ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

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1 pennsylvania environmental council ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS 1

2 Well known for its role in environmental policy discussions and decision-making in the State capital, in both the regulatory and legislative arenas as well as on the ground projects across the Commonwealth. PEC has a statewide presence with 4 oices including a central oice in Harrisburg. PEC employs a staf of 15 and has a 2014 operating budget over $4 Million. he mission of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council is to protect and restore the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education, and advocacy. PEC believes in the value of partnerships with the private sector, government, communities and individuals to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. More information on PEC can be found at he mission is accomplished through: INNOVATION: PEC seeks to develop new policies, programs and projects that demonstrate unique, but replicable approaches to solving environmental problems using market-based and other non-partisan, science-driven solutions. COLLABORATION: PEC believes in the power of partnerships, bringing together people and interests of diverse backgrounds to develop positive solutions to problems that address the concerns of all stakeholders. EDUCATION: PEC promotes the understanding of environmental issues by the public, communities, organizations, public oicials and other decision-makers by making unbiased and understandable information available on problems and solutions. ADVOCACY: PEC is a catalyst for legislative, regulatory and policy change by public and private decision-makers to advance solutions that are in the best environmental and economic interests of the Commonwealth. PEC has received a 4 star (highest) rating from Charity Navigator for its sound iscal management; including accountability, transparency, and delivering quantiiable results. Environmental Projects Our focus with this outreach is to continue our eforts at Conservation through Cooperation in a way that ofers companies a vehicle to target speciic environmental enhancements in areas that are important to them, whether because of a potential agency enforcement action or a desire to promote an area of the Commonwealth that is of particular interest to one or more groups of their stakeholders. With PEC s over 40 years of on the ground project management across the state, we can ofer proven concepts that have local support and meaning environmental beneits. Following are concepts for possible projects in diferent regions of the state that may be of interest to many organizations. hey are just that concepts that can be undertaken as presented or in some other combination. PEC is lexible, bottom line focused and capable of working with many stakeholders to deine and implement appropriate results-based projects at various funding levels, for one or more years and in one or more areas of the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) was established in 1970 by a group of Pennsylvanians who got together to discuss the establishment of a statewide environmental coordinating organization, to which individuals, other organizations, government and business and industry could turn for information on environmental issues. Next Steps PEC staf is prepared to discuss these concepts with you to determine how a joint project may make sense for your organization. Projects can be time limited to one speciic action or time period or can extend over multiple years....protect and restore the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education, and advocacy. 2 3

3 NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PROJECTS Community Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Program he NE Oice of PEC has been conducting this program (when funding is secured) since We have become the go-to organization for cleaning up illegal dump sites. he dump site characteristics such as size, terrain, access and type of waste determine the number of sites we are able to cleanup per year but on average we have conducted about clean ups per year. We partner with local municipalities, conservation districts, watershed organizations, volunteers and businesses to remove illegally dumped trash, scrap metal and tires from the environment. Historically, PEC has leveraged around 2:1 in match under this program. For example, when we conduct cleanups in the spring during the Great PA Cleanup we are able to leverage donated services such as free landill space, dumpsters and transportation trash bags, gloves, safety vests, water for volunteers and much more. $200,000/year; hree years, $600,000 Keep Northeastern Pennsylvania Beautiful (KNEPAB) he Northeast Oice of PEC is now an ailiate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB). Keep Northeastern Pennsylvania Beautiful covers six Northeastern PA counties. We will implement any of a variety of programs including recycling education, special event recycling for electronics, tires, etc., cigarette litter prevention, graiti removal, litter clean ups and community beautiication and community greening. Under this program we will conduct anannual litter survey and an in-depth analysis of existing municipal ordinances relating to solid waste. he results from these eforts will provide an existing conditions platform that then can be used to target speciic programs based on needs (i.e. recycling education, litter cleanups, provision of recycling bins, cigarette bins, etc.) As an ailiate of KAB we will be able to leverage this funding with Keep America Beautiful grants as well as donated services including but not limited to recycling containers, trash bags, gloves, cigarette bins. he primary focus of this program is to create clean, beautiful public places, reduce waste and increase recycling, generate positive impact on local economies and inspire our volunteers and the local community to be environmental stewards. Northeastern Pennsylvania Bicycling & Hiking Map Printing In 2009 PEC produced a high quality trail map for Northeastern PA depicting existing and open to the public trails for a 10 county region of Northeast PA. PEC is currently updating the map to include new trail and trailhead construction as well as add another county. In 2009, 50,000 copies of the map were printed and all were distributed with requests for more almost on a daily basis. With the funding for the 2009 map depleted, PEC was unable to reprint more maps in order to meet the demand. In 2013, PEC was able to secure some funding and is currently updating the map. Our printing budget for this update is extremely limited therefore with additional funding we could print more copies to meet the anticipated demand. Additionally with the ever growing trail systems throughout the eleven counties, PEC would like to plan another update and reprint of the Map in 2016 as well as support the development of a mobile app for Android and iphones. hrough this efort PEC formed partnerships with the local tourist promotion, economic development agencies, trail organizations and health care agencies as it provided a marketing and promotional tool for the region and supplied health care agencies with a tool for wellness programs. Estimated costs to complete the current printing and restocking of the 2014 map, a 2016 update and printing and development of a mobile app would be: Two years, $250,000 $100,000/year; hree years, $300,

