Meagan Birkenmaier Named Director Of The Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed

On July 29, the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed announced Meagan Birkenmaier has been named the Coalition's next Director. 

Meagan has served as CDRW’s Communications Manager since 2021 and will lead the organization’s efforts to unite partners across the five-state Delaware River Basin and advance shared priorities to protect and restore the watershed.

“The Delaware River Basin has benefitted immensely from the work that the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed has done to protect and restore the river since 2012. I’m thrilled that Meagan Birkenmaier will be stepping into this leadership role as the CDRW Director,” said Rebecca Meuninck, Associate Vice President of Eastern Waters at National Wildlife Federation and Co-chair of the CDRW Steering Committee. “NWF is committed to working with Meagan to protect and restore the basin for all the people and wildlife in the region.”

“I am honored to serve as the next Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed,” said Meagan Birkenmaier, Director of CDRW. “The Delaware River Watershed is deeply personal to me. I was born and raised in the region, and I have seen firsthand the importance of this watershed to the communities, wildlife, and economies that depend on it. Over the past five years, I have had the privilege of working alongside CDRW members and partners to strengthen our collective voice and advance policies that protect the watershed. I am excited to continue that work in this new role and to help build an even stronger, more collaborative, and more effective Coalition.”

Meagan has led coalition-wide communications and advocacy campaigns, elevated the voices of CDRW members and partners, coordinated communications across the five-state watershed, and helped build the Coalition’s capacity to advance shared policy priorities. 

She has also played a key role in shaping CDRW’s strategic priorities and organizational growth, including efforts to secure federal investment in the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program, advance recognition of the Delaware River as a Nationally Significant Waterway, and defend critical water and land protections.

“With tremendous opportunity ahead for the Delaware River Watershed, I am excited about what CDRW will accomplish under Meagan’s leadership,” said Mark Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement at the Appalachian Mountain Club and Co-Chair of the CDRW Steering Committee. “The Coalition’s ability to unite more than 200 organizations around collaboration and effective advocacy will help secure clean water, healthy communities, vibrant recreation, and thriving wildlife for generations to come.”

"I am thrilled with Meagan's appointment as the CDRW's new executive director,” said Marty Kane, Chair of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and Co-Chair of the CDRW Steering Committee. “She knows the organization well and in her previous roles has demonstrated a keen knowledge of watershed issues as well as an ability to bring people together.” 

“Meagan comes to the Director role with a proven track record in advancing CDRW’s priorities and strengthening the Coalition’s network and partnerships,” said Renee Reber, Mid-Atlantic Clean Water Senior Program Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association and Co-Chair of the CDRW Steering Committee. “I look forward to the strategic direction of CDRW under Meagan’s expanded leadership and the opportunities that lie ahead to protect and restore the Delaware River Watershed.”

As Director, Meagan will lead CDRW’s work to convene and strengthen its growing network of more than 200 member organizations and partners across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Maryland. 

She will oversee the Coalition’s strategic direction, policy and advocacy efforts, member engagement, communications, and partnerships.

Previously, Meagan worked with the Urban Affairs Coalition, where she led community and economic development initiatives focused on expanding access to capital and building stronger connections between low-to moderate-income communities and financial institutions across the Philadelphia region. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Geography from Rowan University and a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Temple University, where she focused on Sustainable Community Development and Environmental Planning.

Click Here for a copy of the Coalition’s announcement.

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) was formed in 2012 to protect and restore the land and waters of the Delaware River Basin. CDRW amplifies the collective power of more than 200 member organizations and other partners working to protect the watershed.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Three Rivers WaterKeeper, Upper Chartiers Creek Watershed Assn. File Intent To Sue PA Transformer Technology, LLC For Alleged Discharges Of PCBs In Washington County  [PaEN] 

-- Mountain Watershed Association To Hold Aug. 1 Community Remembrance Event For Blue Hole Creek, Somerset County, Now Contaminated With Lead From Shooting Range  [PaEN]

-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land - Landowners Tell Their Stories: Remembering Working Forest Landowner Robert Crawford  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts 5-Part Woodland Stewardship - Guided Engagement With Your Land Webinar Series Beginning Sept. 23  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Tribune-Democrat: Tubmill Trout Unlimited Club Completes Hendricks Creek Stream Restoration Project In Westmoreland County 

-- Centre Daily Times - Mark Nale - Afield: Why It May Be Time To Rethink Lawn Care, Sizes In Pennsylvania 

[Posted: July 30, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp. Flips The Switch On New Solar Energy System To Save $4,543 A Year On Electricity Costs In Allegheny County

On July 30, elected officials, community leaders, project partners, and residents joined the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) to celebrate the activation of a new rooftop solar energy system at the organization's headquarters in Allegheny County.

