pa environment digest jan. 21, 2013

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

1/29

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

2/29

December.-- Council Work Plan: The Council continued its discussion of a work plan for this year tofocus its activities on issues of priority importance. This effort was prompted by DEPs requestfor the Council to reduce its expenses and a 40 percent cut in its budget over the last five years.

Tentative priorities for the coming year include:-- Advancing transparency and public participation in policy development, programimplementation, public service, enforcement actions and permitting decisions;-- Ongoing review and analysis of DEP activities as mandated by state law, including, amongother issues: Act 54 Mine Subsidence and the Air Pollution Control Act;-- Providing a forum for issues brought by the public to the CAC;-- Consultation with and bringing issues to the attention of the General Assembly; and-- Evaluating DEPs ability to fulfill its statutorily mandated responsibilities and mission in lightof continued budget cuts at the state and federal level.

The Council is also streamlining its committee structure to better reflect currentbudgetary limitations.

Final consideration of the work plan is scheduled for the February 19 meeting.-- Council Members: DEP reported re-appointment or appointment of six Council members bythe Governor was still in process. There are also vacancies or re-appointments pending by theHouse- 1 and the Senate- 1.-- Council Representatives: The Council voted to appoint Cynthia Carrow, Terry Dayton,David Hess and Burt Waite as the Councils representatives to DEPs Mining and ReclamationAdvisory Board.

The next meeting of the Council is February 19. For more information, visit the DEPCitizens Advisory Council webpage or contact Marge Hughes, CAC Executive Director, bysending email to: [email protected] General DePasquale Initiates Audit Of DEP Shale Water/Waste Programs

On his first day in office Wednesday, Auditor General Eugene DePasquale notified the head ofthe Department of Environmental Protection that a performance audit of water programs relatedto the development of the states shale gas reserves would begin next week.

In a letterand phone call to DEP Secretary Michael Krancer, DePasquale said the auditwill be a constructive one whereby all entities work together to identify any problems, concerns,and solutions, as well as any positive findings related to our audit objectives.

The primary objectives of the audit will be to determine the effectiveness of DEPsmonitoring of water quality impacted by shale gas extraction and to measure DEPs oversight ofthe handling and treatment of waste associated with the shale gas process. More specifically, theletter said---- Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of DEPs monitoring of water quality aspotentially impacted by shale gas development activities, including but not limited to, systemsand procedures for testing, screening, reporting and response to adverse impact such ascontamination.

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

3/29

-- Determine the adequacy and effectiveness of DEPs monitoring of the handling, treatmentand disposal of waste connected with shale gas development activity, including but not limitedto, systems and procedures for testing, tracking, treating, disposal, data collection and analysis,resue and recycling, reporting and response to adverse impact such as contamination.

The audit will cover the period of 2009 through 2012.

As I noted yesterday (Tuesday) in my swearing-in remarks, while natural gas drillinghas brought new opportunities to small towns and rural communities throughout the state, thatsame drilling poses challenges to our environmental regulators, our local communities and ournatural resources, the auditor general said. However, we must strive to grow our economy andprotect our environment and public health at the same time.

The auditor general firmly emphasized that the goal of the audit of shale gas drilling andenvironmental protection is to ensure that Pennsylvania is doing the right thing to protect ourwaterways and our people while developing a valuable natural resource.

A copy of the letteris available online.NewsClips:

DePasquale Prepares To Audit DEPAuditor General Looks At Marcellus Shales Water ImpactPennDOT Modernization Results In $50 Million Savings, Funding Plan Due Next Week

Gov. Tom Corbett Friday announced PennDOT has identified more than $50 million in savingsthrough its Next Generation initiative that involves modernizing operations, expanding inter-agency efficiencies and becoming a better business partner.

The announcement comes just days before Gov. Corbett is expected to announce a multi-billion billion funding plan.

PennDOTs Next Generation efforts are focusing on using every dollar effectivelyand efficiently in delivering transportation products. PennDOT is doing more with less whilecontinuing to focus on the quality of their service, Corbett said.

