Previous Newsletters     For a printer friendly version of the newsletter, click here.			Subscribe to Sustainable Environments
F. X. Browne, Inc.'s Sustainable Environments March 2011
"When Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring. In the lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing. When Irish hearts are happy, All the world seems bright and gay. And when Irish eyes are smiling, Sure, they steal your heart away." ~ When Irish Eyes Are Smiling http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttG7x2WKmXY		Photo credit:   Kavya Bhat on Flickr.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/kavya-b/5437901137/

Does Guinness Beer Taste Better in Ireland? A new study was conducted to determine whether Guinness tastes better in Ireland than other parts of the world.  Four researchers visited 71 establishments in 14 countries and 33 cities to collect data for 103 tastings.  Tasting scores were high around the world, but tasting scores within Ireland scored significantly higher.  ScienceDaily, March 6, 2011 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110305085708.htm

	Stream Redesignation Evaluations; Water Quality Standards Review The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will be evaluating the Special Protection and water quality status of 11 streams in Pennsylvania.  Those who have technical data on water quality, instream habitat or biological conditions of these streams are asked to provide this information for consideration in the assessment.  These assessments may lead to recommendations for redesignation. http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol41/41-9/338.html
	U.S. Forest Service Forest Planning Rule Revision The U.S. Forest Service revealed a proposed Forest Planning Rule to establish a new national framework in developing land management plans to protect water and wildlife and improve communities.  The proposed rule will provide the tools to protect forests from threats such as pests, catastrophic fire and climate change.  For more information or to submit comments, visit http://www.govcomments.com/ http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6IeDdGCqCPOBqwDLG-AAjgb6fh75uan6BdnZaY6OiooA1tkqlQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTj BNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=119987&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=&navid= 091000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Planning%20Rule%20Home
	EPA Seeks Public Comment on Plan to Review Regulations The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting public comment on a plan to guide EPA’s review of regulations.  A list of issues or impacts has been provided to assist the public in making comments, which will be accepted through March 20, 2011.  A retrospective review plan is expected to be released in late May, as well as the initial list of regulations for review.  EPA News Release, February 18, 2011 http://www.epa.gov/improvingregulations/

 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, It is the only thing that ever has.”

~Margaret Mead

 

State Lifts Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine, Federal Quarantine Remains The Emerald Ash Borer quarantine will be lifted in Pennsylvania on April 15, 2011, though the federal quarantine will remain in effect.  The quarantine was put in place to restrict the in-state movement of ash materials and hardwood firewood to reduce the movement of the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive wood-boring beetle that kills Ash trees.   The beetle has moved across Pennsylvania, making the in-state quarantine unnecessary.  The beetles can kill an ash tree within three years of infestation.  They leave D-shaped holes in the bark about one-eighth inch wide.  PA Department of Agriculture News Release, February 18, 2011 http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_ 24476_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/Page.aspx?name=Newsroom&navid=15&parentnavid=0&pageid=49&

 

Grants and Awards:
To view our list of available grants, click here.

 

New grants and awards added this month include:

 

Common Waters Foundation - Forest Management Grants

TogetherGreen - Conservation Leadership/Project Grants

 

 

Tools and Publications:

2010 State Land Use and Growth Management Report (Pennsylvania)

This report evaluates land use issues, historic and projected trends, and development patterns.  Major issues since the inaugural report in 2005 include the economic recessions, declines in building and development, and Marcellus Shale natural gas.  This report provides important information for future development and land use planning, and features the historical, culture, and natural features that make Pennsylvania a great place to live. 

http://newpa.com/get-local-gov-support/community-planning/land-use-reports/2010-state-land-use-and-growth-management-report

 

New LEED for Homes Self-Scoring Tool

This new tool helps you estimate how your project might score in LEED for Homes.  By answering a few questions, you can determine eligibility and what steps are necessary for earning certification.  You will also learn more about the LEED for Homes rating system.

http://www.leedforhomes.org/OST/homepage.aspx

 

Chesapeake Bay Stormwater Training Partnership

The Chesapeake Bay Stormwater Training Partnership provides training on tools and practices to improve the water quality of stormwater runoff, featuring the latest stormwater management design and implementation strategies.  You can register to join the training partnership tailored for new state stormwater regulations across the Chesapeake Bay watershed in DC, MD, VA and WV. 

http://www.cbstp.org/

 

 

 

 

 

 

F. X. Browne, Inc.  – Environmental Consulting

Engineers – Planners – Scientists
34 Years of Excellence & Innovation

 

 

 

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 

For a printer friendly version of the newsletter, click here.

F. X. Browne, Inc. Sustainable Environments by F. X. Browne, Inc. is licensed under a 
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Clipart from Microsoft Office Online.