PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa December 31, 2012

Read About Hundreds Of Award-Winning Environmental Stewards From 2012 Individuals, businesses, farmers, schools, local governments, students of all ages, nonprofit groups and organizations just like you are doing great things to protect and restore Pennsylvania's environmental all the time and in every corner of the Commonwealth. If you don't believe us, read about these award-winning performances in the following 87 stories included in the PA Environment Digest in 2012. You've got NO excuse! Pocono Raceway Solar Farm Hits Milestone: 5 Million Kilowatts Of Electricity Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority Receives National Award From Keep America Beautiful Stonycreek River Voted Pennsylvania's 2012 River of the Year PA Parks & Forests Foundation To Recognize Award Winners May 1 Gov. Corbett Announces 2012 Environmental Excellence Award Winners Fish & Boat Commission Presents Annual Recognition Awards PA Resources Council Announces 2011 Lens On Litter Contest Winners Three Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste To Landfill Riverside Elementary, Lackawanna County, Wins School Recycling Contest ClearWater Conservancy Earns National Recognition Marcellus Shale Coalition Chair Ray Walker Named Engineer Of The Year Bowman's Hill Land Ethics Award To Natural Lands Trust, Wissahickon's Bob Adams PA Environmental Educators Honor 2012 Award Winners PECO Named 2012 Energy Star Partner Of The Year By EPA Four PA Schools Nominated By State For National Green Ribbon Award Lt. Gov. Cawley Earns National Award For Energy, Environmental Leadership DEP Regional Director Mike Bedrin Receives Bar Association Recognition DCNR: Independent Review Hails State Forest Management DCNR Environmental Educator, Others Cited For Professional Achievement PA Schools Recognized In National Recycle-Bowl Competition NRDC: Pennsylvania Among Best Prepared States For Climate Change Awards Presented At Fish And Boat Commission Quarterly Meeting Boyce Mayview Park Wins Green Park Award In Allegheny County

EPA Recognizes Chatham University For Green Power Purchases Two Weis Markets Stores Achieve Environmental Milestone PECO Energizing Education Program Receives Governor's Environmental Award Local Governments Recognized For Strengthening Community Partnerships EPA Recognizes State College For Curbside Food Recycling Schuylkill Highlands Initiative Honored By Landscape Architects John Hines To Receive James McGirr Kelly Award For Excellence Trout Unlimited Abandoned Mine Program Wins Governor's Award DEP Small Business Environmental Assistance Program Wins National Honors DCNR Salutes Employees' Award-Winning Efforts Luzerne County High School Wins 2012 PA State Envirothon Heritage Conservancy Recognizes Local Individuals, Groups Wildlands Conservancy Recognizes 2012 Friends Of The Lehigh River Dr. Tyler Black Named Dr. Robert J. Behnke Award Winner Little Pucketa Creek Project Wins Western PA Environmental Award Gov. Ridge Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From PA Environmental Council Westmoreland County Student Winner Of Sue Wiseman Scholarship Three Farms Honored For Efforts To Protect Chesapeake Bay Watershed Conservation Districts Announce Award Recipients At Annual Conference Fish & Boat Commission Presents Awards At Quarterly Meeting Ralph W. Abele Historic Marker Dedicated PROP: Ruby's Recycling Ruckus Wins Top Video Contest Honors Pennsylvania Team Comes In 15th In International Envirothon Competition Environmental Community Recognizes Flyfishing Pioneer August 29 Conservation Groups, Local Officials Honor Rep. Bill Adolph Presque Isle Named Among Nations Top State Parks for Fishing, Boating Chatham University Named To Princeton Review Green Honor Roll Westmoreland District Honors Farm Conservation Efforts John Dernbach Selected To American College Of Environmental Lawyers Spotlight: Rachel Carson's Silent Spring Turns 50 Two Game Commission Employees Win National Recognition PennDOT Commends Volunteers For Removing 6.7 Million Pounds of Litter Senate, House Recognize The Accomplishments Of Maurice K. Goddard Highmark Cumberland County Office, Data Center Earn Energy Star Certification Barnes Foundation Office Awarded LEED Platinum Certification EPA Honors Green Power Partners, Including Philadelphia Gov. Corbett Supports National Estuaries Day, Commends Chesapeake Bay Foundation Dents Run Mine Reclamation Project Wins National Recognition

