Penn State Extension Hosts Feb. 24 Beavers And Artificial Dam Building - Gnawing On Ecology

The Penn State Extension will host a webinar on February 24 on Beavers and Artificial Dam Building from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Beavers (Castor canadensis) are a keystone species in North America, capable of reshaping rivers, forests, and wildlife habitat through their dam-building activity. 

Once extirpated from Pennsylvania by the early 1900s, beavers have made a remarkable recovery thanks to the stewardship of the Game Commission, trappers, and conservation partners, resulting in a stable population of nearly 20,000 beavers across the Commonwealth. 

This webinar explores the ecological and human dimensions of beaver activity, including their role in improving water quality, reducing nutrient loading, and restoring critical ecosystem functions, as well as the challenges their dams can present. 

Participants will learn about the importance of beavers to healthy riparian systems, the benefits their dams provide to people and the environment, and practical strategies for encouraging beaver habitation, including the construction of artificial dams.

Who is this for?

-- Conservationists; Ecologists; Foresters; Forest landowners; Hydrologists; Individuals interested in fish; Individuals interested in forests and trees; Wildlife ecologists.

What will you learn?

-- Beaver ecology

-- Beaver-driven ecosystem changes

-- Managing beaver–human conflicts

-- Building artificial dams: how and why

Continuing education credits are available.

Click Here to register and for more information.

Visit the Penn State Extension website to learn more about many other educational opportunities.

Related Articles This Week:

-- DEP Chesapeake Bay News Highlights County Water Quality Action Planning Process, Watershed Restoration Projects, Funding Opportunities  [PaEN] 

-- Guest Essay: Pennsylvania Has Leadership, Momentum, And Legislation For Cleaner Waters At Home And The Chesapeake Bay - By Julia Krall, PA Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation  [PaEN]

-- American Water Charitable Foundation Now Accepting Applications For Water & Environment Grants From PA American Water Service Territories  [PaEN]   

-- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Awards $12.5 Million To Support 30 Delaware River Watershed Conservation Projects; Next Round Of Grant Applications Due In March [PaEN] 

-- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Awards $6.9 Million to Support 33 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Conservation Projects; Next Round Of Grant Applications Due April 9  [PaEN] 

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Feb. 24 Beavers And Artificial Dam Building - Gnawing On Ecology  [PaEN] 

-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission Guardian Newsletter Highlights A.I. Data Center Water Use  [PaEN]   

-- In Memoriam: Paul Marchetti, Founding Executive Director Of the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority

NewsClips:

-- Scranton Times: Old Forge Abandoned Coal Mine Borehole Mine Water Eyed For Reclamation, Hydroelectricity; Concept In Development For Years [PDF of Article]

-- Post-Gazette - Anya Litvak: Pittsburgh Water Authority Gets PennVEST Infrastructure Funding For Lead Water Line Replacement, Upgrades

-- Inquirer Editorial: A Court Was Right To Stop The Sale Of Chester’s Water System, But It Still Needs Help

-- AP: A Crisis Emerges Across The US As PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Quietly Contaminate Individual Drinking Water Wells 

[Posted: February 4, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

Independent Fiscal Office Reports PA Electricity Prices Increased 46.1% From 2018 to 2025, More Than Other PJM States, Largely Due To Pennsylvania's Reliance On Natural Gas-Fired Electric Generation

On February 4, the Independent Fiscal Office released its latest Pennsylvania Electricity Update reporting electricity prices in the Commonwealth increased 46.1% from 2018 to 2025, largely due to Pennsylvania's reliance on natural gas-fired electric generation.

In contrast, electricity prices during the same period increased 40.1% in Ohio, 39.1% in Virginia and 41% for other PJM Interconnection states.

The IFO said, "Pennsylvania rates are more sensitive to natural gas prices than other states due to its high reliance on that fuel source for generation."

IFO noted "The national average spot price of natural gas increased by over 200% from 2020 to 2022." 

The IFO reported 59% of electricity generation in Pennsylvania is fueled by natural gas, 30% by nuclear, 7% by coal and 4% by renewables and other sources.

"The share of Pennsylvania generation from renewable sources (4.1%) remains low compared to the region, despite significant growth in solar generation. 

"In 2025, Pennsylvania solar generation (1.4% of total) increased by 63% from the prior year, and 280% from 2021."

The IFO also said the distribution costs of electricity in Pennsylvania is higher than other states.

"For Pennsylvania, the data show that the distribution other component grew by 27% from 2022 to 2025, notably stronger than the generate transmit component (+10%). 

