On February 12, the North Branch Land Trust announced it received a Susquehanna River Basin Commission Stream and Watershed Enhancement Grant to develop a Guide for Watershed Guardians in Luzerne County.

The Guide will offer watershed protection and stewardship opportunities in Luzerne County Preserves through invasive species management and watershed educational resources.

North Branch Land Trust will work with professional native habitat restoration specialists to target invasive species at locations in Luzerne County Preserves and create educational brochures for Hanover Crossings Marsh Sanctuary and Forest Echo Bird Sanctuary with a focus on watershed stewardship.

“We are all connected by water, and outdoor enthusiasts in the region certainly feel a connection to the Susquehanna River. Invasive species like phragmites, stilt grass, and barberry are good connectors too, and they spread, ultimately making it difficult for our native species to thrive,” said Executive Director Ellen Ferretti.  “With the support of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, North Branch Land Trust can better steward our waterways.”

Invasive species management activities will commence with amenable weather conditions. The community can look forward to habitat improvements and opportunities to learn more about stewarding the local watershed for future generations.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission has awarded more than $155,000 to local organizations that are striving to improve the welfare of our watersheds.

Abandoned mine drainage education, aquatic organism passage, a recreational disability access study, water trail and stream quality signage, waterway road salt monitoring, a pet waste cleanup campaign, and kayak safety training are just a few examples of other chosen projects that will create a safer, more vibrant basin.

The North Branch Land Trust partners with landowners, communities and stakeholders to conserve and care for Northeastern Pennsylvania’s lands and waters.

Resource Link:

-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Announces Award Of $155,000+ To Support 34 Local Watershed Improvement Projects  [PaEN]

Related Articles:

-- DEP, Attorney General Announce $14,866,280 In Grants To Fund 79 Local Water Quality Improvement Projects Funded By Growing Greener, Natural Gas Pipeline Penalties  [PaEN]

-- PA American Water Charitable Foundation Accepting Applications For 2025 Water & Environment Grants  [PaEN]

-- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grant Letters Of Intent Due Feb. 18

-- Appalachian Voices: Abandoned Mine Cleanup Disrupted By Ongoing Freeze In Federal Funding [Defying Court Orders] [PaEN]

-- Washington County Judge Rules Sunoco Pipeline Did Not Have Eminent Domain Authority To Take Property For Mariner East Pipelines In Landowner Lawsuit Alleging Fraud  [PaEN]

-- What The Shale Gas Industry Leaves Behind: DEP: Southwestern Energy Prod Co. Failed To Comply With Act 2 Cleanup Standards At The Greenzweig Shale Gas Wastewater Impoundment In Bradford County After 5 Years  [PaEN]

-- Online PA Lake Erie Environmental Forum Set For Feb. 18 - Energy Industry And Its Impacts On Freshwater Resources  [PaEN]

-- New Growing Greener Communities Website Provides Guidance For Protecting Our Environment, Drinking Water Sources  [PaEN]

-- Protecting Clean Water Together: Starting To Think About The Garden?  How To Simplify Garden Work - By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County  [PaEN]

-- Water At Risk: Setting Your Sights On A Winter Walk - By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County  [PaEN]

-- Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Includes Energy Plan; Funding To Make-up Deficit In Oil & Gas Program; New State Park, Trail Initiative; Over $6.2 Billion In Federal Funding At Risk For DEP, DCNR, PennVEST  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- WHYY: Upper Makefield Twp. Residents Call For Answers After Energy Transfer Jet Fuel Pipeline Leak Contaminated Wells In Bucks County

-- Inquirer: Legislators Say Energy Transfer Jet Fuel Pipeline That Leaked Into Bucks County Wells Should Be Shut Down; Operator Failed To Detect Leak

-- The Energy Age Blog: Judge Rules Sunoco Didn’t Have Eminent Domain Power For Mariner East Pipelines Work In 2013; Lawsuit Claims Company Coerced Property Owners Into Allowing Easements

-- Observer-Reporter: Washington County Judge Rules Sunoco Did Not Have Eminent Domain Powers For Mariner East Pipeline In 2013 In Landowner Lawsuit Alleging Fraud   [PDF of Article]

-- WGAL: High Levels Of PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Found In Drinking Water In Some Southcentral PA Communities

-- Post-Gazette Guest Essay: ALCOSAN Can Make Money On Sewage And Help The Environment Too - By Gianna Kolencik, graduate student, and John Stolz, Professor of Engineering at Duquesne University

-- FOX43: Watershed Experts Keep An Eye On Road Salt Pollution In York County Streams, Creeks

[Posted: February 12, 2025]

2/17/2025