Friend of PEC,
With summer in full bloom, we're reminded of why we do this work: to ensure that future generations can enjoy the lush forests, cool streams, and inspiring vistas that make Pennsylvania one of the best places in the world to get outdoors.
If you've been too busy hiking, biking, paddling or camping to visit the
PEC website lately... we get it! Not to worry, we've recapped some recent highlights for you below:
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In June, state Senator Jay Costa circulated a
cosponsor memo for legislation that will reduce carbon pollution from Pennsylvania’s power sector to help address climate change and ensure that Pennsylvania remains economically competitive in a zero-carbon energy future.
This legislation matches squarely with
PEC’s approach and would establish a key piece of the larger framework Pennsylvania needs to get to a zero-emissions profile by mid-century. We applaud the introduction of this legislation and look forward to working with members of the General Assembly and governor in the months ahead to advance workable solutions to address climate change.
For more information on legislative and regulatory proceedings, including bill status and upcoming meetings, bookmark the
PEC Bill Tracker
and follow
@pecpolicy
on Twitter.
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“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shiny dibble bar,” joked the Forest Technician as crew leaders unloaded planting bars from the back of a rented pickup truck at Weiser State Forest on the afternoon of April 19th. But those shiny new tools didn’t stay clean for long. The Weiser site was one of three former mining areas the
PEC Reforestation program tackled this spring — our most productive tree-planting season to date, with over 75 acres planted.
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The reforestation program is a joint initiative uniting PEC with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE). Together, we’re working to restore native forests on legacy mine lands as a part of the
Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative. Since piloting the program in 2016, PEC and partners have planted more than 86,000 seedlings on 104 acres of formerly mined land...
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The Board of Directors of the
Riverfront North Partnership (RNP) this week formally adopted a resolution recognizing founding board member and
PEC Executive Vice President Patrick Starr for his service to the organization. Starr attended his final RNP board meeting on June 3. He was the organization’s first Board Secretary at its inception in 2004 and has served continuously ever since.
The
resolution cites Starr’s many accomplishments on behalf of RNP, including his efforts to secure its initial funding, his leadership in the planning and development of the North Delaware Riverfront Greenway, and his work to ensure broad-based support and engagement among stakeholders and community organizations.
“We are grateful for his indefatigable determination in the face of complexity,” the resolution reads, “[and] we are in his debt for his guidance for over two decades of vision and completion of much of the Greenway, as well as the flourishing of our organization.”
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Hundreds of the city’s environmental movers and shakers turned out to celebrate innovation, service, and leadership exhibited by Molly Morrison and the Honorable Kate Harper — recipients of PEC’s Curtin Winsor award for life-time achievement — and Cira Green — recipient of PEC’s inaugural Special Places award.
As always, we are grateful to our sponsors, benefactors, and guests for their participation in a wonderful event. We look forward to seeing you all again at next year’s dinner, when we celebrate PEC’s 50th anniversary!
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This 3-day statewide summit provides exceptional training and networking opportunities for those engaged in all aspects of trail and greenway work, including planning and economic professionals; trail and conservation staff, board and volunteers; park professionals; local, county, and state government officials; consultants and builders; and trail enthusiasts.
The summit, which will be held
September 22-24, 2019 at the Shippensburg Conference Center, will offer dozens of educational sessions, 5-7 mobile seminars, keynote presentations, discussion panels, and various networking opportunities.
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The paper declined to publish our
response, citing a lack of available space. We invite you to read it and judge for yourself.
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It’s not just Pennsylvania — trails and greenways are becoming must-have amenities for communities throughout the U.S. and around the world. We assess the global trails landscape in conversation with Mike Passo of American Trails.
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Pennsylvania Legacies is on summer break through mid July. We leave you with an audio postcard from the recent unveiling of two exciting new improvements along Bucks County’s Delaware & Lehigh Trail.
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The Pennsylvania Legacies podcast features conversations with community leaders, policy experts, and Pennsylvanians on the most important environmental and conservation issues facing the Commonwealth.
New episodes are posted every other Friday at
pecpa.org/audio
and are available on most podcast platforms.
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State parks protect the wilds and fuel an industry
Parks are prolific in Pennsylvania and range from Presque Isle on Lake Erie, one the nation’s most visited state parks, to Allegheny Islands, three tiny undeveloped islands on the Allegheny River in Harmar that can only be reached by boat. In total, the state’s portfolio of 121 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forests occupies an area twice the size of Delaware.
“The state parks are the crown jewels of the Commonwealth,” said Davitt Woodwell, president of the nonprofit Pennsylvania Environmental Council. “They’re used mostly for recreation, but they’re also a way to conserve and preserve access to the best natural settings we have.”
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Copyright © 2019. All Rights Reserved.
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