"No matter how long the winter,
spring is sure to follow."

~ Proverb from Guinea

 

Editors Note

UPCOMING EVENTS
This is a busy time of the year for birds, plants, and us!  Mark your calendars for these upcoming events.

 

National Wildlife Week - March 15-21, 2010
Celebrate National Wildlife Week by enjoying nature.  After the winter we’ve had, it’s time to enjoy the crocuses and daffodils to their fullest.  For great ideas on celebrating with your family and/or school, visit the National Wildlife Federation’s website at http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Be-Out-There/Events/National-Wildlife-Week.aspx?20100211_WLO_February_Edition

 

2^nd Annual Northeastern PA Energy Solutions Expo
June 26-27, 2010

Come visit the 2^nd Annual Northeast PA Energy Solutions Expo on June 26-27, 2010 at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas, PA.  This event provides exhibitors and vendors with technology, products, and innovations to conserve, reduce, or supplement your energy use.  Educational presentations and seminars will be provided on energy related topics such as Solar, Wind, Biomass and Geothermal Energy Opportunities, Green Building Design, and Energy Efficiency.  The cost of admission is $5.00 for adults, children under 12 are free.  For more information, visit http://www.pnesolutions.org/energy_expo.htm

 

~ Lisen Cummings, Sustainable Environments Editor/Designer

 

News Clips

 

Policy Update

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa P. Jackson released this action plan, which details the most urgent threats facing the Great Lakes and provides goals, objectives, and actions for the next five years.  The Great Lakes provide drinking water to about 30 million Americans and support a multi-billion dollar economy of fishing, boating and recreation.  The action plan focuses on five priority focus areas:  protection and cleanup of the most polluted areas in the lakes, combating invasive species, protection of high priority watersheds and reduced runoff from urban, suburban and agricultural sources, restoration of wetlands and other habitats, and the implementation of accountability measures, learning initiatives, outreach, and strategic partnerships.  The plan includes measures of progress and benchmarks for success over the next five years.

  For more information, visit http://greatlakesrestoration.us/?p=445

To view the Action Plan, visit http://greatlakesrestoration.us/action/wp-content/uploads/glri_actionplan.pdf

 

President’s FY 2011 Budget Released

The Office and Management and Budget released the President’s 2011 budget request on February 1, 2010.    The Northeast-Midwest Institute has provided a summary table of select federal programs and a full budget analysis. 

To view the summary table of select federal programs, visit

http://www.nemw.org/images/issues/budget/FY2011%20Budget%20Table.pdf

To view the full budget analysis, visit http://www.nemw.org/images/issues/budget/FY2011%20Budget%20Analysis.pdf

To  view the tracking of federal funds page, visit http://www.nemw.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=34&Itemid=22

 

EPA Budget

The President has requested $10.02 billion for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the 2011 budget.  Funding for Clean Water Act §319 non-point source management grants equal $200.9 million, CWA §106 grants equal $274.2 million, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund equals $2 billion, the BEACH Act programs equal $10 million, and The National Estuary Programs receive $27.2 million.  Funding is also proposed to be provided for geographic programs including the Chesapeake Bay Program ($63 million), the Great Lakes Restoraion Initiative ($300 million), the Gulf of Mexico ($4.5 million), the Long Island Sound ($3 million), and the Pudget Sound ($20 million).
For more information on the budget request, visit http://www.epa.gov/budget/

 

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Identifies Seven Priorities for EPA's Future

Lisa Jackson has identified the following key priorities for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):  taking action on climate change, improving air quality, assuring the safety of chemicals, cleaning up our communities, protecting America's waters, expanding the conversation on environmentalism and working for environmental justice, and building strong state and tribal partnerships. 

