If you like kayaking, fishing, walking, biking or any other activity along the Delaware River, then become a Tidal Delaware River Ambassador! River Ambassadors are volunteer leaders who organize trips and cleanups, make presentations and other activities – whatever your interest and schedule! Through these activities, Ambassadors provide new opportunities for friends, colleagues and community [...]
If you like kayaking, fishing, walking, biking or any other activity along the Delaware River, then become a Tidal Delaware River Ambassador! River Ambassadors are volunteer leaders who organize trips and cleanups, make presentations and other activities – whatever your interest and schedule! Through these activities, Ambassadors provide new opportunities for friends, colleagues and community members to experience the Tidal Delaware River, and educate people about the importance of the river as a natural resource.
Organized by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Ambassadors undergo 8 weeks of training from regional leaders in Delaware River history, ecology, recreation, watersheds, human impacts, and policies/plans. The training sessions are also a great way to network with others and visit some unique places along the river – like Pennsbury Manor, Palmyra Cove Nature Park, Heinz Wildlife Refuge or Fort Mifflin.
Visit www.pecpa.org/ambassador to learn more!
The first “class” of Ambassadors were trained last year, and since then have organized a dozen events last summer including fishing derbies, clean ups, presentations, sailboat tours and more.
The Stonycreek River, flowing through Cambria and Somerset counties, has been named the 2012 River of the Year following public, online voting across the state. For the second year in a row, public voting determined the selection from among four candidates for River of the Year honors. Among more than 12,000 ballots cast, Stonycreek River [...]
The Stonycreek River, flowing through Cambria and Somerset counties, has been named the 2012 River of the Year following public, online voting across the state.
For the second year in a row, public voting determined the selection from among four candidates for River of the Year honors. Among more than 12,000 ballots cast, Stonycreek River received 5,674 votes.
“The Stonycreek has it all — near-wilderness, pristine trout waters; nationally acclaimed white-water adventure; and a watershed steeped in natural and historical resources,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan. “Our newest River of the Year has rebounded from abandoned mine drainage threats of the past to unlimited recreational potential of the future.
“Once again the River of the Year designation raises awareness of the river and its conservation needs, while the public voting format continues to generate local enthusiasm for conservation and recognition of the importance of our waterways.”
The three other finalists were: Kiskiminetas River, Middle Monongahela River and Upper Juniata River.
DCNR and the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, or POWR, administer the River of the Year program. Local organizations submit nominations.
“Each of the waterways that were nominated is special and important in its own way,” Allan said. “We extend hearty congratulations to the local groups who nominated their rivers, and rallied support for them not only for this vote, but through all of their continued activities and advocacy.”
POWR helps train and organize local watershed associations, as well as the groups who lead a dozen sojourns on rivers around the state each year.
“This year saw record participation in the River of the Year selection process,” said POWR Project Manager Joshua Karns. “Congratulations to the supporters of the Stonycreek River, and thanks to the thousands of Pennsylvanians who voted. We look forward to working with the communities in the Stonycreek Watershed to promote and protect their river, and all of Pennsylvania’s waterways.”
Before emptying into the Conemaugh River in Johnstown, Stonycreek River flows 46 miles across the Allegheny Plateau in southern Cambria County and northern Somerset County. Anglers are drawn to Stonycreek Gorge’s nine miles of near-wilderness trout water, while the Stonycreek Canyon offers 15 rapids in four miles — the longest set of continuous rapids in the eastern United States.
Its waters now rebounded from the deadly effects of abandoned mine drainage, the Stonycreek River carves out a 468 square-mile watershed that is bordered by the Allegheny Front and Laurel Ridge, and contains rolling farmland, active and reclaimed strip mines, woodlands, and classic former coal-mining communities. The river corridor contains the historic Forbes Trail and Flight 93 National Memorial, Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, Quemahoning Lake, Greenhouse Park and Whitewater Park — the first constructed set of rapids for boaters in Pennsylvania.
There are a number of organizations working in partnership to support conservation and recreation activities along Stonycreek River. Primary is the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative Inc., a not-for-profit corporation formed by representatives of recreational, sporting, conservation, economic development and historical groups. Its mission is development and presentation of Stonycreek River heritage corridor’s assets.
