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Celebrate Luzerne County's Great Trails and Greenways!
Tuesday, April 19th
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
The Ballroom, Henry Student Center
Wilkes University
84 West South Street, Wilkes-Barre
More than 25 volunteers pitched in to plant 20 bare root trees along Huntsville Creek, helping to reduce erosion, improve water quality and provide habitat.
  
PEC, in partnership with the Pennsylvania American Water Company will host a streamside tree planting on Friday, November 5th in Trucksville.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Pennsylvania American Water Company will be conducting a streamside tree planting project at the Pennsylvania American Water Company Property along Hillside Road, Trucksville on November 5, 2010 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Scranton Times-Tribune reporter David Falchek covers PEC's Northeast Environmental Partners Awards
PLAINS TWP. - The Northeast Pennsylvania Environmental Council recognized eight area residents and groups for their commitment to environmental causes at the organization's awards dinner Thursday night.
The Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award went to Tim Herd, executive director of the Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission. Seven other awards were also given out, recognizing individuals and groups from the 16-county area.
WNEP-TV’s Don Jacobs and Jackie Lewandsoki take viewers on a journey of savings this spring – including a look at PEC's Lands at Hillside Farms project
WNEP-TV's Don Jacobs and Jackie Lewandsoki take us on a journey of savings this spring - from pheasants to waterways to diesel fuel and electricity.
PHESANTS FOREVER
The River Reporter's Sandy Long looks at how the recently finalized budget will impact environmental funding.
Environmental agencies see more cuts; gas severance tax confirmed
By SANDY LONG
PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania's recently finalized $28 billion General Fund budget extends cuts made last year to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) while sustaining some conservation programs and calling for the establishment of a natural gas severance tax.
Environmental organizations are calling the outcome a "mixed bag."
Tune in to WNEP (channel 16) on June 10th at 7:30pm to see a feature of PEC's Lands at Hillside Farms Riparian Zone Restoration Project.
PEC's Lands at Hillside Farms Riparian Zone Restoration Project will be highlighted on WNEP Channel 16 Power to Save show to be aired on June 10, 2010 at 7:30 pm. The story will focus on the issue of invasive Japanese Knotweed along the banks of Huntsville Creek and PEC's efforts through partnerships with the Lands at Hillside Farms, Wilkes University, Pennsylvania American Water Company, PADCNR and area business and industry to remove the invasive Japanese Knotweed and replant with native species
The Northeast Environmental Partners announce the “20th Annual Evening for Pennsylvania’s Environment” and are seeking a Call For Nominations for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards and the Thomas P. Shelburne Award.
The Northeast Environmental Partners (Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Northeast Office, PPL Corporation, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and Wilkes University) are proud to announce that the 20th Annual Evening for Pennsylvania's Environment has been scheduled for Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort.
PEC coordinated a tree planting with the Lands at Hillside Farms to reduce stream bank erosion, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Lands at Hillside Farms coordinated a streamside tree planting project at the Lands at Hillside Farms in Trucksville on May 7, 2010 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Editorial piece praising PEC's recent dumpsite cleanup efforts - written by Representative Mike Carroll for the Pittston Dispatch and Citizens Voice
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the mayor and council members of Dupont Borough, and area volunteers for their help in sponsoring and completing the illegal dumpsite cleanup near Wyoming Avenue in Dupont.
PEC and the Lands at Hillside Farms will host a streamside tree planting in Trucksville.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Lands at Hillside Farms will be conducting a streamside tree planting project at the Lands at Hillside Farms in Trucksville on May 7, 2010 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Times Leader reports on new bike trails in Wilkes-Barre, including plans for a Rails to Trails program with PEC.
BILL O ' BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com
WILKES-BARRE - Bikers want a safe path through the downtown.
Albert Martino, a 25-year-old city resident, rides his bike daily to and from work and he is circulating petitions to have bike/pedestrian lanes throughout the downtown.
"Motorists are extremely impatient with bikers," Martino said. "They honk their horns and that could create a dangerous situation."
Martino said establishing bike lanes would be "proactive" and would prevent incidents.
Nominations are due June 16th for this annual awards program that recognizes the achievements of individuals or organizations that, through partnerships, have achieved excellence in environmental protection or conservation.
The Northeast Environmental Partners announce the "20th Annual Evening for Pennsylvania's Environment" and are seeking a Call For Nominations for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards and the Thomas P. Shelburne Award.