For more information, read the memorandum at http://blog.epa.gov/administrator/2010/01/12/seven-priorities-for-epas-future/

 

WaterSMART Initiative – Department of the Interior
This new water sustainability strategy for the US focuses on improving water conservation and helping water and resource managers make wise decisions about water use.  SMART stands for “Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow.”

http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/2010_02_22_release.cfm

 

 

 

Nature Conservancy’s Digital Photo Contest Winners Announced The 4th Annual contest ended with a Grand Prize Winner (Carol Grant of Clearwater, Florida) of manatees at the Three Sisters Spring wintering site in Crystal River Florida.  Second place went to Patrick Smith of Pleasant Hill, California for a picture of Mirror Lake in Yosemite Valley.  Third place featured a Burrowing Owl taken by Scott Anderson of Aventura Florida.  To see these stunning pictures and the finalists and honorable mentions, visit http://support.nature.org/site/PageServer?pagename=contest_ph6

 

Grants and Awards 

Grants:

 

PA DEP Coastal Resources Management Program

2010 Coastal Zone Grants sub-grant awards are made to state and local agencies and incorporated nonprofit organization in the Delaware Estuary or Lake Erie Coastal Zones.

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/river/grants/crmgrants/crmgrants.htm

 

PA DEP Enactment of Ordinances and Implementation of Stormwater Management Plans

This program reimburses municipalities for costs associated with adopting or revising ordinances to comply with the Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Act. 

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/watershedmgmt/cwp/view.asp?a=1437&q=518836&watershedmgmtNav=|

 

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Electronic Grants System

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources provides eGrants, an electronic grants system that contains all available DCNR grants.  Applications can be submitted online.

https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us/index.aspx

 

Conservation Easement Assistance Program

Provided by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, this program assists with transaction costs for conservation easements, for a total of $5,000 per easement transaction.  The program assists with completing conservation and trail easements, amending and restating older easements, establishing or updating baseline documentation and installing signs on eased properties.

www.conserveland.org/ceap

 

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative

Under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), eligible landowners can use available technical and financial assistance to address soil erosion, sedimentation, and excess nutrients in streams and waterways, as well as other related natural resource concerns such as air quality, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and forestry. Applications for CBWI will be accepted continuously and evaluated on a monthly basis. To apply, farmers must fill out an application form and contact their local NRCS office. Pennsylvania agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed may be eligible to apply.

http://www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cbwi/index.html

 

Chesapeake Bay Trust Mini Grants

This program provides up to $5,000.00 for projects that focus on the Chesapeake Bay Trust's priorities.  These grants are typically used for educational purposes, small projects, and public awareness initiatives.  Grant applications will be considered until funds are exhausted.

http://www.cbtrust.org/site/c.enJIKQNoFiG/b.2028473/k.BBF6/Mini_Grant_Program.htm

 

American Water Environmental Grant Program

Grants are provided for projects that improve, restore or protect a watershed. 

http://www.amwater.com/Ensuring-Water-Quality/environmental-grants-program.html

1675 Foundation
This foundation offers support to organizations for arts/culture, education, the environment, health, human services and history.  Priority is given to Philadelphia and Chester Counties.  Grants ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 are available to organizations that are tax exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3) or public charities under IRS Code 509(a).  Applications are due March 1 and October 1 of each year.
http://www.1675foundation.org/guidelines.htm

Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund
This Trust provides charities with funding to support education, the environment/conservation, or children’s programs. 
http://www.bridgestone-firestone.com/trustfund.asp

William Penn Foundation Grants

This foundation provides grants that protect, conserve, and restore water resources that drain to the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers. 

http://www.williampennfoundation.org/info-url_nocat3569/info-url_nocat.htm

Maryland DNR Grants and Loans
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of Maryland Department of Natural Resources Grants and Loans.
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/land/grantsandloans/index.asp

Maryland DNR Tree-Mendous Program – Trees for Schools Project

The Trees for Schools Project assists teachers and students in Montgomery County Public Schools to plant native trees in their school yards.  Six-foot tall native trees are provided at no charge to the schools with educational fact sheets on how trees benefit the environment.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2009/081809a.asp

 

The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) Grants

The Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee (MUCFC) is providing maximum grants of $1,500 to projects for tree planting and care.  Grants are reviewed on or about September 15, February 15 and June 15.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/programs/urban/grantapp.pdf

 

PennVEST Loans – Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority

Loans are provided for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater loans, on-lot sewage disposal funds, and Brownfield redevelopment.

http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/pennvest/cwp/browse.asp?A=4

 

Pennsylvania Pollution Prevention Assistance Program (PPAA) Loans

This program provides loans for small businesses to implement pollution prevention and energy-efficiency projects.  Funding is provided at a 2% interest rate, up to a 10 year term for 75% of the project cost, up to a maximum of $100,000.00.  This program may be used by businesses in Pennsylvania with 100 or less full-time employees for the acquisition and installation of machinery and equipment.