PennDOTs Next Generation initiative, which is outlined at www.ModernDOT.pa.gov,encompasses technology improvements, employee suggestions and private-sector innovationto evaluate and enhance business practices. Next Generation projects also include efficienciesstemming from increased coordination with other state partners, and other modernization efforts.

Pennsylvania has a well-established need for additional transportation funding, this iscritical to preserve our economy and our quality of life, Corbett said. As we move forward toestablish new revenues it is critical that PennDOT is able to maximize every dollar possible.

One example of a Next Generation Project is the departments ePermitting system forhighway occupancy permits, which moved the process online, increasing transparency andreducing the review time from an average of 45 days to 10 days.

The system received a 2012 National Association of State Chief Information Officersaward in the Government to Business category.

Efficiencies are also being realized through projects streamlining right of way programservices as well as bridge inspection and analysis. The department anticipates $1.2 million insavings from reducing or eliminating right of way processes and regionalizing resources. Anadditional $540,000 in annual savings is expected through realigning workloads and enhancingresources for bridge inspections and load evaluations.

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

4/29

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

5/29

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol DigestTwitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania StateCapitol.Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest aswell as a list of new environmental bills introduced--Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--Senate

January 22, 23, 28, 29, 30February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28House

January 22, 23February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Bill Calendars

House: Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.Senate: Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.Committees

House: the State Government Committee holds an informational meeting on the regulatoryreview process. Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.Senate: the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to considerSenate Bill 164 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) appointing independent counsel for the EnvironmentalQuality Board; Senate Bill 196 (D.White-R-Indiana) further authorizing PennVEST fundingfor stormwater management and non-point sources projects;Senate Bill 258 (Yaw-R-Bradford)providing for the disposition of abandoned mineral rights; and Senate Bill 259 (Yaw-R-Bradford) further providing for the reporting of royalties from oil and gas wells. Click

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

6/29

Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.Other: the Joint Legislative Budget & Finance Committee releases report on cost effectivealternative approach to meeting Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Reduction Targets.

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--House

Oil & Gas: House Bill 96 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing for the creation oftrusts for unknown oil and gas well owners; House Bill 97 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) definingdormant oil and gas wells as part of estates.Senate

Drilling Liability:Senate Bill 154 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) amending the Oil and Gas Actrequiring disclosure that the landowner may be liable for damages done to other properties as aresult of gas drilling.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--House

Agricultural Security Areas: House Bill 84 (Miller-R-York) requiring the biennial inspectionsof properties within Agricultural Security Areas to assure compliance with conservationeasements was reported from the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and wasreferred the House Appropriations Committee.Safe Drinking Water Month: House Resolution 8 (Goodman-D-Schuylkill) designatingJanuary as Safe Drinking Water Month was adopted by the House.

News From The Capitol

House Appoints Committee Members

The House adoptedHouse Resolution 19 (Micozzie-R-Delaware) Monday appointing membersto each of the standing committees. Some key committee assignments include:Appropriations

Republicans: Adolph-Chair, *Aument, Boback, Christiana, Day, Denlinger, Ellis, *Everett,Gingrich, Grell, *Grove, Killion, Millard, *Milne, Mustio, *Oberlander, ONeill, Peifer, Petri,Pyle, Sonney

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

7/29

Democrats: Markosek-Chair, *Boyle, Bradford, Brownlee, *Carroll, Conklin, *Dean, Kula,Mahoney, OBrien,M, *Parker, Sabatina, *Santarsiero, *WheatleyConsumer Affairs

Republicans: Godshall-Chair, Delozier, DiGirolamo, Ellis, Farry, Kampf, Kauffman, *Killion,

*Masser, Metzgar, Payne, Pickett, Reese, Stephens, ToepelDemocrats: *Daley-Chair, *Bradford, Burns, *Davis, *Kim, Kotik, Matzie, *Molchany,Neuman, WhiteEnvironmental Resources & Energy