PHMC Honors PennDOT Employee For Preservation Efforts Sen. Smucker Honored With Historic Preservation Award Petroleum Distributors Honor Corbett For Keeping PA Refineries Philadelphia Housing Authority Recognized For Green Housing Project Chatham University To Receive National Landmark Designation At Rachel Carson Event Aqua PA's Mill Water Treatment Plant Receives National Award Ohio River Watershed Celebration Recognizes Environmental Leaders Sister Pat Lupo, Dr. Ed Masteller, Eugene Comoss Receive Leadership Awards DCNR Environmental Education Video Garners Emmy Honors Robert Hetz Honored With Ralph W. Abele Conservation Award PA Resources Council Presents Annual Leadership Awards Nov. 15 PA Market Recycling Center Honors eForce Compliance For E-Cycling Efforts Stroud Water Research Center Honors Dr. John Brisco For Fresh Water Stewardship New Frontiers In Reclamation At PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Chatham University Receives STARS Gold Rating For Sustainability Achievements Dennis Guise Named Government Lawyer of the Year By The PA Bar Association DCNR Renames Tuscarora Forest Tract In Honor Of Late James Nelson ClearWater Conservancy Honors Volunteers At Annual Meeting PA Environmental Council Highlights 2012 Accomplishments National Organization Honors The Borough Of Columbia, Lancaster Warwick, Lititz Receive EPA Award For Protecting Watersheds Keep PA Beautiful Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers, Programs Friends Of Wissahickon Honors Kevin Kramer As Volunteer Of The Year Chatham University Student Wins PA Environmental Professionals Scholarship Wildlife For Everyone Seedlings For Schools Plants 124,375 Trees In 2012 Click Here for a list of new environmental laws enacted in 2012. Senate, House Kick Off New Legislative Session January 1 While everyone else is home having pork and sauerkraut at their New Years Day dinner, members of the Senate and House will be in Harrisburg January 1 at noon to formally inaugurate the new two-year legislative session by swearing in new members, formally electing leadership and otherwise getting organized. The next day they will all go home and not return to Harrisburg again until January 22. Senate Republicans and Democrats and House Republicans and Democrats have already informally elected their Leadership teams for the new session. The Senate Republicans and Democrats and the House have named Committee Chairs, but not the other members of each standing committee. In addition, two members of the House Democratic Caucus will depart the House for other jobs-- Rep. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny) won election to the Senate, and Rep. Eugene

DePasquale (D-York) will become Pennsylvanias auditor general in January. Both seats will be filled by special elections to be scheduled by the Speaker. Familiar Issues Senate and House Leadership and the Governor remain the same, as well as the issues they will face in the coming year. Gov. Corbett has already laid out his immediate 2013 legislative priorities: a no-tax increase budget, proposing a transportation improvement funding plan, dealing with the Commonwealths unfunded pension obligations and privatizing liquor sales. Out of the three, the Senate and House are likely to agree on the need to adopt a transportation funding plan, since they can take at least some of the fruits of their labors back to their constituents. School and state worker pension issues will be a tough sell, the issue has to be dealt with at some point, but real decisions need to be made on whether to cut benefits or increase payments to pension funds and by how much. And on liquor privatization, the House Republicans have always made it more of a priority than the Senate. Heres more on these and other issues leftover from 2012--- General Fund Budget: Gov. Corbett said he would again propose a General Fund budget in February with no tax increases. Later Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said agencies were instructed to submit FY 2013-14 budget proposals which held General Fund appropriations flat, although increasing personnel and other costs will actually mean agency budgets will be cut by another 7 to 8 percent. Budget cuts in each of the last 10 years have already left General Fund appropriations for the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources below 1994 levels, a $1.5 billion cut in all. DEP in particular has lost more than 20 percent of its fulltime positions since 2003. -- Transportation Funding: The Governor's Transportation Commission issued a report in August 2011 detailing a list of recommendations for closing the more than $2 billion funding gap for highways, bridges and transit in the state. Although the Senate and House Transportation Committees have had a series of joint hearings on the report, the Corbett Administration has yet to say what it supports in the recommendations. Everyone had listed transportation funding on their priority list for last Fall, but of course it did not get done. Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, put together his own transportation funding package and floated it out for comments in late October of 2011. At the beginning of December, Gov. Corbett said in interviews he would be proposing a transportation funding plan which may include a possible increase in the wholesale tax on motor fuels. -- Paying For Flood Damages: Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee roared through Pennsylvania causing hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage and at least seven deaths in September 2011. It also caused yet another budget problem for the Commonwealth because the state is responsible for paying 25 percent of at least the public infrastructure cost of

Federal Disaster Assistance in the 27 counties declared a disaster area. -- Stormwater Management: Senate Bill 1261 (Erickson-R- Delaware) further providing for stormwater management by municipal authorities got to the House Floor and died. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. -- Prevailing Wage. Perhaps the biggest single tool to reduce public spending is to eliminate or reduce the scope of prevailing wage laws applied to publicly funded projects saving from 30 to 75 percent on labor costs for many projects. The annual price tag for prevailing wage in Pennsylvania is estimated to be $1 billion. Bills to deal with this issue were left on the House Calendar. Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced The General Assembly adjourned its two-year session sine die on November 30. The Senate and House formally reorganizes and starts its new session on January 1.

Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate January 1, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30 May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 House January 1, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23 February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

News From Around The State

WPCAMR: OSM Seeking Mine Treatment Project Grant Applications The Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation announced this week the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is seeking applications for the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program. Eligible abandoned mine treatment projects can be awarded up to $100,000 in matching funds not to exceed 28 percent of the total project cost. OSMRE is actively looking for projects to use this money. Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program funds are commonly paired with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Greener grants, which are expected to be announced this spring. OSMRE funds can also be matched with other state, foundation, and industry funds. Last year, a portion of the OSMRE's Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program funds went unused by Pennsylvania and the money was returned to the Federal government. In light of the magnitude of abandoned mine related problems in our state, let's not let that happen again this year. If you have questions or a project in mind, please contact David Hamilton of OSMRE by calling 717-782-2285 ext. 15 or sending email to: dhamilton@osmre.gov. (Written By Anne Daymut, WPCAMR Watershed Coordinator, and reprinted from Abandoned Mine Posts.) Penn State: Preventing Septic Systems Malfunctions

For most people living in rural areas, collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage must be accomplished on site. Here are some tips to prevent problems with your system. Onlot sewage systems typically consist of a treatment tank and a soil absorption area. The treatment tank removes and partially biodegrades solids while the soil under the absorption area absorbs and renovates the liquid effluent from the treatment tank. Properly designed on-lot sewage systems provide adequate treatment and disposal of liquid household wastes. In spite of the efforts of regulators, and contractors to properly design and size these systems, on-lot systems may malfunction. A malfunctioning on-lot system results in sewage backup in the household, untreated sewage emerging at the land surface and possibly groundwater degradation. Although groundwater degradation is seldom visible, it is important since nearby drinking water wells (including your own) and streams can become contaminated. Assuming your on-lot system was properly designed and sited, malfunctioning of on-lot sewage systems usually occurs for one of four reasons: poor installation, hydraulic overloading, biological overloading or lack of maintenance. The most common of these is to let construction equipment operate on the absorption surface, the surface where the treatment tank effluent is expected to enter the soil. Heavy equipment should never be permitted to track on the absorption surface during installation or on the absorption area after it is put into service. This equipment can compact the absorption surface, compact the absorption area, or break pipes within the aggregate layer. If seepage beds and the associated piping are not installed level, water will not be distributed uniformly over the absorption area. Finally, if surface runoff water is not diverted away from the absorption area, it may flow onto the absorption area. Remember, the system was designed to absorb the household wastewater not an additional volume of surface water. On-lot sewage systems also often fail because the soil is not capable of absorbing all of the wastewater delivered to it by the sewage system (Hydraulic Overloading), and the drainfield becomes clogged due to the development of a slime layer or biomat created as a result of persistent wet conditions in the absorption area (Biological Overloading). When your onlot sewage system begins to give you trouble, its time for two things; first have the treatment tank pumped, and second is to find a way, such as a family vacation, that will reduce water usage in the home to zero for a short time. Actually, you should have your septic tank pumped every two to three years regardless of whether your on-lot sewage system is giving you problems or not. This will limit the build-up of solids in the septic tank. When solids get too deep in the septic tank, they can be carried to the absorption area with the septic tank effluent. Septic tank-soil absorption systems were never intended for a lifetime of use without maintenance. Neglecting to maintain your on-lot sewage system can lead to malfunctions. The most important maintenance issue is having your septic tank pumped every two three years. With all the things that can go wrong in your system, you may be wondering what you can do to prevent problems from happening. Fortunately, a number of preventive and corrective measures can be undertaken to ensure that your septic system functions properly. Here are several reminders: -- Take every opportunity to conserve water in the home. -- Do not use, or at least severely curtail, the use of a garbage disposal in the home. -- Do not flush non-biodegradable wastes into the septic system. -- Chemical or biological enzyme additives are not recommended.

-- Do not add harsh chemical cleaners to your septic system. -- Do not plant deep-rooted plants or trees over or near the absorption area. -- You can also have the system inspected by an experienced professional. For more information: EPA Fact Sheet: Preventing Septic System Failure, Penn State Septic System Information (Written By: Dana Rizzo, Water Quality Educator, Penn State Extension in Westmoreland County, reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.) Friends Of Wissahickon Honors Kevin Kramer As Volunteer Of The Year The Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery County selected Kevin Kramer of Ambler for Volunteer of the Year at its annual Volunteer Recognition Night at Valley Green Inn at the beginning of December. Kramer has worked 250 hours in Wissahickon Valley Park this year and attended several machine training sessions so that he is now qualified to do more specialized work in the park. He has also adopted the Lavender Trail system and has been performing maintenance on these trails on his own, which are in great need of restoration. "Kevin is very enthusiastic about working in the park," says FOW Volunteer Coordinator Dan Mercer. "He even works on Saturdays with FOW Trail Ambassador John Cassidy when there are no scheduled work days." FOW volunteers serve on various committees, participate in workdays in the park, or serve as Trail Ambassadors. These hardworking individuals help build structures in the park, repair trails, assist with fundraising, write for the newsletter, patrol the park, lead hikes, and countless other tasks. To volunteer with FOW, contact Volunteer Coordinator Dan Mercer by sending email to: mercer@fow.org or call 215-247-0417. REI Awards $15,000 Grant To Friends Of Wissahickon For Trail Work The Friends of the Wissahickon was presented with a check for $15,000 from Recreational Equipment, Inc. at FOW's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Night at Valley Green Inn at the beginning of December. The check was for a grant REI awarded FOW earlier this year for the Sustainable Trails Initiative, a multi-year project to make the 50 miles of National Recreation Trails in Wissahickon Valley Park a physically and socially sustainable system that works for all park users. This grant will fund work at Kitchen's Lane, where FOW will close two dangerous, rapidly eroding sections of trail totaling 800 feet. These closures will be replaced with 700 feet of new trails that are more sustainable and encourage proper use of the trail. In addition, FOW will restore approximately 1.75 acres of habitat through native plantings and invasive plant removal and build a natural stone staircase. The project will engage 450 volunteers in anticipated contribution of 1,500 hours of volunteer labor. Northeast Audubon Invites Applications For College Scholarship