Nominations due June 16th for this annual awards program that recognizes the achievements of individuals or organizations that, through partnerships, have achieved excellence in environmental protection or conservation.
The Northeast Environmental Partners announce the "20th Annual Evening for Pennsylvania's Environment" and are seeking a Call For Nominations for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards and the Thomas P. Shelburne Award.
Sustainability, pollution, gardening and related topics were presented to the students at Kistler Elementary School.
From the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader
As part of their new Growing Green science-based, schoolyard garden program at Dr. David Kistler Elementary School, fourth-grade students in Sandra Marinko's class hosted a presentation by Julie McMonigle and Janet Sweeney from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council who spoke about sustainability, pollution, gardening and other environmentally-related topics.
The Armstrong Trail is a trail project that is critical to the Erie-Pittsburgh Trail. Contact your legislators and ask them to support the negotiations of the Allegheny Valley Land Trust with Kiski-Junction Railroad to reconsider the offer made by Allegheny Valley Land Trust and find a resolution that benefits both the railroad and the Armstrong Trail.
BACKGROUND:
This rail with trail right-of-way along the Allegheny River in Gilpin and Bethel Townships between Schenley and Ford City was "railbanked" and purchased by the Allegheny Valley Land Trust (AVLT), managers of the Armstrong Trail.
For over eight years, the AVLT has been in conversations with The Kiski-Junction Railroad about sale of 9 miles of the right-of-way for both freight and scenic service. This is a laudable economic development goal and proper under the federal Rails to Trails Act.
NEPA Times Leader reporter Bill O'Boyle covers PEC's Community Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program
BILL O ' BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com
HUGHESTOWN - The Pennsylvania Environmental Council reported Monday that more than 180 tons of garbage was removed from 28 illegal dump sites in 2009 in Luzerne, Northumberland and Wyoming counties.
The council said 46 tons of scrap metal and 27 tons of tires were also removed from the environment throughout the three counties. More than 332 volunteers donated a total of 1,600 hours by participating in the cleanup activities. Contractors were retained to clean up six of the 28 sites because of steep terrain.
180 tons of trash removed from 28 sites in Luzerne, Northumberland and Wyoming Counties.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is proud to report the completion of the 2009 Community Illegal Dumpsite Program. This program resulted in the cleanup of 28 illegal dumpsites through volunteer and contractor efforts.
PEC is proud to report the completion of the 2009 Community Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program, which resulted in 28 cleanups in Northeast PA. Join us for a celebration of the program's completion and a check presentation supporting 2010 cleanup efforts.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is proud to report the completion of the 2009 Community Illegal Dumpsite Program. This program resulted in the cleanup of 28 Illegal Dumpsites through volunteer and contractor efforts. A total of 180 tons of trash; 46 tons of scrap metal and 27 tons of tires were removed from the environment throughout Luzerne, Northumberland and Wyoming Counties. A total of 332 volunteers donated a total of 1600 hours by participating in the cleanup activities. Contractors were retained to cleanup 6 of the 28 sites due to the steepness of the terrain.
Allentown Morning call reporter Patrick Lester reports on Lower Macungie's stormwater BMPs, including commentary by PEC Program Manager Liz Feinberg
by Patrick Lester
The Morning Call
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a5_5pond.7154586jan28,0,3597499.story
With its triad of concrete channels running along flat, treeless green space, an 81/2-acre strip off Sauerkraut Lane in Lower Macungie Township is hardly a scene of beauty.
''It looks like an alien landing strip,'' Rebecca Kennedy said. ''It's a green desert.''
Provide input on public walking and biking trails in Wilkes-Barre!
The City of Wilkes-Barre in Partnership with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association is preparing a Trail/Greenway Master Plan for a city-wide trail/greenway system.
The Partnership is seeking public comment on the final draft map of the potential alignment for the trail/greenway system. A brief survey and map are available for viewing at the following two locations within the City of Wilkes-Barre:
YMCA
40 West Northhampton Street, Wilkes-Barre
PEC and POWR are partners in the Lackawaxen River Conservancy, which will host events and paddling trips throughout the year in celebration of the Lackawaxen River being named "River of the Year" by PA DCNR.