Several events throughout the year will celebrate the Stonycreek’s designation, including a sojourn offering canoeists, kayakers and other paddlers a chance to experience life on the river, and encourage greater understanding of its challenges and potential.
The Stonycreek River also will be celebrated with an annual Rivers Month poster issued in June.
Pennsylvania’s River of the Year has been presented annually since 1983.
For more sojourn event information, visit www.pawatersheds.org or contact Joshua Karns at info@pawatersheds.org.
To learn more about DCNR’s Rivers Program, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/rivers.
Today we have two more great grant opportunities to share with you. Both of these are regional opportunities for small grants to fund heritage programs. The eligible projects for each opportunity, however, include a lot of the kinds of projects typically done in watershed protection and education. One key to successfully funding your projects is [...]
Today we have two more great grant opportunities to share with you. Both of these are regional opportunities for small grants to fund heritage programs. The eligible projects for each opportunity, however, include a lot of the kinds of projects typically done in watershed protection and education. One key to successfully funding your projects is to look for unexpected funding sources. This might be the chance you’ve been waiting for.
The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, based in the PA Wilds part of the state, is accepting applications for their 2012 mini-grant program. Eligible projects include implementation of elements of a watershed management plan, among other things. Click here for more details.
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties also has opened their 2012 mini-grant cycle. This program has more specific priorities, but there still may be room within them for your watershed project. Check out their site to see if your project qualifies.
The Southeast PA Treevitalize Watersheds program is currently accepting applications for funding to conduct tree planting in riparian zones and the naturalization of stormwater basins. Through this program, dozens of watershed restoration projects are conducted every year, resulting in thousands of trees planted in those sensitive water protection zones. The program receives funding from the Pennsylvania [...]
The Southeast PA Treevitalize Watersheds program is currently accepting applications for funding to conduct tree planting in riparian zones and the naturalization of stormwater basins. Through this program, dozens of watershed restoration projects are conducted every year, resulting in thousands of trees planted in those sensitive water protection zones. The program receives funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and corporate sponsor Aqua PA, as well as substantial in-kind contributions from various partners.
If you are interested, please hurry! The application period closes on December 30, 2011. For more information, visit the Treevitalize website.
The environmental Protection Agency has announced a request for proposals for the Urban Waters Small Grants program. Grants of up to $60,000 will be awarded for projects that will contribute to improved water quality and community revitalization. The goal of these Urban Waters Small Grants is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that [...]
The environmental Protection Agency has announced a request for proposals for the Urban Waters Small Grants program.
Grants of up to $60,000 will be awarded for projects that will contribute to improved water quality and community revitalization. The goal of these Urban Waters Small Grants is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities.
Proposals are due by January 23. For all the details, visit the EPA website.
On December 8, Nick DiPasquale, director of EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program, will present a program entitled “Chesapeake Bay Restoration: Making our watersheds healthy again.” The event will be held at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA. Refreshments and a self-guided holiday tour of the Brandywine Museum Galleries will be held from 6:00 to [...]
On December 8, Nick DiPasquale, director of EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program, will present a program entitled “Chesapeake Bay Restoration: Making our watersheds healthy again.” The event will be held at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA.
Refreshments and a self-guided holiday tour of the Brandywine Museum Galleries will be held from 6:00 to 7:00. The main program will follow from 7:00 to 9:00.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Marti Coats at 610-388-8351.
On November 10, the Schuylkill Headwaters Association will be hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival tour at the Sovereign Majestic Theater in Pottsville! Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the film festival will last from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This will be the only stop in Pennsylvania for the film festival! Get your tickets [...]
On November 10, the Schuylkill Headwaters Association will be hosting the Wild & Scenic Film Festival tour at the Sovereign Majestic Theater in Pottsville! Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the film festival will last from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This will be the only stop in Pennsylvania for the film festival! Get your tickets at this link.
The festival tour brings together the best of the home festival’s films in a three-hour program. With a growing public awareness for the environment, the festival aims to increase this groundswell through inspiring and educational films which hopefully will motivate people to go out and make a difference in their community and around the world.