The Northeast PA Audubon Society is inviting applications for a $4,000 college scholarship for students who wish to pursue a career in an environmental field such as Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Planning,Environmental Engineering, Fish, Game, or Wildlife Management, Ecology and/or Environmental Science. The deadline for applications is April 30. Applicants must be from Pike, Wayne, Lackawanna, or Susquehanna County and must enroll full-time in an accredited two or four year college or university program. The winning applicant will receive $1,000 per year for up to four years. The scholarship is funded by the annual Audubon Arts and Craft Festival held each July. Interested students can find the application form online. Chatham University Student Wins PA Environmental Professionals Scholarship The PA Association of Environmental Professionals board of directors announced Thursday Alexandra Ratliff of Chatham University won its annual scholarship competition. PAEP received 64 applications. Alexandra is an Environmental Science major at Chatham University with a 3.86 GPA. She is involved and serves in leadership roles in several activities at Chatham, including Student Government, Ambassador Coordinator, Mortar Board, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, collegiate volleyball and water polo player. She has received several awards including Presidential Merit Scholarships, World Ready Women Academic Scholarship and a nominee for Chatham Universitys Rachel Carson Environmental Award, as well as being on the Deans List or Honor Roll for most of her academic career. In her spare time, she also works at the Miami University of Ohio Research Experience and interned at Tree Pittsburgh (environmental non-profit organization). Alexandra hopes to contribute to the environmental science research fields, possibly in restoration/conservation or climate change, after graduation. PAEP will hold its annual conference on May 8-10 in State College. DEP To Unveil New Interactive Exhibit At 2013 Farm Show The Department of Environmental Protection will introduce a new DEP at Home exhibit during the 97th Pennsylvania Farm Show in the Main Hall of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg from January 5 to 12. DEP at Home is an interactive, educational exhibit fashioned into a home structure that features practices and products promoting energy efficiency and sustainable building materials as well as environmentally friendly and Pennsylvania-produced products for the home. Energy efficiency starts in the home, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. This exhibit will be a valuable tool to teach residents about simple, common-sense ways they can increase their homes efficiency, reduce the amount of energy they consume and save money. We are delighted to roll it out at the Farm Show. The three-room exhibit has a bathroom/laundry area, kitchen and living room that showcase dcor, appliances and building materials that help improve energy efficiency, water conservation, radon awareness, air quality and other staples of environmental awareness. There is also an outdoor space that includes a dog house with green roofing and a bicycle.

The theme of this years farm show is Made in PA. It makes a difference. The DEP at Home exhibit will feature many Pennsylvania products, including fiber cement siding headquartered in Valley Forge, Chester County; cork flooring based in the Lancaster, Lancaster County; an Energy Star window from Vandergrift, Westmoreland County; and insulation made in the Erie, Erie County, and Allentown, Lehigh County. On Sunday, January 6, DEP will host a Meet the Experts event from 2 to 6 p.m. with representatives from the companies that donated products to the exhibit available to answer Farm Show visitors questions and offer additional energy-efficiency tips. DEP will showcase the new exhibit, which was created through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energys State Energy Program, at home shows, schools and other educational events to continue to promote the benefits of energy efficiency and sustainable building practices. DEP-At-Home Webinars The exhibit goes hand-in-hand with a series of quarterly webinars, also called DEP at Home, produced by DEP to educate families about energy-efficient and environmentally friendly practices they can implement in their homes. The next webinar, Radon Awareness, will be on January 16, from 7 to 8 p.m. The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs January 5 to 11 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Jan. 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $10. The Pennsylvania FarmShow Complex and Expo Center is easily accessed from nearby Interstate 81. PPL Submits Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project To PUC For Approval After soliciting public input during 13 community meetings, PPL Electric Utilities has submitted the Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project to the Public Utility Commission for approval, the company said Friday. The project will improve electric service for 250,000 people in northeast Pennsylvania and the Poconos. It will involve construction of three new electrical substations and a new 230kilovolt power line. "This project will have clear and immediate benefits for all of our customers in this region," said Stephanie Raymond , PPL Electric Utilities Transmission and Substation vice president. "It will reduce the number of power outages experienced by our customers, and also will reduce the duration of outages caused by falling trees or severe weather." The PUC review process generally takes about one year, during which there are opportunities for additional public input. For example, the commission may schedule public input sessions for local residents in the project area. The route chosen for the power line represents the company's best effort to balance social, environmental and cost impacts while ensuring that PPL Electric Utilities can fulfill its obligation to provide reliable electric service, Raymond said. "We recognize that there is no perfect route for a power line," Raymond said. "That's why we are so diligent about seeking and listening to public input and making changes to the project where we can to address any concerns that may be raised." This project is needed because electricity use in the region has been increasing for decades. New homes have been built and existing homes are using more electronic devices and appliances. While this growth has been reduced by customers using energy more efficiently, overall demand particularly during peak times such as winter cold snaps is expected to