Click Here to read the entire report.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Gov. Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Includes Performance Standards For Data Centers Seeking State Tax Credits; Renewed Call For Lightening Energy Plan; New PUC Benchmarks For Utility Profits  [PaEN] 

-- Reactions To Gov. Shapiro's Proposed Budget From Citizen, Environmental, Energy, Industry, Utility Groups  [PaEN] 

-- House Committee OKs Bill To Give PUC More Authority To Regulate A.I. Data Centers, Other Large Loads To Protect Ratepayers, Electric Grid  [PaEN]   

-- Washington County Residents On Water Wells Not Aware A MarkWest Pipeline Drilling Project Lost 1.2 Million Gallons Of Drilling Fluid In Mount Pleasant & Robinson Townships  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Scranton Times: Local Officials React To Shapiro’s Budget Address [Data Centers] [PDF of Article]

-- WHYY - Susan Phillips: Gov. Shapiro Wants More A.I. Data Centers, But They Need To Bring Their Own Power 

-- PA Capital-Star: PA’s Approach To Joining The A.I. Race  Must Put People First, Shapiro Said In Budget Address 

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Gov. Shapiro Proposes New Standards Requiring Data Centers To Bring Their Own Power  [PDF of Article]

-- PennLive: Gov. Shapiro Lays Out 4 Principles To Steer How Big Tech Builds A.I. Data Centers In PA 

-- Inquirer: Gov. Shapiro Says He’ll Prevent A.I. Data Center Developers From ‘Saddling’ Pennsylvanians With Higher Energy Costs 

-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: What Does PJM Have To Do With A.I. Data Centers And Why Is Gov. Shapiro Always So Made At It? 

-- PPL Utilities Statement On Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Address And Energy Affordability

-- E&ENews/Politico: A.I Champion Josh Shapiro Leans On Tech Industry To Bear Energy Costs Of A.I. Data Centers 

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Gov. Shapiro Proposes $1 Billion Infrastructure Fund To Address PA’s Housing And Energy Needs [PDF of Article]

-- PA Capital-Star: Should A.I. Data Centers Pay Up Front Or Build Their Own Power Plants?  PJM, State Governors Have Different Ideas On How To Fix Your Electricity Bill 

-- Scranton Times Chris Kelly Opinion: A.I. Data Center Race A Marathon, Not A Sprint [PDF of Article]

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: $10 Billion A.I. Data Center Campus, Natural Gas Power Plant Proposed For Former Bruce Mansfield Power Plant Site In Beaver County  [Shippingport Boro Approved Jan. 28, Another Hearing To Be Set]  [PDF of Article] 

-- The Derrick: Clarion Borough Holds Public Hearing On A.I. Data Center Ordinance  [PDF of Article]

-- TribLive: Opponents Of Homer City 4.5 GW Natural Gas Power Plant, Data Center Campus Air Concerns At Community Gathering In Indiana County

-- NE PA Institute For Public Policy & Economic Development: Exploring The Dynamics Surrounding Data Centers In Northeastern Pennsylvania

-- Utility Dive: Coal-Fired Power Plant Owners Say US DOE ‘Emergency’ Order To Run Plants Constitutes An Unconstitutional Physical Taking And Regulatory Taking’ Of Their Property 

-- Wall Street Journal: Google Is Spending Big To Build A Lead In A.I. Energy Race By Buying Energy Companies  [PJM Highlighted] [PDF of Article]

-- Wall Street Journal: These Rural Americans Are Trying To Hold Back The Tide Of A.I. - Fears Of Rising Utility Costs, Job Losses, Privacy Violations  [PDF of Article]

[Posted: February 4, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

DEP Now Accepting Applications For Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants, Deadline April 1

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants.  The deadline to apply is April 1.

Pennsylvania is making available $5 million to help schools, municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses make the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.

Applicants will be eligible for a maximum grant award across all applications of $500,000. Individual application awards are still capped at $300,000.

Supported alternative fuels include electricity, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane, hydrogen, hythane, biodiesel, ethanol, methanol, and other advanced biofuels.

A second grant round will be held later in 2026 with the deadline for applications October 7.

Visit DEP's Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants webpage for all the details.  Questions should be directed to:  Josh Dziubek, Energy Programs Office, at jdziubek@pa.gov or (717) 705-0374.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: February 4, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

WeConservePA Now Accepting Applications For Regional Trail Workshop Grants

WeConservePA is now accepting applications for Regional Trail Workshop Grants through February 20 from eligible units of local government or nonprofit organizations.

The grants support high-quality educational programming and safety training directly related to land trails, water trails, and greenways, including--

-- Trail safety education programs or trail-related environmental education programs, including programs promoting environmental protection, for trail managers, volunteers, or trail users.

-- Training on improving trail accessibility and sustainability for trail managers or volunteers.