Whether it is the struggle for environmental justice, information on renewable energy or an educational tale about an endangered species, the films expose people to forward-thinking ideas and global awareness. The producers choose films that not only highlight the concerns but provide solutions, reaching people through beautiful imagery like the sweeping landscapes of the Tallgrass Prairie or the grandeur of the the rivers around the world.
Here’s a great funding opportunity for watershed organizations in Western and Central Pennsylvania! The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is accepting proposals for the 2011-2012 Watershed Mini Grant Program, which provides assistance to the region’s grassroots watershed groups. Funding for the program is provided by Dominion. The Watershed Mini Grant Program supports operating costs, organizational promotion and [...]
Here’s a great funding opportunity for watershed organizations in Western and Central Pennsylvania!
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is accepting proposals for the 2011-2012 Watershed Mini Grant Program, which provides assistance to the region’s grassroots watershed groups. Funding for the program is provided by Dominion.
The Watershed Mini Grant Program supports operating costs, organizational promotion and outreach, and/or watershed restoration projects. Grants of up to $1,000 may be awarded for operating expenses. Up to $2,500 is available for promotion and outreach or restoration projects. A cash or non-cash match is preferred but not required.
The program offers funding to watershed organizations in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Bradford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Cumberland, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Somerset, Tioga, Venango, Warren, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
The grant application and proposal guidelines may be viewed at WaterLandLife.org/112. Please contact the Conservancy to have an application mailed to your organization or to ask questions regarding the application and its required information. Grant applications must be postmarked by December 16, 2011 and mailed to:
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
c/o Stephanie Jellison
1067 Philadelphia Street, Suite 101
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 471-7202 x 5109
sjellison@paconerve.org
Are you thinking about nominating your river or stream for River of the Year? It’s not too late! Our advertised deadline for nominations is October 21, but we are most concerned about good participation. If you cannot make that deadline but would like to be considered, please contact us ASAP. For answers to your questions, [...]
Are you thinking about nominating your river or stream for River of the Year? It’s not too late!
Our advertised deadline for nominations is October 21, but we are most concerned about good participation. If you cannot make that deadline but would like to be considered, please contact us ASAP.
For answers to your questions, read on or contact Josh Karns.
What is River of the Year?
The River of the Year is an honor bestowed on a Pennsylvania waterway every year. It is celebrated with 12 months of activities and events to help people appreciate the beauty and wonder that are part of every river in Pennsylvania. DCNR and POWR provide a $10,000 grant to partially cover the costs of these activities.
Who can nominate a river or stream?
Nominations should be made by a local organization that can manage this responsibility and coordinate all activities. It takes just a few minutes to fill out the form at this link to submit a nomination.
How will the River of the Year be selected?
We’ll select 5 of the nominees who we think have the best ideas about how to celebrate River of the Year, and then the public will vote to select the winner. Voting will be conducted by POWR on our website and via social networks, but it will be up to you to rally your supporters.
My stream is so little. How will I compete with the big rivers like the 2011 winner, the Delaware?
The Delaware only won by 3% last year, with two “smaller” rivers right behind. Winning this honor isn’t about the size of your watershed; it’s about your ability to motivate your constituency.
Neither the Delaware River nor main stem of the Susquehanna are eligible for the honor this year, and it is our intention to put together a fairly matched slate of nominations.
Even if you don’t win, the voting process is a great way to draw attention to the work of your organization within your local community and statewide.
Oh okay. I get it, but I don’t think we can complete our nomination by tomorrow’s deadline.
If you want to participate but can’t meet the deadline, please contact Josh Karns right now at jkarns@pecpa.org or at 717-230-8045 x12.
The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin will host their annual conference: Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Delaware River Basin on November 2 at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ. This looks like a great opportunity for anyone working on watersheds in the Delaware River Basin. Be there!
The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin will host their annual conference: Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Delaware River Basin on November 2 at the Rutgers EcoComplex in Bordentown, NJ.
This looks like a great opportunity for anyone working on watersheds in the Delaware River Basin. Be there!
Follow Us!