continue to grow. Another need for the project relates to the existing network of 69-kilovolt power lines in this area. These lines are no longer adequate to serve customer needs. These lines are up to 40 miles long, exposing customers to more frequent and longer service outages if lines are damaged during storms. The Northeast-Pocono Reliability Project will address these issues and improve electric service in this part of PPL Electric Utilities' service territory. The new power line will be about 58 miles long. It will connect the new electrical substations to the existing high-voltage grid, strengthening the local electric delivery network. The project, which will cost about $200 million, will serve customers in parts of Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne, Pike, Carbon and Luzerne counties. For more information about this project, visit PPLs Northeast-Pocono webpage. DEP Invites Comments On Re-Opening Landfill In Mercer County The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice inviting public comments on an application by Tri-County Landfill to re-open an existing closed landfill in Liberty and Pine Townships, Mercer County (PA Bulletin page 7862). State Parks, Forests Offer Visitors A Winter Playground Pennsylvanias state forest and park systems again are rolling out the welcome mat for winter visitors intent on enjoying cold-weather outdoor fun. As the temperatures turn and seasonable and snow and ice begin to accumulate, our state forests and parks transform into a new world of outdoor excitement and adventure, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan said. We are hoping families seek out a sledding hill at a nearby state park or stroll on a forest trail and enjoy the beauty and peace winter landscapes offer, Allan said. For others, snowmobile and ATV trails have opened, and hunters and anglers will be heading to our state forests and parks for late-season hunting and ice fishing. Below is a list of activities and events that visitors can explore this winter: Winter Events: State parks and forests host winter festivals with games, dog-sled races, sleigh rides and fun competitions for families. To view all scheduled activities around the state, visit the Get Outdoors PA website. Overnight Stays: The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle offers a great launching point for winter activities like cross-country skiing or for other outdoor adventures in the Pennsylvania Wilds. It offers modern overnight accommodations and breakfast, as well as a large stone fireplace in the great room where guests can warm up after outdoor activities. Several state parks have winter cabin rentals available. Reservations can be made by calling toll-free, 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757), Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Snowmobiling: Snowmobiling is available where conditions permit and is offered through April 1, 2013. Snowmobile riders in Pennsylvanias state forests and parks have access to almost 3,000 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads and trails in 18 of the states 20 state

forest districts and in 32 state parks. More than 170 miles of winter ATV trails in seven state forest districts are also open. DCNR is providing condition updates toll-free through 1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-7666253). Recorded messages, providing reports on snow depths and trail conditions across the state, are updated around noon each Tuesday and Thursday. Snowmobile enthusiasts will find maps, conditions, and other detailed information online. Snowmobile maps are updated to show storm damage and other conditions that may affect the trails. All snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must be registered with DCNRs snowmobile/ATV Unit. For more information on registration, call toll-free 866-545-2476, or visit DCNRs website. Skiing: For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, more than 330 miles of marked cross-country ski trails are offered on Pennsylvanias state forestland. Also available are nearly 400 miles of groomed and un-groomed cross-country ski trails in 73 state parks. Downhill skiing is offered at Blue Knob State Park, Bedford County; Denton Hill State Park, Potter County; and Camelback (Big Pocono State Park), Monroe County. Skiing again is not being offered this season at Laurel Mountain, Westmoreland County. Other Activities: Most state parks with bodies of water are open, weather permitting, for iceskating, ice fishing and ice boating. Sledding and tobogganing also are available at many parks. Updated state park ice conditions and snow depths are available on DCNRs State Parks Things To Do webpage. Visitors also may call the nearest state park or state forest district office. Hunting: Archers, muzzle-loaders and other late-season hunters are reminded that more than 400 miles of normally gated state forest roads were opened for the late fall and early winter seasons to provide easy access to often remote areas. As much as 3,040 miles had been open to hunters, but openings and closings are at the discretion of local forestry officials and are weatherdependent. Hunters are urged to check with forest district offices about specific roads. Wildlife For Everyone Seedlings For Schools Plants 124,375 Trees In 2012 The Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation funds Seedlings for Schools, an educational program that is available for all schools in the state. Last year 124,375 seedlings were shipped to 569 schools. Each child receives a seedling to take home to plant, plus a lesson plan on how to properly harvest trees. The total cost to the school is free, WFEEF picks up all the shipping cost, and Howard Nursery donates the seedlings. Most of the seedlings are shipped from the Game Commission Howard Nursery in Centre County in time for Arbor Day. These trees are part of the "Seedlings for Your Class" component of the program aimed primarily at third grade students, but many preschool and all elementary students can participate in this program. Each class or grade level receives enough silky dogwood or white pine seedlings for each student to take one home. In addition, the seedlings come with an education package for the teacher. The teacher gets to teach a whole program around the trees, environment and the importance of planting trees in your local community.