Republicans: *Miller-Chair, Causer, Christiana, *Corbin, Everett, Gabler, Krieger, Marshall,Metzgar, *Oberlander, Pyle, Rapp, Ross, *Sankey, *TobashDemocrats: *Vitali-Chair, Barbin, *Bradford, Carroll, *Farina, *Gibbons, *Harris, *McCarter,Santarsiero, *SnyderAgriculture

Republicans: Maher-Chair, Bloom, Brooks, Denlinger, *Emerick, *Fee, Fleck, Hahn, Hickernell,Kauffman, Keller,M, Lawrence, Millard, Moul, ReeseDemocrats: Petrarca-Chair, Conklin, DeLissio, Kavulich, Kula, Mirabito, Neuman, *Painter,*Rozzi, *Wheatley*New membersSenate Now Has Full Complement Of Committee Members

Senate Democrats Monday formally appointed members to each standing committee roundingout committee assignments for the new session. Click Here for all committee assignments. Hereare some key committees--Appropriations

Republicans: Corman-Chair, Tomlinson-Vice Chair, Argall, Baker, Brubaker, Gordner,Greenleaf, Mensch, Rafferty, Smucker, Vance, Vogel, *Vulakovich, WaughDemocrats: Hughes-Chair, Ferlo-Vice Chair, Blake, Farnese, *Schwank, *Solobay,*Washington, Wozniak, YudichakEnvironmental Resources & Energy

Republicans: *Yaw-Chair, Erickson-Vice Chair, *Hutchinson, Vogel, *Ward, WhiteDemocrats: Yudichak-Chair, Dinniman, *Ferlo, LeachAgriculture

Republicans: Vogel- Chair, Waugh-Vice Chair, *Argall, Brubaker, Robbins, YawDemocrats: Schwank-Chair, Dinniman, Kitchen, SolobayConsumer Protection & Professional Licensure

Republicans: Tomlinson-Chair, Gordner-Vice Chair, *Alloway, *Baker, Erickson, Greenleaf,Rafferty, *Vance

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

8/29

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

9/29

The importance of biological parameters as indications of the health of the river is highlighted inthe State of the Susquehanna Report, but the principles are applicable to any stream or river.

Macroinvertebrates have long been used as indicators to assess water quality.The aquatic resources and supporting habitat throughout the Susquehanna River Basin

are important indicators of the health of the ecosystem and in turn, the quality of waters used for

human water supply. Furthermore, the aquatic ecosystem supports many recreational activitiessuch as hunting, fishing, trapping, nature study, wildlife photography, bird watching and eco-tourism. (State of the Susquehanna)

A well-balanced and functioning biological community is one of the best indicators of ahealthy stream, capable of providing vital ecosystem services.

Benthic macroinvertebrates (bottom-dwelling organisms including aquatic insects,crayfish, clams, snails, and worms) are often used in studies to determine the quality of watersbecause of their high numbers, known pollution tolerances, limited mobility, wide range offeeding habits, varied life spans, and dependence on the land environment around the stream.

When chemical grab samples are taken, they are really a snapshot of the water at thatmoment, that can change rapidly, but the macroinvertebrates are living there all the time. Their

composition will be affected by either periodic episodes of poor water quality or continuous poorwater quality.Many watershed monitoring programs include biological indicators as well as chemical

and physical tests.Macroinvertebrate studies are fun! The most interesting time spent in stream studies is

often spent in the stream, looking under rocks. It is a great way to create a sense of interest andconnection if introducing watershed stewardship to youth. The 4-H Stream Team materials are agreat way to introduce youth to watershed stewardship.

A good tool to use when looking at stream macroinvertebrates is the Biotic Index Cardthat provides a key to identify invertebrates and information on interpreting the index. Thereis also a new video from the Susquehanna Basin Commission biologists demonstrating someinvertebrate sampling techniques.

So when looking at water quality, take a look at the organisms that make the stream theirhome.(Written By: Diane Oleson, Extension Educator, Penn State Extension in York County, andreprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.)