The 23.4-kilowatt solar array was installed by EIS Solar through the Pennsylvania Solar Center's GET Solar program, which provides free-to-low-cost technical assistance and consulting to organizations pursuing solar energy projects.

The system is expected to generate approximately 25,538 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing WCDC's electric bill by an estimated 95 percent and saving approximately $4,543 each year, or more than $105,000 over the next 25 years.

"Building an understanding of the process of adding a solar installation was important to our organization," said Gordon Manker, WCDC's Director of Business Development. "We've spent more than a decade working with Wilkinsburg's small business community, and we want to be able to help businesses understand whether solar is right for them. Through this project we've built local expertise and strengthened partnerships with organizations like the PA Solar Center and Neighborhood Community Development Fund that are helping make Allegheny County more sustainable."

The project was made possible through a loan from Neighborhood Community Development Fund, and a donation from local resident Mahesh Sabhnani matched by his employer totaling $20,000, as well as Pennsylvania's Act 129 energy efficiency rebates and the 30% Elective Pay Clean Energy Tax Credit made available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act.

As a nonprofit organization, WCDC relies on grants and charitable support to fund its community programs, but opportunities to reduce operating expenses are limited.

"Finding ways to lower our operating costs allows us to invest more resources directly into our mission," Manker said. "Generating our own electricity helps protect us from rising energy costs, and with financing from Neighborhood Community Development Fund and the federal clean energy incentive, investing in solar was clearly the right decision."

“Going solar is an investment that will reap big savings for WCDC each and every year going forward,” said Leo Kowalski, Director of Transformation at the PA Solar Center. “The PA Solar Center is proud to have helped connect them with financing and a qualified solar developer for this project, as well as otherwise guide them along their solar journey. We congratulate WCDC for their leadership and foresight in going solar.”

“Soaring energy prices have placed an enormous burden on all energy consumers, especially nonprofits and municipalities operating on a fixed budget,” said Ian Smith, Director of Residential Consultations at EIS Solar. “EIS applauds Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation for having the vision and sustainable stewardship to move into the clean energy economy. We hope their energy transition will encourage other local businesses and organizations to consider making the switch to solar.”

“Neighborhood Community Development Fund strives to find innovative ways to help community organizations reduce their costs while strengthening their local investments, and WCDC’s solar project aligned with our mission perfectly,” said Mark Masterson, Executive Director of Neighborhood Community Development Fund. “We were delighted to support the development of WCDC’s solar system, and the endeavor is a prime example of what can be accomplished when we work together as a community.”

"Contributing to community initiatives like these is especially important in today's world, where climate change and environmental challenges affect us all," said Mahesh Sabhnani, software professional and a long-time resident of Pittsburgh. "I have a passion for promoting green energy projects. I believe it's one of the most effective ways we can build a more sustainable future. 

“Having the opportunity to contribute to WCDC's solar array through my company's donation matching program makes the impact even greater. I encourage individuals to check with their employers to see if a donation match program might be available for them, and if so, to consider supporting solar projects like this one, which will ultimately help our whole community save money on electric bills down the road."

Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation in the United States. Organizations that invest in solar can significantly reduce operating costs while protecting themselves from future utility price increases. 

WCDC's installation demonstrates how nonprofits can leverage financing, incentives, and community partnerships to make clean energy investments that strengthen both their organizations and their communities.

The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation mission is to drive economic development in Wilkinsburg with an emphasis on strengthening the Central Business District and our neighborhoods. 

The WCDC envisions Wilkinsburg to be a prosperous, healthy, and inclusive community regarded for its strong business district and neighborhoods, historic charm, convenient location, desirable quality of life, and community pride.