Some of the seedlings also are shipped for the "Seedlings to Develop Habitats" element of the program. This module is aimed at middle and high school students interested in planting them on school property, community grounds, or along a stream corridor. They are also planted to improve habitat, a tree nursery or in an environmental area. This year marked the fifth anniversary of the "Seedlings For Schools" program. Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation hopes you will join the following partners: Waste Management, Mealey's Furniture, Pheasants Forever Chapter 603, Best Buy Mobile - Nittany Mall and Kohl's - State College to support Seedlings for Schools. "We were very excited to get involved because all of us, when we were in elementary school many years ago, used to get seedlings to take home and plant in our yards. And that left an impression on all of us," said Vern Ross, Executive Director of Wildlife for Everyone. For more information, visit the Wildlife for Everyone website for student and teacher guides for the Seedlings for Schools Program. Click Here to watch a video on how Pennsylvanias wildlife need you. Game Commission Offers Seedlings To Homeowners, Landscaping For Wildlife Booklet While it may be winter, now is the time for landowners to begin making plans to help wildlife by to planting tree and shrub seedlings offered by the Game Commissions Howard Nursery, which will begin January 7 through April 19. Landowners interested in developing backyard habitats beneficial to wildlife are encouraged to check out the Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania, also available from the Game Commission. Seedlings For Homeowners If you are looking for seedlings for ornamental landscaping, look for a private nursery in your area, said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. However, our bareroot seedlings are produced for use to improve wildlife habitat on State Game Lands and privatelandowners enrolled in our Hunter-Access Program. These seedlings also are used to help educate Pennsylvania students about wildlife habitat needs through our Seedlings for Schools program. We also are able to offer a limited number of surplus seedlings for sale to the general public to help with their own private efforts to improve wildlife habitat conditions on their property. This effort is part of our agencys mission to manage wildlife and its habitat for current and future generations. New this year is an improved order form to help guide landowners seeking to create habitat for specific wildlife species, as well as a new bundle offering. Bundle offerings include 100 seedlings in a specified mix to benefit deer, game birds and songbirds, as well as riparian and winter-thermal habitats. The order form and information are available on the agencys website-- go to General Store, click on Howard Nursery and in the drop-down menu listing and scrolling down and choosing 2013 Seedling Order Form. The order form can be completed and submitted online, or printed out and faxed or mailed. Payments are not due until the order is confirmed by Howard Nursery. For those without internet access, order forms can be obtained at Game Commission offices or various displays or booths at shows in which the agency participates through the spring or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Howard Nursery, 197 Nursery Road,

Howard, PA 16841. Seedlings are available for purchase by landowners are suitable for a variety of uses as wildlife food and cover, including hard- and soft-mast production, winter thermal cover and riparian habitats, said Annetta Ayers, Howard Nursery superintendent. The Howard Nursery strives to offer the finest available tree and shrub seedlings that best provide for the various needs of wildlife, including food and shelter. All of our stock is inspected annually by the state Department of Agriculture. Ayers noted that the nursery sells seedlings in units/bundles of 25. Orders of 12 more total units receive discounted pricing. Prices are as low as $3.75 per unit of 25 seedlings (15 cents each). The new bundles for deer, game birds and songbirds, and winter-thermal habitats, sell for $25; the riparian habitat bundle sells for $30. Some seedling types are on very limited supplies, so those interested will want to call Howard Nursery at 814-355-4434. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ayers noted that, for evergreens, 1,000 seedlings planted at the recommended tree spacing of eight feet by eight feet will occupy 1.5 acres. Planting space for hardwood trees should be a minimum of eight feet by eight feet and up to 15 feet by 15 feet, depending on species. For hardwoods, 100 trees will occupy one-quarter acre, and 1,000 seedlings will occupy 2.5 acres. The various shrub species can be planted on a six foot by six foot or eight foot by eight foot pattern. A description of each species available, along with size information, is available on the website under Tree Seedling Index. Some of the new native shrubs are available in limited quantities and are expected to sell out quickly. The selection of native trees and shrubs is being expanded annually. With the exception of black locust, all of the hardwoods are grown from seed collected and processed by Game Commission personnel from Pennsylvania sources. The preferred method of delivery is by United Parcel Service (UPS). Shipping and handling charges do apply. This is very efficient and most orders are received next day. Orders are shipped only Monday through Wednesday to assure delivery for weekend planting. However, orders also may be picked up in person at the nursery once notified the order is ready. Due to conditions beyond our control, such as ice and snow, wet weather, frozen ground, we may not be able to ship trees as early as we would like, Ayers said. We will do everything we can at the nursery to ensure timely shipping and arrival of trees. Generally, seedlings ship in the month of April. For more information, contact the Howard Nursery, 197 Nursery Road, Howard, PA 16841, telephone 814-355-4434. Hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Game Commissions Howard Nursery produces bare-root seedlings for wildlife food and cover on State Game Lands. The nursery has been producing and distributing 2.2 to 6 million seedlings annually for wildlife food and cover since 1954. Landowners who have land open to public hunting and are enrolled in one of the Commissions public access programs are eligible to receive up to 500 free seedlings annually, as available. Those enrolled cooperators with more than 500 acres are eligible for one free seedling per acre enrolled up to a maximum of 10,000 seedlings annually, as available. Cooperators are provided an order form each fall for following spring delivery. Free seedling orders are taken only in the fall through local Wildlife Conservation Officers and Land Management Group Supervisors.