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Accepting Student Scholarship Applications

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is currently accepting applications from eligible highschool seniors for the "Delaware Highlands Conservancy/Yeaman Scholarship" in the amount of$1,000. The scholarship has been awarded annually since 2004 to a student planning to pursue afield in environmental studies in college.

Given in honor of the Conservancy's founder, Barbara Yeaman, the scholarship is open tostudents in school districts bordering the Upper Delaware River in New York and Pennsylvania.

Barbara Yeaman, the 2012 recipient of the PA Land Trust Alliance LifetimeConservation Achievement award, understands that protecting our earth into the future meanseducating our kids today. The scholarship embodies Barbara's vision and the dedication of ourmembers to protect our special Upper Delaware River region now and for future generations.

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

10/29

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

11/29

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

12/29

Please email the Manada Conservancy at: [email protected] to register. For furtherinformation, call 717-566-4122.

PennDOT Receives National Recognition for Litter Cleanup Efforts

For the ninth consecutive year, PennDOT has been presentedwith the national Partner Award for its continued support ofKeep Pennsylvania Beautiful and the Great American Cleanupof Pennsylvania.The Keep America Beautiful and the U.S. Department ofTransportation Partner Award recognizes states for theirsupport of litter-cleanup programs and emphasizes theimportance of anti-litter programs through public/privatepartnerships.

Keeping Pennsylvania beautiful is so important to our citizens and our communities,and that is obvious by the number of volunteers who get involved, PennDOT Secretary Barry J.

Schoch said. Its a great cause that reduces roadside litter and illegal dumping, while reducingcosts to do so.This years event collected more than 6.7 million tons of unsightly litter from

Pennsylvania roadways and other areas including school yards, railroad tracks, trails, waterways,shorelines, as well as parks and wetlands.

Volunteers through PennDOTs Adopt-A-Highway program contributed to more than 88percent of the 6.7 million tons of litter collected.

Started in 1990, PennDOTs Adopt-A-Highway Program currently has 7,028participating groups involving more than 130,000 volunteers who have adopted 16,177 miles ofstate-maintained roadways.

Adopt-A-Highway allows residents to demonstrate their pride in the beautiful stateof Pennsylvania. The program solicits volunteers to clear litter on a two-mile section of statehighway, four times a year. In addition to benefitting the environment, the effort helps to reducePennDOT maintenance costs.

PennDOT provides complete safety training for volunteers as well as orange safetyvests and highway warning signs to be used during litter pick-ups. Trash bags are provided andPennDOT will pick up the bagged litter from the roadside. To recognize volunteers efforts,PennDOT posts signs along the highway giving the group full credit for their efforts.

Groups wishing to enroll in the Adopt-A-Highway Program should contact a localPennDOT office.Super Early Bird Registration Now Open For PROP Recycling Conference In July

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania are now accepting early bird registration for itsannual Recycling and Organics Conferences on July 24-26 in Wilkes-Barre.

Bothparticipant and exhibitorregistration forms are available online as well asprintableregistration forms.Butler County Electronics/Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events Starting Jan. 19

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

13/29

Butler County residents will have fourteen opportunities in 2013 to recycle their electronics andproperly dispose of household hazardous waste.

The first collection will take place on Saturday, January 19 with additional collectionstaking place through the end of October.

Types of items accepted include all types of electronics, paint and paint products,

pesticides, cleaners, auto fluids, fluorescent light bulbs, flammable liquids, batteries, propanetanks, etc.It is requested that if you plan to attend, call the collection contractor ECS&R at their

toll-free phone number 1-866-815-0016 for details. Nominal fees apply to all drop-offs based onvarious prices per pound per type of item.

For more information, please call the Butler County Department of Recycling & WasteManagement at 724-284-5305 or send email to: [email protected].