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/enintech/cwp/view.asp?a=1413&q=503114

 

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Grants Page

The PHMC offers many grants covering topics such as Historical Markers, Technical Assistance, Certified Local Governments, and more.

http://www.artsnet.org/phmc/grants.htm#clg

NY DEC Grants
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New York Department of Environmental Conservation Grants and Loans.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/grants.html

USDA Rural Development Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loan and Grant Program for Rural Areas

This program provides loans, grants, loan guarantees and technical assistance for water, sanitary, waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less.  Assistance is provided to public entities, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes.  Applications are accepted continually. 

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/program.htm

 

USDA Technical Assistance and Training Grants for Rural Areas

These grants are provided for identifying solutions for water and waste disposal problems, assist in preparing applications for water and waste grants, and improving operations and maintenance of existing facilities.  Private non-profit organizations located in rural areas and towns of 10,000 or less are eligible.  Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/tatg.htm

 

USDA Solid Waste Management Grant Program for Rural Areas

These grants are provided to public bodies, private non-profit organizations and Native American tribes for reducing/eliminating pollution of water resources and improving planning/management of solid waste sties in rural areas.  Applications accepted October 1 through December 31 every year.

http://www.usda.gov/rus/water/SWMG.htm

 

PA Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP)

This program provides farmers and business with tax credits in exchange for Best Management Practices (BMPs) on agricultural operations to enhance production and protect natural resources.  Applications will be accepted till fiscal year 2009-2010 appropriations are committed to projects.

http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=145155

 

Gannett Foundation – Community Action Grants

Funds are granted to provide education/neighborhood improvement, economic development, youth development, community problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.  Applications are due February 16 and August 17 of each year.

http://www.gannettfoundation.org/guidelines.htm

 

H2O PA – High Hazard Unsafe Dam Projects

Grants between $500,000 and $20,000,000 are provided to municipalities, municipal authorities, the Commonwealth and independent agencies for projects that repair, rehabilitate, or remove all or some of a high hazards unsafe dam.

http://www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-for-funding/funding-and-program-finder/funding-detail/index.aspx?progId=190

 

H2O PA Water Infrastructure Projects Bonds

The Commonwealth Financing Authority has issued $400 million in bonds for projects that impact water, water infrastructure, wastewater systems, and high hazard dam projects.  The bonds are designated as “Build AAmerica Bonds” under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  They are taxable bonds with an interest rate subsidized by the federal government.  Applications are due July 1, 2010.

Visit http://www.newpa.com/find-and-apply-for-funding/commonwealth-financing-authority/index.aspx  and search for H2O PA for more information.

New Jersey DEP Grants and Loans
Visit this site for a comprehensive list of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Grants and Loans.
http://www.nj.gov/dep/grantandloanprograms/index.html

Environmental Educator Grant

Members of the Earth Day Network Educator’s Network are eligible for grants from $500 to $3,500.  They are looking for individuals who are involved with greening their schools.  Activities include construction projects, implementing environmental education, performing civic action, and achieving policy reform.

http://www.earthday.net/files/newapp.pdf

 

Coldwater Heritage Partnership – Conservation Grants Program

Grants are provided to protect and conserve the health of Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems.  Grants average $6,000 and are designed to help organizations develop conservation plans to identify values and threats to coldwater ecosystems.

http://www.coldwaterheritage.org/grantapplication.htm
 

Foundation for Pennsylvania Watershed Grants

Grants are provided to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations only.  The primary area ranges from the Ohio border to the Susquehanna River’s mainstem.  Letters of inquiry for the spring round of grants are due February 27, 2010.  Full proposals are due March 23, 2010.  Letters of inquiry for the fall round of grants are due August 27, 2010.  Full proposals are due October 1, 2010.