News Eagle
Steeped in a wealth of natural bounties and historical significance shaping northeast Pennsylvania's ecology and communities for centuries, the Lackawaxen River today was named the Commonwealth's River of the Year for 2010 by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Wilkes Barre Times Leader reports on organizations urging the county to keep funding in place for Moon Lake Park and Forty Fort - important trail/recreation destinations.
By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.com
Luzerne County Reporter
Recreation advocates urged county commissioners to keep funding Moon Lake Park and the Forty Fort recreation complex during Thursday's work session.
Suburban News reporter Kelly Wojcik looks at attempts to fund 674-acre Moon Lake Park. PEC VP Ellen Ferretti responds and discusses proposed trails to and from the park.
Luzern County's 2010 tentative budget passed Thursday, December 31, with a 10-percent tax hike that eliminates all funding for county-owned Moon Lake Park and the recreation departments. Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla did state that workers in these departments will remain on staff for now.
Click here to see the full article.
PEC plan will create six interconnected city trails plus links to regional and national trails in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
From the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader
By RORY SWEENEY
Engineers from Rettew displayed on Thursday a finalized proposal for the city's trail master plan, which would create roughly a 12-mile loop around the entire city with two- to three-mile loops within it, all of which would connect to schools, parks and other local attractions.
Citizen's Voice writer Denise Allabaugh covers PEC's recent clean up of an illegal dump site in Luzerne County.
By Denise Allabaugh (Staff Writer)
NEWPORT TWP. - A contractor removed nearly 92 tons of trash and three tons of scrap metal illegally dumped at a site on Alden Mountain.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the United States Department of Agriculture provided $26,155 to hire Gary Fronk Excavating for the massive cleanup, coordinated by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Earth Conservancy.
PEC Vice President contributes to article on what motivates trail use and other impacts of the Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership.
PEC will host a press conference for the cleanup of an illegal dump site on Alden Mountain, Newport Township in Luzerne County.
TIME: 12:30pm
Directions below.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is hosting a press conference for the cleanup of an illegal dumpsite that was located on Alden Mountain, Newport Township - Luzerne County.
Due to steep terrain of the site, a contractor was retained to remove the 91. 77 Tons of Trash and 3 Tons of Scrap Metal that was illegally dumped. Funding was provided to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to cleanup this site from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and United States Department of Agriculture.
Map and web site describe trails and access areas in 11 counties.
Scranton Times-Leader
By Rory Sweeney
Staff Writer
The state Department of Transportation doesn't just make driving easier. Earlier this fall, it released a map to the recreation trails of Northeastern Pennsylvania that hikers and cyclists will no doubt find useful.
The map, available in east and west segments on the department's Web site, covers 11 counties, including Luzerne, and lists details for finding trailheads.
Despite an early snow, nearly 120 supporters join PEC for the first meeting of the Pocono Conservation Landscape Initiative.
On October 15th PEC and partners held the first Pocono Forest and Water Conservation Landscape Partners Roundtable. The Landscape aims to connect the conservation of natural resources with sustainable community development.
The Citizen's Voice (Wilkes-Barre) reporter Melissa Janoski highlights the Thomas P. Shelbourne Environmental Leadership Award winner, presented by PEC and others at the Northeast Environmental Partners Awards Celebration
Joe DeMarco loves when his 4-year-old grandson points out a turkey vulture in flight. DeMarco is passing along not only his love of birds, but the seeds of "citizen science."
It's what DeMarco calls the information bird enthusiasts can supply to environmental researchers after bird-a-thons, organized counts and classification of all the birds they can find in a specific area.
"These were people who know their birds," he said. "Those were a blast."
The Wyoming Valley trail system master plan will take 18 months to complete and will identify the corridors to link key communities.
From the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader
By Rory Sweeney
Staff Writer
In its attempt to find funding for a master plan and feasibility study to create an interconnected trail system throughout the Wyoming Valley, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council is seeking letters of support from local municipalities.
PEC's EAC Network presents the Lehigh Valley Conference. Environmental Advisory Council members are invited to network and learn from others in the region.
LOCATION:
Northampton County Community College
Fowler Center
511 E. Third St., Bethlehem.
Room 605
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
TOPICS and sessions include (click here for full agenda):
Join us for a discussion of the Pocono landscape and share information on projects you’re working on.
