cost-effectively.

The Conservation Finance Act also creates a framework for Maryland, with other states’ support, to finance projects upstream and be able to count those nutrient reductions against its obligations.

This program will be the first known example of one state purchasing environmental outcomes produced in another.

Oct. 23 Webinar

If interested in learning more, join the RFP mailing list and register for a webinar.

For more information, visit the SRBC’s Conowingo Pay For Success Program webpage.

Other Funding Opportunities

The PA Association of Conservation Districts still has funds available under the Ag Plan Reimbursement Program which is used to offset costs associated with Manure Management, Nutrient Management, Conservation and Agriculture Erosion and Sediment (Ag E&S) Plans.

To date, this statewide project has generated more than 340 plans encompassing almost 46,000 acres.

DCNR Virtual Grant Workshop for recreation and conservation projects funded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program is available any time.

The next grant round opens January 16 through April 3.

EPA accepting applications for Environmental Education grants through November 8.

DEP accepting Agricultural Energy Efficiency Rebate Program applications on a first-come, first-served basis through December 31.

DEP accepting Small Business Advantage Grant applications for projects that improve energy efficiency, reduction pollution or protect waterways-- first-come, first-served.

(Reprinted from DEP’s latest Health Waters Chesapeake Bay Update newsletter.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

Resource Link:

-- USGS Study: Floodplains In Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Watersheds Provide $124 Million+ In Annual Water Quality, Sediment Trapping Benefits

Related Articles:

-- House Committee Hears Benefits Of Forested Stream Buffers-- Increasing Property Values, Water Quality Improvements, Reduced Impacts From Flooding; Builders, Republican Chair Worried About A ‘Taking’ Of Property  [PaEN]

-- Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, Partners: October Is Riparian Buffer Month!  Join Special Events Near You! Build Awareness. Share Tips, Facts!

-- Could Your Land Benefit From A Forested Riparian Stream Buffer?  Contact The Western PA Conservancy  [PaEN]

-- Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed: 300+ Attend 11th Annual Delaware River Watershed Forum Uniting Hundreds Of Conservation Advocates, Constituents And Organizations  [PaEN]

-- Agencies Celebrate Eastern Hellbender License Plate Recognizing PA’s Clean Water Ambassador; Shale Gas Development On DCNR Land Threatens Habitat  [PaEN]

-- Pike County Conservation District: What Is The Conservation Districts' Role?  [PaEN]

[Posted: October 3, 2023]

10/9/2023