-- Training on planning, design, construction, and maintenance of trails for trail managers and volunteers (because each of these steps can relate directly to trail safety and environmental protection.)

The grants provide reimbursement of up to 80% of the total eligible project costs directly associated with each workshop, with a maximum reimbursement of $5,000 and require at least a 20% match of the total project cost from the applying organization. 

Funding is provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Visit the WeConservePA Regional Trail Workshop Grants webpage for all the details. Questions should be directed to: Emily Gates at egates@weconservepa.org or 717-219-4074.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the WeConservePA website, Click Here to sign up for regular updates from WeConservePA, Like them on Facebook, and Follow them on Twitter.  Click Here to support their work.

The 2026 PA Land Conservation Conference will be held April 29 to May 1 in Lancaster.

More than 114,800 Pennsylvanians contribute to local land trusts.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Western PA Conservancy Protects 164 Acres Of Forestland, Wetlands In French Creek Watershed, Adds To Conservation Area In Erie County  [PaEN] 

-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Partners With Landowner To Protect 76 Acres Of Forests, Wetlands In Monroe, Pike Counties  [PaEN]  

-- WeConservePA Now Accepting Applications For Regional Trail Workshop Grants  [PaEN]

-- PA Biological Survey Releases Digital Booklet On The Importance Of Fungi [PaEN] 

NewsClip:

-- WESA: Can You Forest Bathe Indoors? Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Says Yes

[Posted: February 4, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

Delaware Highlands Conservancy Partners With Landowner To Protect 76 Acres Of Forests, Wetlands In Monroe, Pike Counties

On February 2, the Delaware Highlands Conservancy announced the permanent protection of 76.61 acres of forestland in Barrett and Greene Townships in Monroe and Pike Counties, Pennsylvania, through a conservation easement held by the Conservancy. 

The property, owned by David Niper, is directly adjacent to other protected lands and the conserved area features approximately one mile of frontage on Lake Jamie.

This 76.61-acre forested property along Lake Jamie in Monroe County, PA is now permanently protected from development and subdivision with a conservation easement held by the Conservancy.

The conservation easement ensures that this land will continue to provide healthy habitat for wildlife and support the unique rural character of the region while protecting the property from development and subdivision.

Click Here for more information on Lake Jamie.

“We are proud to assist landowners who recognize the importance of protecting the forests, clean waters, and wildlife that make this region so special,” said Diane Rosencrance, Executive Director of the Delaware Highlands Conservancy. “Protecting land that connects to other conserved properties gives wildlife the space needed to safely move and thrive, while ensuring these special places endure now and for future generations.”

“The Open Space Institute greatly appreciates the Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s exemplary work to protect this forested property in the upper headwaters of the Brodhead Creek watershed,” said Bill Rawlyk, OSI’s Mid-Atlantic Senior Project Manager. “Spruce Mountain Run—a High-Quality cold water stream that feeds into Lake Jamie—flows from nearly 1,720 acres of protected forest and wetlands also held by the Conservancy. 

“Together, these lands safeguard clean headwaters high in the Poconos, improving water quality throughout the Delaware River system. This effort strongly reflects the goals we set when establishing our Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund.”

The property is privately owned and is not open to the public. 

A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust that permanently protects a property’s natural values while the landowner continues to own and manage the land, subject to the permitted uses detailed in the easement.

This project was supported through the Open Space Institute’s Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund (DRWPF). 

The fund is made possible with support from the William Penn Foundation, which works to protect water quality throughout the Delaware River Basin. 

To date, the DRWPF has helped conserve nearly 25,000 acres of forested land to safeguard clean water for the nearly 15 million people who rely on the Delaware River Watershed-- including residents of northeastern Pennsylvania, Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, and New York City.

Additional support was provided through the WeConservePA Conservation Easement Assistance Program.

Click Here for the Conservancy announcement.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy website or call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter. Learn about the Green Lodging Partnership initiative.  Click Here to support their work.

(Photo: Landowner Dave Niper and Kaylan Hubbard, Delaware Highlands Conservancy's Senior Land Protection Coordinator.)

Related Articles This Week:

-- Western PA Conservancy Protects 164 Acres Of Forestland, Wetlands In French Creek Watershed, Adds To Conservation Area In Erie County  [PaEN] 

-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Partners With Landowner To Protect 76 Acres Of Forests, Wetlands In Monroe, Pike Counties  [PaEN] 

-- WeConservePA Now Accepting Applications For Regional Trail Workshop Grants  [PaEN]

-- PA Biological Survey Releases Digital Booklet On The Importance Of Fungi [PaEN] 

NewsClip:

-- WESA: Can You Forest Bathe Indoors? Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Says Yes

[Posted: February 4, 2026]  PA Environment Digest