10:00am - 3:00pm
Thornhurst Fire Hall
125 River Road; Thornhurst Township; Lackawanna County, PA
Let's take this time to discuss the Landscape and share information on projects we're working on. This will also be a time to come up with ways for us to work together as we move forward toward realization of our goals for this region.
Light refreshments and a light lunch will be served.
R.S.V.P. REQUIRED by Friday, October 8, 2009 by calling PEC at 570-718-6507 AND via e-mail to eferretti@pecpa.org.
The Conservation Assistance Program (CAP) is a reimbursement funding program through the Pocono Forest and Water Conservation Landscape (PFW) Block Grant, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) and administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).
PURPOSE
With the working knowledge that the Pocono Forest and Water Conservation Landscape (PFW) is a very active region and home to numerous and worthwhile projects, programs, communities and groups with a focus toward conservation, sound land use and nature based recreation, the purpose of the CAP is to provide funding for smaller projects that support the Overall Goals of the PFW and advance land conservation and conservation and recreation planning with the PFW Priority Areas using a proactive targeted approach.
Eight (8) Recipients of the Environmental Partnership Award and the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award Recipient will be honored at "An Evening for Pennsylvania's Environment." in Wilkes-Barre on October 22nd.
"An Evening for Pennsylvania's Environment" - The Nineteenth Annual Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 5:00pm at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Rte 315, Wilkes-Barre, PA. Eight (8) Recipients of the Environmental Partnership Award and the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award Recipient will be honored. To receive information or an invitation to the Awards Dinner, please call the Pennsylvania Environmental Council at 570-718-6507.
Times Leader reporter Mark Guydish reports on a collaborative community garden that educates student on how to grown their own food.
Click here to see the full article on the Times Leader web site.
WILKES-BARRE - Mix tons of mulched soil, about 400 plants, and 10 and 1/2 kids and what do you get? Dirty fingers, a few worms, corny lyrics to an ad-libbed song, and a community garden outside an urban elementary center intended to become an "edible schoolyard."
"This is additional land for the public to enjoy ... spectacular land in the headwaters of the Lehigh River," said Ellen Ferretti of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
From The Hazelton Standard Speaker
The Lands at Hilldside Farms "Peace and Carrots" summer camp children join PEC to plant vegetables at Kistler Elementary in Wilkes Barre.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is partnering with the City of Wilkes-Barre Health Department, the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, The Lands at Hillside Farms, King's College and the Penn State Cooperative Extension/4-H to create a community garden at Kistler Elementary in Wilkes-Barre. The purposed of this collaborative community garden is to educate students not only how to grown their own food but also the health, environmental and economic benefits of locally grown food.
New Age Examiner reports on PEC's efforts to clean illegal dump sites in Wyoming County.
BY MICHAEL J. RUDOLF, Wyoming County Press Examiner
State and local officials gathered along Sunnyside Road on Monday morning to announce the completion of a dump site cleanup.
Until this spring, the steep bank between the road and Tunkhannock Creek was littered with old appliances, garbage and debris.
Don Welsh, president of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, noted that 19 tons of trash were pulled from the site back in April, as well as a ton of tires.
The North Branch of the Susquehanna River, which is co-managed by PEC, was designated as a National Recreation Trail.
The board of directors of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. have received notification from U.S. Secretary of the Interior that the North Branch of the Susquehanna River is a designated National Recreation Trail.
Handbook helps golf courses reduce costs by saving water and other sound operations, and how to add value through wetlands and natural floodplains.
From the Pottstown Mercury
By Brian McCullough, Journal Register News Service
The National Recreation Trail designation for the North Branch Susquehanna adds to the water trail initiatives conducted by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region and Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
From the Towanda Daily Review
BY JAMES LOEWENSTEIN
STAFF WRITER
PEC, in partnership with the Lands at Hillside Farms will conduct a streamside tree seedling planting in Trucksville on Thursday, April 9th.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Lands at Hillside Farms will be conducting a streamside tree seedling planting at the Lands at Hillside Farm in Trucksville on Thursday, April 9, 2009 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The Clean Up Our American Lands and Streams (COALS) Program, a program of DEP and PEC, worked with local partners to clean up 12 tons of tras at an illegal dump site in Luzerne County.
The Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams (COALS) Program, a program of the state agency, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) to clean up illegal dump sites is being implemented in Luzerne County by local partners.