http://www.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org/?page_id=20

 

EPA Wetland Grants Database (WGD)

The WGD is a database provides information on Wetland Program Development Grants such as project descriptions, grant amounts, final reports, geolocational information, case studies, and more.  They also have a “Model Products” section that highlights valuable products.  It is meant to be a learning tool for applicants to learn from what others have done.  To view the database, visit http://iaspub.epa.gov/pls/grts/f?p=101:1 and click on the link that says, "Click here for Public Access (read-only)."

 

USDA Encourages Farmers Within Chesapeake Bay Watershed to Signup for Conservation Program

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI) is providing technical and financial conservation assistance for Pennsylvania agricultural producers located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  The focus is on controlling erosion and minimizing excess nutrients and sediments entering the Chesapeake Bay.  Practices include crop residue management, crop nutrient management,

cover crops, buffers, and streamside fencing to keep livestock out of streams and protect fish and wildlife habitat.    Applications will be accepted and evaluated throughout the year on a monthly basis.  The applications will be evaluated, ranked, and prioritized based on the effectiveness to control erosion and reduce sediment and nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay.  First, contact your local NRCS or Conservation District for assistance.  The application and information can be found by visiting www.pa.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cbwi/index.html.

 

TogetherGreen Fellowships

The National Audubon Society is accepting applications for the TogetherGreen Conservation Fellowships.  Forty people will be chosen for their leadership potential, skills and commitment to engaging people in conservation.  Those chosen will receive a $10,000 grant, assistance with launching a conservation action project, and training.  Applications are due May 7, 2010.

http://www.togethergreen.org/People/Fellows.aspx

 

TogetherGreen Innovation Grants

The National Audubon Society is accepting applications for the TogetherGreen Innovation Grants.  Grants ranging from $5,000 to $80,000 will be provided to Audubon and their partners to support activities that assist in conservation and creating healthier communities.  Applications are due May 7, 2010.

http://www.togethergreen.org/Projects/Grants.aspx

 

EPA - Smart Growth Implementation Assistance (SGIA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications from state, local, regional, and tribal governments (and non-profits that have partnered with a governmental entity) to implement smart growth techniques into future development.  The grants provide technical assistance in policy analysis or public participatory processes.  Applications are due April 9, 2010. 

http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgia.htm

Awards:
 

PROP Recycling Festival Best Video Competition

The Pennsylvania’s State Recycling Association is hosting this event.  Use your talents and creativity to create a video about recycling and/or about your local recycling program.  A cash prize is provided for the “Best Video” and your video could be posted on the Internet.  Submissions are due by July 9, 2010.

For more information, visit http://www.proprecycles.org/Conference/2010/2010%20Conference.html and click on “3^rd Annual Recycling Film Festival” at the bottom of the page.

 

4th Annual Rachel Carson “Sense of Wonder” Contest

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting this creativity contest.  Categories include poetry, photography, essays and dance.  Entries should focus on instilling a sense of wonder for the environment for all generations and to inspire environmental stewardship. Form a team of two or more people from younger and older generations and submit team entries by June 16, 2010.  The public will have the opportunity to vote. Winners will be announced in October 2010.

http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/index.htm

 

 

 

 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

F. X. Browne, Inc.
 Engineers – Planners – Scientists
31 Years of Excellence & Innovation

SERVICES

Lake and Water Quality Studies
Watershed Management Programs
Bioengineering Projects
Stormwater Management
Watershed Inventories
Water Quality Monitoring
Laboratory Services
Water Quality & Watershed Modeling
Open Space Planning
Water & Wastewater Planning and Design
Low-Impact Development
Geographic Information Systems
Public Education and Seminars
Wetlands Consulting Services

Corporate Office: Lansdale, PA
Pocono Office: Marshalls Creek, PA
New York Office: Saranac Lake, NY

For more information, call us at (215) 362-3878 or visit: http://www.fxbrowne.com