Jan. 28 Public Hearing On Proposed Mercer County Landfill

The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting and hearing on, January

28 to hear input about Tri-County Landfill Incs proposal to expand its municipal waste landfilloperations in Pine and Liberty townships, Mercer County.A 6 p.m. public meeting will be followed by a 7:30 p.m. hearing at Grove City High

School at 511 Highland Ave. in Grove City, Mercer County.The companys proposal for expanding landfill operations in its existing 99-acre

permitted disposal area includes the excavation and relocation of waste from an old 44.5-acreunlined area to new lined disposal cells. The facility would continue to operate at its currentacceptance rate of 4,000 tons per day.

During the meeting portion of the evening, company officials will answer questionsabout the project and DEP staff will clarify the application review process, DEP NorthwestRegional Director Kelly Burch said. Then, beginning at 7:30 p.m., area residents will have anopportunity to present oral testimony about the applications.

The public is invited to comment on applications for four permits needed to construct andoperate the landfill with additional disposal area: a Municipal Waste Landfill permit application;an Air Quality plan approval application for air emission sources; a Water Obstructions andEncroachments permit application; and a water quality Industrial Waste permit application.

Those who wish to present testimony are asked to register in advance by sending writtennotice to Gary Clark, Community Relations Coordinator, DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335. The notice should include the person's name, address andtelephone number and indicate about which applications they will testify.

Individuals who register in advance will be given priority on the agenda. If time permits,those who did not register will be given the opportunity to testify.

The public will have the opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimonyduring the hearing. Organizations are encouraged to designate one witness to present testimonyon behalf of their group, and all presenters should bring three copies of their comments andexhibits for the hearing panel and stenographer.

Those with a disability who wish to comment and require an auxiliary aid, service orother accommodations should contact Gary Clark or the Pennsylvania AT&T relay service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how the agency may accommodate their needs.

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

14/29

For those who prefer to only present their comments in writing or are unable to attendthe hearing, written testimony may be submitted until the close of business on Feb. 8 to StaciGustafson, Assistant Regional Director, DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St.,Meadville, PA 16335.

A stenographer will record the hearing testimony and transcribe it into a written

document. DEP will respond in writing to all relevant testimony provided during the publichearing and comment period.

DEP Reminds Consumers About New Electronics Recycling Law

The Department of Environmental Protection is reminding consumers and businesses that onJanuary 24, they will no longer be able to throw away their electronic devices with their trash.

Passed in 2010, the Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act requires that consumersand businesses not dispose of covered devices, such as computers, laptops, computer monitors,televisions and tablets with their trash.

This means that trash haulers will no longer take covered devices unless the municipality

has a curbside electronics collection program that ultimately sends the devices to an electronicsrecycler.This law is an important step toward further reducing the amount of waste disposed

in our landfills, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. There will be a host of positive impactsfrom this law, such as deriving economic benefits from precious metals found in electronics,eliminating heavy metals in the environment and encouraging environmental stewardship.

Under CDRA, the covered devices and their components must be properly recycled andmay not be taken to, or accepted by, landfills or other solid waste disposal facilities for disposal.

The law also requires that manufacturers of the covered devices provide for thecollection, transportation and recycling of these devices by establishing one-day events,permanent collection programs or mail-back programs for consumers.

This is offered to consumers at no cost. Manufacturers must work with an electronicsrecycler that is properly permitted and certified to handle and process electronic waste.

Manufacturers must register their covered device brands with DEP and attach brandlabels to those devices. Additionally, retailers who sell electronic covered devices may only selldevices with a manufacturers brand that is registered with DEP.

Consumers can also continue to recycle their electronics through a county or municipalelectronic recycling program, if one is available. It is recommended that before taking anyelectronics to collection points or drop-off locations, consumers should first contact that locationto see what types of electronics they accept.

Recycling Industries Congress

Consumers can learn more about the new electronics recycling law and other importantinformation on recycling in general at the 2013 Recycling Industries Congress on January 22,from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the East Wing Rotunda of the State Capitol Building in Harrisburg,Dauphin County.

This event, which is open to the public and media, will feature exhibits from 30 recyclersand producers of recycled products to showcase how the recycling industry plays a major role inPennsylvania.