The Northeast Environmental Partners announce the “19th Annual Evening for Pennsylvania’s Environment” and are seeking a Call For Nominations for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Environmental Partnership Awards and the Thomas P. Shelburne Award.
Part of Outdoor Heritage Month schedule with activities and events in Johnstown, Bedford and near Somerset.
PEC is sponsoring a presentation entitled "From Nature Study to Environmental Literacy: Rachel Carson as Teacher," as part of the Outdoor Heritage Month activities in partnership with Natural BioDiversity, Johnstown Area Heritage Association and other organizations.
The free presentation by Vivienne Shaffer will be held at 7 p.m. April 21 at the Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center, 201 Sixth Street, Johnstown. The presentation is supported by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.
Wyoming County Press Examiner looks at how PEC and others are helping to spur the creation of the Iroquois Trail
BY JOSH MROZINSKI Wyoming County Press Examiner
TUNKHANNOCK TWP. - Randy White has walked many trails in the Tunkhannock area and has discovered beauty.
Wanting to promote the beauty and cultural resources of the area. White attended a meeting last Wednesday that kicked off an attempt to develop a trail system in Wyoming County known as the Iroquois Trail.
Wilkes-Barre Times Leaders highlights efforts to find volunteers to work towards completing a Tunkhannock area hiking path.
By ROFY SWEENEY rsweeney@timesleader.com
A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday in the hope of finding enough volunteers to turn the Iroquois Trail plan in Tunkhannock into a reality.
"It kind of floundered because no one had the capacity to step up to the plate," said Julie McMonagle, vice president of the Northeast Regional Office of Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
Ecotourism advocates see the upside in improving and linking up area’s trails.
From The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader
By Rory Sweeney
Staff Writer
If county Recreation Director Andy Gegaris has his druthers, outdoor enthusiasts equipped with two wheels or two legs will at some point be able to travel from Ricketts Glen State Park to the Philadelphia suburb of Bristol without gassing up the car or hitting the highway.
Wilkes Barre Times Leader article highlights Dallas Twp residents celebrated at the Northeast Environmental Partners Awards.
Environmental group lauds joint efforts :Cooperation was key to Dallas couple's trail work, Archbald man's career achievements. By RORY SWEENEY
When Dallas Township residents David and Judy Rimple wanted to increase the recreational trails in the Back Mountain, they joined with like-minded locals to create the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association, eventually roping in support from businesses, lawyers and state agencies.
Lee Road and Plymouth projects addresses eyesore at long-term illegal dumps.
The Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams (COALS) Program, a program to clean up illegal dump sites, is being implemented in Luzerne County by local partners. For several days in November, COALS cleanups were held at the Lee Road Site and adjacent to Main Street in Plymouth Borough/Plymouth Township, both in Luzerne County
The university's soils course assisted in planting 75 trees to continue work on a conservation plan.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with Earth Conservancy and Wilkes University conducted a streamside tree planting project at the Penobscot property located in Newport Township on Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Wilkes University Students planted 75 trees, as part of their Soils course, with assistance from community volunteers.
Improving water quality and habitat on reclaimed anthracite mine lands owned by Earth Conservancy.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with Earth Conservancy and Wilkes University will be conducting a streamside tree planting project at the Penobscot property located in Newport Township on Saturday, November 22, 2008 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Wilkes University Students will be planting 125 trees, as part of their Soils course, with assistance from community volunteers.
Project begins implementation of recommendations from Wyoming Valley River Conservation Plan to improve water quality and habitat.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Lands at Hillside Farms coordinated a streamside tree planting project at the Lands at Hillside Farm in Trucksville on November 14, 2008.
PEC helped to promote DCNR’s iConserve election campaign in support of the cause of “Water Conservation”
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council thanks everyone who voted to help make "water conservation" the runner-up in the recently concluded "Elect to Conserve" campaign - a fun way to develop awareness and support for the state's broad conservation initiatives.
PEC was honored to be selected by DNCR as the organization to "campaign" for water with the "iCon" of Montrell in the election that had five different causes paired with five non-profit organizations competing for a $5,000 prize.
Dallas, PA couples and other honored for their work at the Northeast Environmental Partnership Awards.
When Judy Rimple moved to the Back Mountain from Colorado in the early 1990s, she was disappointed there weren't more areas to ride her bicycle. She especially longed to ride from her home in Dallas to Wilkes-Barre.