Energy Independent Solutions is trusted by hundreds of residences, businesses, farms and municipal buildings throughout Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and beyond for Solar Power. 

We are a local Pittsburgh company with a track record of high-quality solar installations, solar service and the best solar field performance rating in the industry.

The Neighborhood Community Development Fund provides financing and technical assistance to revitalize underserved communities in Allegheny County. 

We invest in small businesses, affordable housing, neighborhood commercial real estate, community facilities and energy efficiency to foster economic equity, sustainable opportunities, and racial equity for all.

The Pennsylvania Solar Center is a nonprofit organization with the mission to expand the benefits of solar to all Pennsylvanians through full-spectrum solar consulting, which includes preliminary feasibility assessment, financial navigation, bid support, and communication strategy. 

The Center advises non-profit organizations, businesses, schools, faith communities, farms, and communities through their keystone GET Solar program, and also offers savvy media communications, resources, and programming to educate all solar stakeholders.

Related Articles This Week:

-- North Museum Of Play In Beaver Falls Flips The Switch On New Solar Energy Installation In Beaver County  [PaEN]  

-- Wilkinsburg Community Development Corp. Flips The Switch On New Solar Energy System To Save $4,543 A Year On Electricity Costs In Allegheny County  [PaEN]  

NewsClips:

-- Erie Times: $263 Million, 1,200 Acre Solar Energy Facility Nears Final Approval In 4 Erie County Townships 

-- Erie Times: Erie County Tech School Solar Energy Facility To Begin Construction; School District To Save $5.9 Million; Funded By Solar For Schools Grant

-- Scranton Times Letter: Solar Energy On Abandoned Mine Lands Solution For Soaring Energy Costs - By Robert Hughes, Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation 

-- Utility Dive: President’s ‘Vindictive’ Use Of $7.6 Billion In Energy, Other Grants Sparks Backlash

[Posted: July 30, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

WeConservePA: Voters In PA Passed Referendums Raising $1.13 Billion To Protect Farmland And Open Space Since 1996

On July 29, WeConservePA issued its latest Municipal Open Space Referendum Report highlighting how 168 voter-approved referendums have raised $1.13 billion for farmland and open space protection in Pennsylvania between 1996 and this year's spring primary election.

In 1996, the General Assembly passed and Gov. Tom Ridge signed into law Act 153-- the Open Space Lands, Acquisition and Preservation Act-- authorizing local governments (excluding counties) to establish earned income and real estate taxes specifically dedicated to the acquisition of land and easements for the purpose of providing open space benefits.

Under separate statutory authority, local governments may also borrow money (including issuing bonds) to fund open space acquisitions. This borrowing may occur with or without voter approval depending on circumstances.

One hundred and two (102) Pennsylvania local municipalities have passed open space tax and bond referendums through the primary election of 2026.

Altogether, municipal open space referendums have nominally raised $1.13 billion— $595.7 million in earned income taxes, $36.7 million in real estate taxes, and $41.6 million in a combination of the two; as well as $459 million in voter-approved borrowing—for conservation since 1996. 

Click Here to read the report.

Leadership Award

Nominations are now being accepted until September 11 for--

-- Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award

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 2027 PA Land Conservation Conference will be held April 14-16 in Gettysburg.

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

Related Articles This Week:

-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land - Landowners Tell Their Stories: Remembering Working Forest Landowner Robert Crawford  [PaEN]   

-- Western PA Conservancy Easement Protects More Farmland, Forestland In Westmoreland County  [PaEN] 

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Aug. 25 Webinar For Forestland Owners On Opportunities Available In Forest Carbon Credit Programs  [PaEN] 

-- Penn State Extension Hosts 5-Part Woodland Stewardship - Guided Engagement With Your Land Webinar Series Beginning Sept. 23  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Morning Call: 11 Lehigh County Farms Slated To Be Saved From Development

-- Centre Daily Times - Mark Nale - Afield: Why It May Be Time To Rethink Lawn Care, Sizes In Pennsylvania 

[Posted: July 30, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

Penn State Extension Hosts Aug. 25 Webinar For Forestland Owners On Opportunities Available In Forest Carbon Credit Programs

The Penn State Extension will host an August 25 webinar on Forest Carbon and Resilience Financial Opportunities from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

This webinar explores financial opportunities available through forest carbon programs and helps landowners evaluate whether participating is the right fit for their management goals. 

