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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
July 30, 2007
(7/27/2007)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 7/30/07
* Over 130 Attend 2007 Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference
by Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator, Western Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation
* Bills On the Governor’s Desk
All the major bills on the Governor’s desk have now been signed. Here’s the rundown…
* On the Senate/House Agenda
The House has these committee meetings scheduled this week…
* Gov. Rendell Signs $10 Million REAP Conservation Tax Credit Into Law
Gov. Rendell this week signed legislation into law giving his approval to the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) that gives farmers tax credits for installing conservation practices.
* Joint Committee Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Now Online
The July issue of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter published by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee is now available online. It includes the roster of committee members for the new legislative session.
* PA Conservationists Recognized By State Conservation Commission
The State Conservation Commission recently recognized four individuals and three districts for their conservation efforts in the Commonwealth.
* PA Student Places 2nd in Rachel Carson “A Sense of Wonder” Competition
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had its non-profit partners announced the winners of this year’s Rachel Carson “A Sense of Wonder” Essay, Photography and Poetry Competition. One of the winners included a 17-year old student and his mother from Pennsylvania for a poetry entry.
* Photo Tour: Six Mile Run Watershed Committee, Broad Top Township
Recently officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection toured mine drainage treatment and other projects in the Six Mile Run Watershed in Broad Top Township, Bedford County to learn how small communities can have a big impact on water quality problems.
* Learn About the Delaware Estuary at Coast Day Event September 15
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, along with several partners, will host its annual Southeastern Pennsylvania Coast Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 15, at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River in Philadelphia.
* Penn State Launches Water-Testing Program for PA Residents
To help ensure an abundant supply of safe water for people, crops and livestock, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has launched a water-testing program, which will be administered by the college's Agricultural Analytical Services Lab.
* PECO Awards $116,000 in 'Green Region' Grants to 17 Southeast Municipalities
PECO awarded grants to 17 municipalities with projects focusing on open space conservation and parks and recreational resources as part of the PECO Green Region Program.
* U.S. House Passes Farm Bill That Improves Water Quality, Helps Family Farms
The 2007 Farm Bill passed by the House today will provide unprecedented conservation funding targeted to restoring healthy streams and clean water and help family farms, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
* $1 Million Invested to Preserve Montgomery County Farm
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week awarded a $1 million grant to the Natural Lands Trust and Whitemarsh Foundation to help preserve nearly 100 acres of the Erdenheim Farm in Whitemarsh Township, Montgomery County.
* PA Land Trust Assn. Sponsors Conservation Easement Standards Course Sept. 6-7
The PA Land Trust Association is sponsoring a Standards & Practice Course on Managing Conservations Easements in Perpetuity in Valley Forge on September 6-7.
* Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Summit Set for September 12-13
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and its partners will hold its 2007 KPB Summit on September 12-13 in Camp Hill, across the river from Harrisburg.
* Clinton County CleanScapes Project Announces Another Summer Cleanup
The Clinton County CleanScapes Project has announced another Summer Cleanup/ PA Wilds Refuse Removal Beautification Event on August 18 on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Clinton County.
* Energy Fund Receives COSTAR Approval as LED Supplier, Installer, Financier
The Sustainable Energy Fund announced this week it has received approval from the Department of General Services for the state’s COSTARS program as a qualified supplier.
* PUC Starts Rulemaking on Changes to Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Law
The Public Utility Commission this week began the rulemaking process to revise its net metering and interconnection regulations to reflect the requirements of Act 35 of 2007 -- House Bill 1203 (Hornaman-D-Erie) -- which recently amended a number of provisions of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act.
* Hawk Mountain Hosts International Raptor Meeting September 12-16
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will host the Raptor Research Foundation and Hawk Migration Association of North America Joint Meeting on September 12-16 near Fogelsville, Berks County.
* DCNR Renames Valley Forge Forest District in Honor of William Penn
To eliminate public confusion over the name of one of its 20 state forest districts, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced it has rename the Valley Forge State Forest District in honor of William Penn, the founder of the state and an early conservationist.
* Hunters Can Apply for Anterless Deer Licenses Starting August 6
The Game Commission this week announced hunters can begin applying for regular antlerless deer licenses beginning August 6 (resident hunters) and August 20 (non-resident).
* Game Commission Posts DMAP Information for Hunters
As hunters prepare for the upcoming antlerless deer license application period, those looking for new antlerless deer hunting opportunities are encouraged to review the list of Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) properties online.
* New Firewood Quarantine In Effect in PA Due to Emerald Ash Borer
To prevent the spread of exotic invasive pests like the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, Sirex Wood Wasp and Bark Beetles, Pennsylvania has banned the importation of out-of-state firewood, the Department of Agriculture announced this week.
* Invitation to List Your Business in Penn State’s PA Green Business Guide
The Penn State Center for Sustainability, partnering with the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program is creating an online Guide to "Green" Pennsylvania Businesses and Industries.
* Help Wanted -- PA Resources Council, Western PA Audubon
The Pennsylvania Resources Council is seeking a full/part-time Environmental Education Coordinator to lead PRC’s team of environmental educators at its Newtown Square, Delaware County facility.
* Spotlight - How You Can Increase Your Watershed Group’s Online Presence
One of the easiest ways to increase your organization’s visibility is to do so online. Why? read on…
* Feature - Plants Matter – Consider the Water Willow
By Patrick McShea, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the upgrade in air quality status for Cumberland, Perry and other counties.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a proposed 2008 Environmental Education Grants Manual and a procedure for evaluating wastewater discharges to intermittent streams for comment.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@CrisciAssociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .
* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.

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