Reflections On My Time As Chair
After serving her two year term as the Steering Committee Chair, Lisa Riggs' role is now transitioning to a different kind of leadership in 2022. She has agreed to stay on in an advisory capacity so her expertise and dedication will help continue to move the Partners forward!
When asked about her time as Chair, Lisa says “The DNA of the Partners is to recognize the efforts of so many other organizations focused on water quality in Lancaster County. It adds energy, capacity, vision, and momentum to drive progress faster, more collaboratively, and with a focus on return on investment. I continue to be amazed and inspired by the talent and expertise around the Partners’ tables – from passionate people with deep knowledge of the environment to business leaders who know how significant stewardship of our natural assets are to the future economic health of our community.”
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Dwayne Steager: Scholar Spotlight
As the zoning and stormwater officer at West Hempfield Township, Dwayne Steager knows a lot about watersheds and the dynamic intricacies of water systems. He’s been with the township for 15 years and not a day goes by that he isn’t drawing upon his watershed knowledge to benefit the township. Despite his deep knowledge of watershed dynamics, Dwayne wanted to “round out” his knowledge of stormwater issues. That’s why he joined the Lancaster Watershed Leadership Academy.
Dwayne’s story will inspire you! We invite you or someone you would like to nominate to be part of the 2023 Academy class. Apply today!
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Save the date! 6th Annual Water Week
Grab your waders and don’t forget your paddle! Lancaster Water Week returns for a sixth year from June 3 – 11, 2022.
Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for events to be announced later this spring on the Lancaster Conservancy’s website.
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RCPP applications due February 28
Applications for the Partners' Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) are due February 28th, 2022. Planned agricultural practices across the county are eligible. Application instructions are available here. Additional questions about the application can be directed to Heather Grove (heather.grove@usda.gov).
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We need your thoughts!
The Collaborative Watershed Mapping Tool provides access to multiple layers of the most current and relevant mapping data to support the planning efforts of restoration and conservation professionals. Be a part of the collaborative effort to continuously improve this tool by taking our survey, even if you have never used the tool.
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Implementation Large Grant due February 18
Approximately $1.7 million is now available to fund projects that achieve Lancaster’s Countywide Action Plan goals, such as agricultural, stormwater, and stream best management practices. Applications are due February 18 with award announcements expected the week of April 4.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Pennsylvania Forests Projects Associate, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
Applications due February 6, 2022
This position will work on the Alliance’s Forest Team on a wide range of reforestation, restoration and outreach projects in Pennsylvania but will focus on community engagement in our volunteer tree plantings and site stewardship. This position will involve extensive fieldwork and outreach including training volunteers, meeting with landowners, and implementing, monitoring, and maintaining tree planting projects. Learn more and apply.
Donor Services Officer, Lancaster County Community Foundation
Applications due February 7, 2022
The Donor Services Officer is a full-time opportunity serving as a frontline contact for work with donors who have established or plan to create a fund or leave a legacy with the Community Foundation. We anticipate hiring two Donor Services Officers to be part of the Forever Lancaster (development) team. Learn more and apply.
Full-time and part-time positions, Lancaster Farmland Trust
Lancaster Farmland Trust currently has two full-time and one part-time job opportunities open. All positions are a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the agriculture industry in Lancaster County and across Pennsylvania. Open job positions include Conservation Easement Monitoring Assistant, Conservation Program Specialist, and Land Protection Assistant. Learn more and apply.
Interpretive Rangers and Environmental Educator, Lancaster Conservancy
Summer may seem like a long time away, but the Lancaster Conservancy is currently hiring for three seasonal positions: two part-time interpretive rangers and one full-time environmental educator. These positions are a great opportunity to spend the summer outside and make a difference for both our community and the natural world! Learn more and apply.
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NEWS, RESOURCES, & OPPORTUNITIES
Nature Hour: Why Welsh Mountain, Lancaster Conservancy
February 9, 6-7 p.m. // Online
The area referred to as “Welsh Mountain” ranks third among Lancaster County high points. Relatively isolated largely because of topography, this area has a storied past. Mary Ann Schlegel will delve into the human and geologic stories of the Welsh Mountain area before exploring the distinctive natural history we enjoy and treasure today.
Behavior Change in Stewardship, Chesapeake Bay Trust
February 10, 9-5 p.m. // Online
The environmental community has been working to increase adoption of environmentally responsible practices for years. The Trust will hold the first Behavior Change forum to discuss best practices, synthesize current and future needs in research, and explore how behavior change programs can translate to water quality goals.
Nitrates in Drinking Water and the Promise of Partnerships, Smart Management for Small Water Systems
Thursday, February 10, 1:30-3:00 pm
In this webinar for small water systems and their partners, participants will learn about the impacts of high nitrate in drinking water, as well as promising approaches to address this challenge and broaden support for source water protection in rural areas.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Lancaster Conservancy
Starts February 17, 8 - 5 p.m. // Climbers Run Nature Center
If you volunteer or work at parks, nature preserves, or for trail groups or outdoor camps, or if you simply like to recreate outdoors the Wilderness Advanced First Aid course is for you. Wilderness Medical Associates International trains outdoor professionals and enthusiasts how to successfully manage medical emergencies in wilderness and remote settings.
Faithful Green Leaders Training, Interfaith Partners of the Chesapeake
February 20, 27, March 6, 4-5:30 p.m. // Online
Are you a person of faith interested in the environment? Interfaith Partners of the Chesapeake’s green team training program teaches you how to establish and grow a green team at your congregation. This three part training will provide you with the learning opportunities, knowledge, skills, tools, and support needed to lead your community in raising awareness and restoring the waters of the Chesapeake region. Our speaker on February 22nd will be Sharon Lavigne, winner of the Goldman Prize and founder of RISE St. James, of St. James Parish, LA.
FREE Fish Skills Instructor training, PA Fish and Boat Commission
February 22, 6-8:30 p.m. // Online
Are you an angler who would like to help connect others to PA's waters through fishing? PFBC is providing a FREE, virtual, Fishing Skills Instructor (FSI) Course on February 22, 2022 (6p.m. – 8:30p.m.). There’s limited spots available so sign up soon!
2022 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, PA Department of Environmental Protection
Comments due March 1, 2022
DEP has released for public comment the draft Pennsylvania 2022 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, the biennial update on the health of streams and lakes statewide. DEP welcomes comments on the report and the deadline for comments is March 1, 2022. Comments can be made online through the DEP eComment system, may be emailed to ecomment@pa.gov, or can be mailed to the DEP Policy Office, Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105. All comments must include the commenter’s name and address. Read the full press release here.
Community Conservation Partnership Program Applications Open, DCNR
Applications due April 6, 2022
DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2) grant can fund various projects related to riparian forest buffers, waterway conservation, statewide and regional partnerships, recreation and conservation planning, land acquisition and conservation, trails, and park rehabilitation and development. Grant applications are due on April 6, 2022.
Watershed Improvement Grants, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Applications due April 15, 2022
Grants are available from the PFBC to address habitat improvement and sediment reduction projects in York and Lancaster counties. The deadline for applications is April 15. To be eligible, projects must be in York or Lancaster counties and be a habitat improvement or a sediment reduction project. This round of projects is expected to be announced in July.
Wolf Administration Announces How Pennsylvania Will Meet Its 2025 Pollution Reduction Goals In Chesapeake Bay Watershed, PA Department of Environmental Protection
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The Lancaster Clean Water Partners is a countywide, collaborative partnership of diverse partner organizations that come together with a shared vision of clean and clear Lancaster waterways by 2040.
Learn more at www.lancastercleanwaterpartners.com.
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