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

15/29

Secretary Krancer will speak about recycling in Pennsylvania at the news conferencefrom 1 to 1:30 p.m. and will be available for questions after that. The event is sponsored by thePennsylvania Waste Industries Assoc. and the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center.

Consumers can find more information on registered manufacturers and where torecycle their covered devices at DEPs Electronics Recycling webpage. Additional recycling

information is available from county recycling coordinators, or through the Recycling Hotline at1-800-346-4242.DCED Approves Municipal Assistance Grants

The Department of Community and Economic Development approved eight projects todaythrough the Municipal Assistance Program to improve local emergency services, assist municipalplanning and support community partnerships.

Municipalities are responsible for providing more services than ever and the costs ofproviding those services continue to rise, said DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker. MAP fundingwill provide critical funding for local governments and organizations that are working together

and thinking strategically to improve their communities.In total, DCED approved $158,800 in MAP funding for eight municipal projectsthroughout the Commonwealth. The department provides funding to local governments forcommunity planning through MAP.

Funding supports multi-municipal, regional and county planning and implementationefforts across the state. Support is available for three groups of activities shared services,community planning, and floodplain management.

One of the projects selected for the program, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership,was awarded a $35,000 MAP grant to help with flood mitigation and revitalization planningin Shikshinny and Hemlock Township. Both communities were impacted by the Septemberflooding in 2011. The municipalities plan to follow as a guide its River Towns Program,addressing flood mitigation and minimization, economic revitalization and best land uses.

Also approved was a grant to the Beaver, Butler and Venango county Municipal CodeAssociation, a joint code and sewage enforcement agency formed by 23 municipalities in threecounties, was awarded a $3,000 MAP grant. The association will use the MAP funds to help payfor computer and permitting software upgrades.DCNR Acquires 207 Acres For Addition To Lackawanna State Forest

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Tuesday announced the acquisition of207 acres in Luzerne County that serve as an important buffer to Lackawanna State Forest andhave long been popular with hunters, hikers and other outdoors enthusiasts.

Purchased from Earth Conservancy, the land will be deeded to DCNRs Bureau ofForestry, and boost the size of Lackawanna State Forest to almost 30,000 acres.

This timely, valuable purchase provides great access and expands protection of a valuedforested watershed in the northeastern section of the state. More people are turning to nearbystate forestlands for recreation and relaxation, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said.

This acquisition will expand the conserved forested tracts in this region; increase thesupply of high quality forest products to local markets; and add to the recreational opportunitiesfor our visitors to enjoy, Allan said.

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

16/29

Originally owned by the Blue Coal Corporation, the newly acquired acreage is locatedon the south slope of Larksville Mountain, north of Plymouth borough, and consists of fourindividual parcels. The largest, a 130-acre tract, borders Lackawanna State Forest. The remainingtracts of 41, 21 and 15 acres are just southeast of the larger parcel.

The land was purchased for $163,000 from DCNRs Oil and Gas Lease Fund.

Earth Conservancy worked with DCNR forestry personnel in 2012 for the sale of theselands to expand the Lackawanna State Forest. The 130-acre wooded parcel connects to theexisting state forest lands, while the smaller parcels provide for access via Curry Hill Road inPlymouth Township, Earth Conservancy President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Dziaksaid. One of Earth Conservancys objectives is to preserve green space and this sale meets ourobjective.

The non-profit Earth Conservancy was founded in 1992 to address abandoned coal minelands, specifically the Blue Coal Corporations more than 16,300 acres in Luzerne County.

Lackawanna State Forest is comprised of five main tracts in Lackawanna and Luzernecounties. The land purchased in Harveys Creek tract is located in Plymouth and Jacksontownships, Luzerne County, and buffers Harvey Creek, an acclaimed trout stream. It offers

almost 4,000 acres for hunting, fishing, hiking and nature study.Lackawanna State Forest is a keystone in the Poconos Forests and Waters ConservationLandscape Initiative, one of seven major land preservation efforts under way across the state.

Regional in scope, CLIs partner local governments, conservancies and residentswith DCNR and other state departments in regional planning that promotes sustainability,conservation, community revitalization and recreational projects.

