DCNR Secretary Helps Northeastern School District Kickoff Streamside Buffer Planting In York County

On October 24, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined Northeastern School District officials and a host of partners for the kickoff of a streamside forest buffer planting at the Shallow Brook Intermediate School in York County to improve the water quality of Hartman Run, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

“This streamside forest buffer project sets an example for other school districts, and large landowners such as hospitals and corporate campuses, across that state that own land suitable for similar efforts,” Dunn said.

“By involving students and teachers, it’s also a great way to get young people engaged and empowered to contribute to practices that improve their environment and communities.”

Dunn noted riparian buffers and other clean water infrastructure are the types of projects that could be supported by the proposed Restore Pennsylvania infrastructure investment plan.

Statewide, Pennsylvania has a goal of planting 95,000 acres of streamside, or riparian forest buffers. 

About 19 acres of buffers will be planted over several seasons at Shallow Brook.

This season’s planting will be 777 trees. Partners include Northeastern School District, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and Penn State Extension.

Hartman Run flows into Black Gut [former Conewago Creek stream channel] before reaching the Susquehanna River, which ends at the Chesapeake Bay.

Planting trees and shrubs along waterways is a top practice for achieving pollution reductions and improving water quality. They help slow the flow of water during heavy rain events, and provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators.

For more information on stream buffers, visit DCNR’s Forest Buffers Along Waterways webpage.

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Related Article:

New Poll Shows Overwhelming Public Support For Restore PA Infrastructure Plan; When Will It Translate Into Legislative Votes?

[Posted: October 24, 2019]  www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com