The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will enhance programs that restore and protect the Shenango River watershed as a result of a $10,000 grant from Pennsylvania American Water.

During a recent event at the Loren Elder Farm in New Castle, WPC representatives described the critical importance of this watershed as a drinking water source and a home to fragile ecosystems. The American Water Environmental Grant will be used by WPC to bolster programs that protect this important natural resource from agricultural runoff.

“We are grateful to Pennsylvania American Water for selecting us to receive their 2007 Environmental Grant,” said Jennifer Bennett, Watershed Scientist for WPC’s Freshwater Conservation Program. “The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is working collaboratively with area farmers to improve the water quality of the Shenango River basin, having recently constructed 20 miles of streambank fencing along the river. These funds will support our efforts to protect this important waterway.”

Agriculture, despite its value to Pennsylvania as an industry, can negatively impact the state’s waterways due to farm runoff that contributes to an excess of nitrates, phosphates and other organic pollutants. Best practices in farming, however, can correct or significantly improve these problems. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is a leader in the growing effort to sustain farm economies in ways that protect natural resources for future generations.

"Through American Water's Environmental Grant Program, we're investing in organizations like the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and supporting the people behind their projects who are looking to the future by improving the sustainability of our water resources today," said Kathy Pape, President of Pennsylvania American Water.

Since piloting the grant in 2005 in Pennsylvania, the American Water Environmental Grant program has supported or is supporting projects that protect or restore drinking water sources and surrounding watersheds. Grants are now offered in 13 states and, to date, over $76,000 has funded watershed protection/improvement projects.

Pennsylvania American Water is a public, regulated water utility in the state providing quality water and/or wastewater services to over two million people in 378 communities across the state.

To date, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has protected more than 214,000 acres of natural lands in Pennsylvania, which represent more than 50 percent of the total land protected by land trust organizations in Pennsylvania. Now in its 75th year, Pennsylvania’s first conservancy continues to partner with grassroots organizations to protect land, restore watersheds and save natural habitats.

9/28/2007