Already involved with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Rimple pulled together her husband, David, and several friends in 1993 to form the Anthracite Scenic Trails Association. From there, the Back Mountain Trail was born.
New Age Examiner covers PEC's efforts to clean up illegal dumping.
On Saturday, Sept. 27, a volunteer tire cleanup was held in Mehoopany Township along the Susquehanna River in Wyoming County.
The purpose of Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams Program, a part of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council is to clean up illegal dump sites.
New Age-Examiner (Tunkhannkock) - Northeast Environmental Partners announce the recipients of the Environmental Partnership Awards for 2008.
The Northeast Pennsylvania Environmental Partners are proud to announce the recipients of the Environmental Partnership Awards for 2008 which includes two groups from our region: the Countryside Conservancy and Don and Wendy Sweppenheiser.
"An Evening for Pennsylvania’s Environment” – The Eighteenth Annual Environmental Partnership Awards and Dinner and the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award Recipient will be honored during the Dinner on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Northeast Pennsylvania Environmental Partners are proud to announce the recipients of the Environmental Partnership Awards for 2008:
Support the cause of clean water – and support PEC as a participant in DCNR’s iConserve election campaign competing with other non-profits for a $5,000 prize.
Water - we just can't live without it. Actually, to be clear, "clean" water.... We all need clean water to survive, and not just the water that sustains us as humans: all of the water needed by plants and animals on which we rely for food and so many other things.
Arguably there can be no greater cause for our Commonwealth today than to conserve clean water.
Union of Concerned Scientists report will spell out what’s at stake for citizens of Pennsylvania as the Commonwealth begins work on state plan.
A report being released tomorrow by the Union of Concerned Scientists will identify the impacts and risks of global warming in Pennsylvania, underscoring the need for the state to adopt a strong Climate Change Action Plan, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council said today.
The Action Plan is required under legislation passed recently by the State Legislature, and the committee overseeing the plan development met for the first time in September.
Article in the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader highlights progress in connecting area trails to the community.
By Rory Sweeney, Staff Writer, Wilkes-Barre Times Leader
WILKES-BARRE - The city and its neighbor Kingston might be the heart of the Wyoming Valley, but there's one thing they lack that hinders nearby communities: connections to regional recreation trails.
Trails advance toward the city from all directions - the Warrior Trail from the south, the West Side Trail from the north, the Back Mountain Trail from the west and the Delaware and Lehigh Trail from the east - but none connects.
PEC raffle fundraiser is huge success in attracting support to advance the mission of "Conservation through Cooperation."
John Dawes of Alexandria, PA, won a Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle donated to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
The raffle was highly successful, according to PEC Acting President and CEO Paul King, who noted that nearly all of the 999 tickets available were sold and raised about $40,000 for the council, a non-profit organization that focuses on water quality, sustainable communities and energy and climate issues.
July 3 is the new deadline to register for Pennsylvania’s River of the Year Sojourn Registration Deadline; the Youghiogheny Sojourn celebrates scenic resource and the waterway's improvement.
The deadline for registration for the Youghiogheny River of the Year Sojourn has been extended until July 3. All registration material is available on line at http://www.pecpa.org.youghsojourn/.
A news release with more details, issued June 20 by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, follows.
Illegal dump site on the banks of the Schuylkill yields 700 ties, 14 tons of scrap metal and 80 tons of trash.
READING, PA - The Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams (COALS) Program is being implemented in Berks County by local partners through the initiative of the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the non-profit Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).
A COALS Cleanup was held in May and June at the South 9th Street Site in Berks County, where over 700 tires, 14 tons of scrap metal and over 80 tons of trash were removed from the illegal dump site.
PEC and others work to create Greater Kingston Trail/Greenway feasibility and master project plan. By Rory Sweeney, Times Leader staff writer
Times Leader
DATE: 05-21-2008
Greenway plan focus: Connecting walk trails
By RORY SWEENEY
If the Pennsylvania Environmental Council gets its way, walking trails will connect disparate areas from Moon Lake Park to the Back Mountain to Nanticoke.
Volunteers planted trees along Huntsville Creek, helping to reduce stream bank erosion, improve water quality and improve wildlife habitat.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council in partnership with the Lands at Hillside Farms coordinated a streamside tree planting project at the Lands at Hillside Farm in Trucksville on April 25th, 2008.