4 Establishing a Keystone Active Zone Passport Program within the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape he Keystone Active Zone Passport Program is targeted to anyone of any age or ability and encourages them to get outdoors and get active at close-to-home parks, trails and free outdoor events over the spring and summer seasons. he program provides a registration website and passport to participants. PEC would compilethe information regarding local outdoor recreational opportunities and special events (i.e. guided walks, kayak trips, running events, etc.) and then design and print the Passport. Studies show that the incidence of diabetes and obesity is increasing but increased physical activity can help address these health problems. PEC will partner with health care organizations and local businesses with the Passport Program because it can be a tool to support their respective wellness programs and promote physical activity. he goal of the KAZ Passport program is to encourage everyone to increase their physical activity by utilizing local community parks and trails. his has been extremely successful in Luzerne County and PEC would like to replicate this program in other Northeastern Pennsylvania Counties. $150,000/year; 3 years $450,000 Lands at Hillside Farms Trail and Educational Signage Create a walking path connecting the Lands at Hillside Farms (a non-proit educational working farm) property to an adjacent Pennsylvania American Water property. PEC has conducted numerous streamside restoration projects on both properties (i.e. invasive species treatment and removal and native tree plantings) in order to address water quality, looding and streambank erosion). his project would involve constructing a walking trail linking both properties as well as incorporating educational signage regarding the watershed restoration activities that have taken place on the properties. $50,000 Establish the Northeastern Pennsylvania Regional Trail Alliance his project would work to formalize a coalition of Northeastern PA trail organizations. he Trail Alliance would operate as a clearinghouse of information and resources for trail development, management and maintenance and fundraising. he Alliance would hold quarterly meetings including an annual meeting, providing speakers on pertinent topics to our trail developers. Trail organizations consistently look for opportunities for networking shared promotion and marketing, the Alliance could ill this void. Tree Planting Program Establish a native tree and shrub planting program throughout our region with the goal of planting 500 trees. his efort can complement a carbon neutral approach to various eforts and can be part of, or supplemental to, most of the above projects. Costs can be scaled to meet needs / demands. $25,000 to $75,000 per year $50,000/year; 3 years $150,

