Smart Talk: PA growing greener?
Photo by Scott LaMar/WITF
Little Pine State Park, Lycoming County
What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, February 4, 2015:
We often take for granted one of life’s most basic needs- water. Americans have access to safe, plentiful and affordable water, although large parts of the world struggle without it. Water is fundamental- not just for drinking, but for agriculture and food supplies, disease prevention, sanitation and industrial development.
Throughout Pennsylvania, water is threatened by pollutants and contamination from a variety of sources. Pennsylvania currently has 16,000 miles of streams that are unsafe for fishing and swimming.
Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener Coalition advocates for funds to communities and non-profit organizations to help restore and protect local watersheds. Last month, the Department of Environmental Protection provided $23 million in Growing Greener funds to support 109 watershed protection projects across the state.
Water is just one focus of the Growing Greener Coalition. Conservation of land, water, and wildlife, preserving farms and historic places and support to parks and recreational areas throughout the state also make up their mission.
Larry Williamson and LeeAnn Murray
On Wednesday’s Smart Talk, Andrew Heath, Executive Director of Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener Coalition, Larry Williamson, Chairman of the Coalition, and LeeAnn Murray, Assistant Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Pennsylvania join us to discuss the work of the Coalition and environmental challenges ahead.
To read the Coalition’s new guide to finding funding for conservation, recreation and preservation projects, click here.