Landscaping For Wildlife Landowners interested in developing backyard habitats beneficial to wildlife are encouraged to check out the Landscaping for Wildlife in Pennsylvania, available from the Game Commission. Written by Marcus Schneck, a noted outdoor and nature writer from Hamburg, Berks County, the 160-page book comes complete with descriptions, drawings and photos of ideal habitat for a variety of species, from hummingbirds to bats, as well as construction plans for a number of wildlife nesting boxes. The book also contains a chapter on nuisance wildlife and steps to address certain situations, as well as the importance of planting native species and a listing of recommended plants. While spring garden plantings may be several weeks away, now is the time to begin drawing up plans, said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. If you are interested in seeing and helping wildlife on your property, then this book is a must. It can help guide any first-time backyard habitat planner, as well as an experienced hand, in helping to create an oasis for wildlife. To order the book, which costs $9.43 (plus state sales tax and shipping and handling), visit the Game Commissions Outdoor Shop website. Orders also are being accepted at 1-888888-3459. Fish & Boat Commission Announces Mentored Youth Trout Waters Young anglers and their adult mentors can get an early start to trout season by fishing one of 12 waters on March 23, the weekend before the regional opening day. The 12 waters identified today by the Fish and Boat Commission are part of the Mentored Youth Trout Day program, a new pilot project begin launched within the 18-county southeast area that makes up the regional opening day. The Commission is piloting the Mentored Youth Trout Day as part of its goal to keep young anglers and their families fishing, said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. The pilot program gives us the opportunity to gauge interest and to determine the feasibility of expanding the program across the state. Under the program, kids under the age of 16 must register with the PFBC before joining a mentor angler, who must have a current fishing license and trout permit. They will then be able to fish on the Saturday before the southeast opener on the select waters from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Waters included in the pilot are listed below. The waters will be stocked to ensure a plentiful supply of fish to catch for the youth day and the regular season to follow, said Laurel Anders, PFBC director of Boating and Outreach. Online registration is currently available on the PFBC website. Paper registration forms will be available at many of the Mentored Youth Trout Day locations starting February 1. Registration is free and youth will have the opportunity to receive a free one-year subscription to the Pennsylvania League of Angling Youth (PLAY) newsletter, added Anders. The PLAY newsletter is written for young anglers and includes articles and activities on fish, fishing, and PAs aquatic resources published four times each year. For a list of designated Mentored Youth Waters and more information, visit the Mentored Youth Program webpage.

NewsClip: Lakes Figure Prominently In New Youth Trout Program DEP Notice Of Bid Opportunities For 4 Abandoned Mine Reclamation Projects The Department of Environmental Protection published notices of the opportunity to bid on an abandoned mine reclamation projects in Allegheny County, Nickolson Township, Fayette County, Springhill Township, Fayette County and Schuylkill County.

Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of the 2013 meeting schedule for its advisory committees and boards on December 15 (PA Bulletin page 7608). January 3-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. January 8-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. -- Continued discussion of 30+ Climate Plan implementation work plans <> Click Here for available handouts January 9-- No agenda yet. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment meeting. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. January 10-- No agenda yet. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor Rachel Carson Building. (no time given, but theyve started at 10:00 in the past) January 15-- No agenda yet. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. (2013 meeting dates: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 22, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15 and November 19) January 15-- No agenda yet. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (2013 meeting dates: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 22, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15 and November 19) January 16-- No agenda yet. DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. January 23-- No agenda yet. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (2013 meeting dates)

