Harry Campbell, Science Policy and Advocacy Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) in Pennsylvania, today applauded National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) grants that will support 30 projects that will improve water quality in the Commonwealth.
Across the Bay watershed, NFWF awarded 104 grants totaling $33.8 million that will leverage more than $30 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of more than $64 million.
NFWF investments are made from its Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF) and through the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program, with major funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The latest slate of awards includes $15 million provided through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
In Pennsylvania, the Watershed Alliance of York will receive a $1 million Chesapeake Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grant to bring together private and public partners to accelerate implementation, maintenance, and financial incentives of tree planting efforts in York County.
Also in this round of NFWF grants, roughly $8 million in Small Watershed Grants was awarded to 26 projects in Pennsylvania.
The Commonwealth will also share about $6 million in grants with other Bay states.
About the NFWF grants to Pennsylvania projects, Harry Campbell said:
“CBF congratulates the grant recipients in Pennsylvania and wishes them well on their projects. Through their work and that of their partners, farm soils will be healthier, communities will be greener, and rivers and streams will be cleaner.
“Roughly 28,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams do not meet water quality standards. These investments through the Chesapeake Bay Program are important components to helping get the Commonwealth back on track toward meeting its Clean Water Blueprint goals.
“With these grants, in Lancaster County more livestock will be fenced out of streams, restoration work will improve the Little Conestoga Creek Watershed, and new conservation plans will be created. There will also be 40 acres and nearly 10 more miles of forest buffers in Lancaster and Chester counties.
“In Potter County, soil health will be improved, as will access to coldwater habitat for eastern brook trout. In addition, eight acres of historic wetlands will be restored in York County and agricultural conservation practices will be installed on four farms in the Turtle Creek watershed in Union County.
“Thanks to these NFWF grants, more trees that filter and reduce polluted runoff will be planted throughout Pennsylvania’s portion of the Bay watershed.
“Greater commitment and increased investments at the federal and state levels can create a legacy of clean water for future generations. It is critical to the health, economic wellbeing, and quality of life of all Pennsylvanians.”