NewsClips: DCNR Buys 207 Acres Of Earth Conservancy Land

Jan. 25 Deadline For Joining Friends Of Wissahickon Trail Ambassadors Program

The deadline for joining the Montgomery County Friends of the Wissahickon Trail AmbassadorProgram is January 25. Sign up now for the winter training session for this popular volunteerprogram.

Trail Ambassadors are park volunteers who assist and educate people in the park withanything from directions to safety needs to park history, flora and fauna. Ambassadors performtheir service in the park and participate in ongoing education.

They become experts in the Wissahickon and have the opportunity to delve deeply intotheir particular topics of interest, while providing a valuable public service. Trail Ambassadorsshare their knowledge by:-- interacting with and providing assistance to park users while walking the trails;-- staffing information tables at FOW volunteer days and events;-- leading walks in the Wissahickon Valley; and-- conducting surveys of park users and wildlife.

Training will be held on Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8 p.m., and one Saturday morningat The Cedars House from February 6 to March 20. Applicants accepted into the program arerequired to pay a $100 registration fee, sign a one-time volunteer release form, and obtain theircriminal background check and child-abuse clearance.

Ambassadors must be FOW members or willing to join the organization. The number ofopen positions is limited.

7/29/2019 PA Environment Digest Jan. 21, 2013

17/29

For more information, program requirements, and an application form, visit the FOWTrail Ambassadors webpage or contact FOW Outreach Coordinator Sarah Marley with questionsat: [email protected] or 215-247-0417 ext 109.Forest Landowners: Sign Up For Penn State Extension Forest Leaves Newsletter

Private forest landowners could benefit by receiving the quarterly Forest Leaves newsletterpublished by Penn State Extension.

The Winter 2013 edition published this week includes articles on planning to addressforest health threats; Chestnuts; Legacy planning; Tree Farm and Pennsylvania ForestryAssociation updates; Best practices for woodland owners associations webinar series; Privateforest landowner conference; and survey of opinions about Pennsylvania's water resources.

Click Here to sign up and to read previous issues.Game Commission Spreading The Word About Birds

The Game Commission Thursday unveiled a redesigned and expandedbirding and birdconservation section on its website to help it better communicate the importance of wild birds tothe millions who visit the website annually.

We have always recognized that there is tremendous interest in birding and birdconservation among Pennsylvanians, but it hasnt been easy to meet that demand with content onour website, because of our limited number of wildlife diversity biologists are incredibly busy,explained Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. These upgrades have been in developmentfor the better part of two years, and with them now in place, our wild bird content overnight hasbecome an indispensable resource for anyone from students to birders to backyard bird feeders.

The new section offers advice on where to go statewide to see birds, when the best timesof day are to go and what you can expect to see. Learn about migratory behavior. Figure outwhat seeds to put in your feeders to attract the wild birds you really want to see. Get help inmaking your property more bird friendly. Get background on how you can take part in importantprojects conducted annually to help biologists keep tabs on bird numbers.

Theres always a need for more participants in the Great Backyard Bird Count,Pennsylvania Annual Migratory Count and even the Christmas Bird Count explained DougGross, supervisor of the agency Endangered and Nongame Birds Section. Visit these pages andlearn firsthand how you can get involved, work with other birders and make a difference in birdconservation. We could really use your help!

Pennsylvania is truly a keystone state when it comes to wild birds because theAppalachian Mountains have been part of a continental migratory highway for birds since thedays of the passenger pigeon.

There are 285 species of wild birds that are regular denizens of the state; another 129species are less frequent visitors. Its that diversity of birdlife that makes Pennsylvania so specialto birders.

Weve taken substantial steps on these pages to acquaint more Pennsylvanians with thestates wild birds and the agencys role in bird conservation, both within the Commonwealthsborders and internationally, said Dan Brauning, supervisor of the agencys Wildlife DiversityDivision. This content will help more people see the value of wild birds, and get them closerto birds. It also offers ways to get involved in bird conservation and to make your property safer