The Environmental Partnership Awards are presented annually to recognize the achievements of individuals or organizations that, through partnerships, have achieved excellence in environmental protection or conservation in NEPA.
The Northeast Environmental Partners (Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Northeast Office, Wilkes University, Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance, PPL, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, PA DEP and PA DCNR) are proud to announce the Call for Nominations for the Eighteenth Annual Environmental Partnership Awards and the Fourteenth Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award.
Testimony presented to Senate Republican Policy Committee
Testimony presented today by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council before the Senate Republican Policy Committee urging help for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay follows. Our news release on the testimony is also available.
Nutrient Trading Testimony
February 21, 2008
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
By
Trading program holds promise for improving water quality
HARRISBURG, PA, February 21, 2008 - The Pennsylvania Environmental Council today urged support for a credit trading program that enables wastewater plants and farmers to get the help they need for reducing nutrients to cleanup the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Lower Anthracite Heritage Regional Trail plan
From The Pottsville Republican-Herald
BY LISA COONEY
CORRESPONDENT,
GIRARDVILLE - County residents may one day be able to hike in the woods from the Pioneer Tunnel in Ashland to Centralia, or take a nonstop bike trip from Girardville to Shamokin.
University of Scranton Lecture features PEC, UCS
The University of Scranton's newest and most environmentally friendly building will be the site of a Sustainability lecture that is linked to a national initiative on global warming.
After years of successful conferences in Southeast PA, the EAC Network brings this exciting agenda to the Northeast. The conference is an opportunity for EAC members and other municipal officials to dialogue and discover: learn about timely environmental topics, understand the role EACs play, network with other EACs, and meet local and state government officials.
Northampton Community College
Fowler Family Southside Center
511 East Third Street
Bethlehem, PA
RSVP REQUIRED. View pdf below for registration form or contact Khiet Luong at 215-592-7020 x107.
PEC established the EAC Network in 1990. The Network's goals are to promote the establishment of EACs in communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provide technical assistance to ensure their effective operation, and promote EACs as a mechanism for local government involvement in conservation.
Julie McMonagle, Vice President of the Northeast Regional Office, has been with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for 12 years. She holds a B.S. in Geology from Juniata College and an M.S. in Geology from Lehigh University. Her prior experience at environmental consulting firms includes soil and groundwater assessment and remediation in northeastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. From 1995 to 2003, Ms. McMonagle served as an adjunct faculty member at Wilkes University for environmental and geology courses. Since joining PEC, Ms.
Op-ed published in the Pocono Record
Opinion article written by Brian Hill (President and CEO, PEC) and Nancy Cole (Director of Climate Outreach, Union of Concerned Scientists); published by the Pocono Record.
December 15, 2007
The debate is over — science has spoken. Our planet is warming up and human activity is a major reason.
PEC President Brian Hill will speak at the University of Scranton about the risks and opportunities that climate change presents in Pennsylvania.
Brian Hill's presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. in room 407 of the Patrick & Margaret DeNaples Center, which is the new LEEDS certified campus center that will be opened by the University of Scranton in January.
From the Bloomsburg Press-Enterprise
By Gary Pang, Press Enterprise Writer
For boaters exploring the northern Susquehanna River, a new map shows where to avoid dams and rock outcroppings.
"The Susquehanna River Water Trail - North Branch" marks points at which people can launch and take out canoes and kayaks; it also shows islands that are off-limits.
The new guide includes estimated hours for getting from one landmark to another; it shows campgrounds, restaurants, gauging stations and historical sites along the way.
From the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader
By Tom Venesky
Sports Reporter
Julie McMonagle attributes her successful career to a rock she found at age 10.
Local outfitter, volunteers spend 3 1/2 years developing detailed guides to the river.
From the Elmira Star-Gazette
By Jim Pfiffer
Elmira (NY) Star-Gazette
For nearly 40 years the Pennsylvania Environmental Council has encouraged citizens to find local solutions to environmental challenges. To assist municipalities in this effort, we championed Act 148 of 1973 which allows local governments to create Environmental Advisory Councils.
Harrisburg,
PA -- Julie McMonagle, Director of the Northeast Regional Office of the
Pennsylvania Environmental Council, told the Joint Legislative Air and
Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee of its plans to
expand the Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams (COALS) Program
statewide.
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