January 29-- No agenda yet. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Vapor Intrusion Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. February 2-- No agenda yet. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. February 5-- No agenda yet. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. February 7-- No agenda yet. DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. February 13-- No agenda yet. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (2013 meeting dates) February 14-- No agenda yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (2013 meeting dates) February 20-- No agenda yet. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP Southcentral Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. (2013 meeting dates) February 27-- No agenda yet. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Technical Guidance Manual Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 5-- No agenda yet. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. March 6-- No agenda yet. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. April 11-- No agenda yet. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (2013 meeting dates) April 11-12-- No agenda yet. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. June 12-- No agenda yet. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events [DEP No Longer Publishes a single Calendar of agency meetings]

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. January 7-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants January 9-- West Penn Sustainable Energy Fund Financing January 11-- PA Wilds Photo Contest Voting January 16-- Great American Can Roundup School Challenge January 18-- POWR, DCNR PA River of the Year January 31-- Governors Award For Environmental Excellence January 31-- Fish & Boat Commission Photo Contest February 1-- DEP Natural Gas Vehicle Grants March 1-- PHMC Historic Preservation Grants April 10-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants April 30-- NEW. Northeast PA Audubon College Scholarship May 1-- Keep PA Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship Grant July 12-- PROP Recycling Film Fest -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Getaway With Corbett Raises Questions Of Influence Editorial: Governor Should Travel On Own Dime Other Report: PA Has Most Electric Suppliers In US Program Helps Rural Midstate Residents Save Energy Retirement Of 100-Watt Bulbs Causing Consternation Casey Wants More Home Heating Aid Mascaro Lands $135M Contract To Bring NJ Waste To PA Op-Ed: Biomass Facilities Are Hardly A Clean Energy Alternative Editorial: New EPA Soot Rule Will Help Nations Lungs Oil-By-Rail Vision Takes Shape In Eddystone Old Forge Borehole Draining Mines 50 Years Covantas Second Corporate Sustainability Report PA Climate Change Strategy Being Updated York Group Touts Benefits Of Eating Local Food Editorial: Pittsburgh Can Rejoice Over Iconic Fountain American Constituency For Wildlife Continues To Grow Appalachian Trail Museum Celebrates Successful Season

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Shell Given 6 More Months To Decide On Cracker Plant Buy Shell Gets Extension On Decision To Buy Cracker Plant Land Drillers Open Ears To Communities Industry Drawn Again To Pittsburgh By Resources Hospital Losses Blamed On Gas Field Workers PA Is Second In Nation For Shale Jobs Young Workers Flock To Drilling Fields For Jobs Marcellus Natural Gas Production Expanded In 2012 2012 Big Year For Marcellus Shale Financial/Other States EPA Fracking Study Will Tap Into PA Data

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Other Watershed NewsClips Schuylkill Among Rivers Nominated For 2013 Best List Agency Wants To Restore 2 Eroding Islands In Ohio River DEP To Help Fix Mamont Elementary Treatment Plant

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The PA Housing Finance Agency published regulations allocating the Marcellus Shale impact fee revenue for the PA Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. Pennsylvania Bulletin - December 29, 2012 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice announcing the availability of the final Erosion and Sedimentation Control General Permit 2 for Earth Disturbance Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Processing or Treatment Operations or Transmission Facilities (ESCGP-2), a notice of emissions and source reporting requirements for natural gas operations and notice of proposed 2013 ozone season nitrogen oxide emission limits for nonelectric generating units. DEP also published a notice of the final Policy for Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management for Earth Disturbance Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration,

Production, Processing or Treatment Operations or Transmission Facilities and rescinding the Guidance for Using the Modified Minor Permit Amendment for Repainting the Interior of a Potable Water Storage Tank Final: DEP ID: 550-2100-008. Title: Policy for Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management for Earth Disturbance Associated with Oil and Gas Exploration, Production, Processing or Treatment Operations or Transmission Facilities. Rescission: DEP ID: 383-2125-109. Title: Guidance for Using the Modified Minor Permit Amendment for Repainting the Interior of a Potable Water Storage Tank. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of the 2013 meeting schedule for its advisory committees and boards on December 15 (PA Bulletin page 7608). January 1-- NEW. Official start of the 2013-14 Legislative Session. Noon. January 3-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. January 8-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. January 9-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment meeting. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. January 10-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor Rachel Carson Building. (no time given, but theyve started at 10:00 in the past)

January 15-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. (2013 meeting dates: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 22, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15 and November 19) January 15-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (2013 meeting dates: February 19, March 19, April 16, May 22, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15 and November 19) January 16-- DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. January 23-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (2013 meeting dates) January 29-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Vapor Intrusion Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. February 2-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. February 5-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. February 7-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. February 11-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, to hear a presentation from a company that recycles plastic drill site liners used by the Marcellus Shale industry. Room G-50 Irvis Building. Noon. February 13-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (2013 meeting dates) February 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (2013 meeting dates) February 20-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP Southcentral Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. (2013 meeting dates) February 27-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Technical Guidance Manual Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

March 6-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. April 11-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (2013 meeting dates) April 11-12-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. June 12-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Calendar of Events [DEP No Longer Publishes a single Calendar of agency meetings] Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburgbased government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit the newly updated Crisci Associates website or call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

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Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.