5 SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PROJECTS Tidal Delaware Water Trail he Tidal Delaware Water Trail promotes use and stewardship of the Delaware River through increased awareness of recreational opportunities and increased knowledge about ecological and cultural resources. here are numerous opportunities to participate in this important regional environmental project, including the development of education and outreach materials, organized cleanups of trash and litter throughout the water trail area, shoreline, wetland and other habitat restoration projects. Additionally, opportunities exist to assist in development of trail infrastructure, which can be sponsored along speciic water trail segments. Green Stormwater Control his program encompasses a number of speciic projects throughout southeastern Pennsylvania aimed speciically at controlling stormwater runof through green measures. PEC engages partnerships with municipalities, nonproit organizations, as well as businesses and institutions. his work includes education and outreach materials and seminars, the creation of meadows in place of lawn space, riparian bufer plantings for riverbank stabilization, stormwater basin naturalization, and citizen monitoring initiatives. he Circuit he Circuit is a 750-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian trails connecting people to jobs, communities, and parks in the Greater Philadelphia Region. To date 250+ miles have been built and the work is ongoing. PEC is very active in trail development and is a major supporter of the Circuit. To fully realize the potential of this major project, resources are needed to support PEC s work to promote the use and maintenance of this vast network of trails. his includes the development of education and outreach materials as well as signage along the trails. Trail activities and programming are also important elements that require support. Additionally, opportunities exist to assist in development of trail infrastructure, which can be sponsored along speciic trail segments or routes. Schuylkill River Towns he Schuylkill River Towns program is an initiative to engage people along the river and trail, building awareness and stewardship through education and recreation. his program works to enhance the social and economic connection between the trails and communities such as Phoenixville (Chester County), Norristown and Conshohocken (Montgomery County) and Manayunk (City of Philadelphia). To achieve this goal, there are numerous opportunities for sponsorship and involvement to assist with organized cleanups of trash and litter along the trails and riverfronts, habitat restoration projects and outdoor public art installations. 8 9

6 Stormwater Management Education and Policy A major PEC initiative is to improve water quality in watersheds upstream of Philadelphia, in areas like Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) from these areas low downstream and impact the Philadelphia water supply. An important strategy for achieving PEC s goal in this area is the facilitation and administration of Regional Watershed Partnerships. In this way, PEC s expertise and resources are leveraged and distributed at the community level. Speciic green stormwater control measures include education and outreach materials and seminars, the creation of meadows in place of lawn space, riparian bufer plantings for riverbank stabilization, stormwater basin naturalization, and citizen monitoring initiatives. East Coast Greenway Project Statement: To complete the 60-mile East Coast Greenway in Pennsylvania by focusing on removing obstructions and completing gaps. Outreach/education and materials Infrastructure development (can be sponsored) Signage he East Coast Greenway is a long-distance, urban, shared-use trail system linking 25 major cities along the eastern seaboard between Calais, Maine and Key West, Florida. It will serve non-motorized users of all abilities and ages. A 3,000-mile long spine route will be accompanied by 2,000 miles of alternate routes that link in key cities, towns, and areas of natural beauty. his green travel corridor will provide cyclists, walkers, and other muscle-powered modes of transportation with a low-impact way to explore the eastern seaboard. PEC, partnership with the East Coast Greenway Alliance, is very active in the development of ECG segments through southeastern Pennsylvania and shares the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' vision of a statewide greenway network. his project is ongoing and has a perpetual need for outreach and education materials and signage. Additionally, opportunities exist to assist in development of trail infrastructure, which can be sponsored along speciic trail segments or routes. WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA PROJECTS Regional Trail Planning and Projects PEC is a leader in trail planning and development in southwestern Pennsylvania. Along with our trail partners in Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, western New York or northern Ohio, we can provide speciic opportunities for support anywhere throughout this region in the areas of trail planning, property acquisition, trail building and maintenance. Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Projects Projects aimed at energy conservation or renewable energy are available through PEC or our partners at area sustainable energy funds. he focus of these projects is to identify sustainable green energy practices at the community level and encourage others to embrace their use through education and outreach. Speciic examples of project opportunities include community energy education, energy audit and investment projects and speciic alternative energy installations such as solar, small-scale hydro, geothermal and others. Projects can be tailored to speciic needs or requirements. Green Infrastructure PEC has been a leader in promoting comprehensive, integrated solutions for addressing the challenge of stormwater management throughout Pennsylvania. Project support opportunities exist either directly through PEC or together with one of many nonproit or municipal partners. Examples of such projects include design and installation of green roofs, green streets, green infrastructure and other features. Projects can be tailored to speciic needs or requirements

7 pennsylvania environmental council PENNSYLVANIA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OFFICES 800 N. hird Street Suite 304 Harrisburg, PA Main Street Luzerne PA Janet Sweeney Suite Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA Patrick Starr Second Floor 2124 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh, PA Davitt Woodwell 12