Participants will compare carbon payments with other non-timber income opportunities, examine how multiple revenue sources—such as carbon programs, cost-share programs, hunting leases, and preferential property tax programs—may work together on the same property and learn how to evaluate carbon contracts to make informed decisions.

The Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education (FOCCE) Program is hosting the "Forest Carbon and Resilience" webinar series, which blends emerging research with practical applications to help landowners and natural resource professionals understand evolving carbon markets. 

Participants will learn how to make informed decisions that support both forest health and financial goals.

Who is this for?

-- Landowners 

-- Natural resource professionals 

--Extension professionals 

-- Academics 

-- Students

What will you learn?

-- The definition of stacking income streams 

-- How preferential property tax programs and carbon programs can be compatible 

-- Opportunities for hunting and other recreational leases 

-- How cost-share program enrollment can work with carbon program enrollment

Click Here to register and for more information.

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

[Posted: July 30, 2026]  PA Environment Digest

Penn State Extension To Hold Sept. 23 Webinar On A Statewide Road Salt Initiative To Promote Smarter Winter Maintenance, Pollution Reduction

The Penn State Extension will host a webinar September 23 on a Statewide Road Salt Initiative to promote smarter winter maintenance and pollution reduction from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Road salt is essential for winter safety, but its overuse can have lasting consequences for Pennsylvania's waterways, infrastructure, and natural resources.

This webinar will examine the causes and impacts of road salt pollution, including rising chloride levels in streams, lakes, groundwater, and drinking water supplies.

[Note: Chloride contamination also comes from year-round dumping of contaminated water-- "brine"--  from conventional oil and gas wells on dirt, gravel and paved roads in oil and gas areas.  

[This water is many times saltier than seawater and contains radioactive radium and 33 other pollutants that exceed health and environmental standards, according to Penn State research.  Read more here.]

Webinar participants will be introduced to Pennsylvania Road Salt Action (PARSA), a statewide initiative dedicated to reducing road salt pollution through education, collaboration, and practical solutions. 

Learn how PARSA's volunteer working group is advancing this effort and how Pennsylvania Master Watershed Stewards can support outreach, community education, and the adoption of smarter winter maintenance practices across the Commonwealth.

Who is this for?

-- Anyone interested in water resources 

-- Road salt applicators 

-- Public works department staff 

-- Watershed managers 

-- Homeowners 

-- Individuals interested in reducing road salt use

What will you learn?

-- Hear about current efforts to address road salt pollution and protect water resources 

-- Ask questions about road salt use and reduction strategies 

-- Share ideas with professionals from across Pennsylvania 

-- Learn about the PARSA initiative

Click Here to register and for more information.

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

Resource Link:

-- The Conversation: Pennsylvania Roads Are Being Coated In Radioactive Oil & Gas Wastewater - New DEP Well Permit Allows Uncontrolled Use [PaEN] 

Related Articles This Week:

-- Three Rivers WaterKeeper, Upper Chartiers Creek Watershed Assn. File Intent To Sue PA Transformer Technology, LLC For Alleged Discharges Of PCBs In Washington County  [PaEN] 

-- Mountain Watershed Association To Hold Aug. 1 Community Remembrance Event For Blue Hole Creek, Somerset County, Now Contaminated With Lead From Shooting Range  [PaEN]

-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land - Landowners Tell Their Stories: Remembering Working Forest Landowner Robert Crawford  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts 5-Part Woodland Stewardship - Guided Engagement With Your Land Webinar Series Beginning Sept. 23  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

-- Tribune-Democrat: Tubmill Trout Unlimited Club Completes Hendricks Creek Stream Restoration Project In Westmoreland County 

-- Centre Daily Times - Mark Nale - Afield: Why It May Be Time To Rethink Lawn Care, Sizes In Pennsylvania 

[Posted: July 30, 2026]  PA Environment Digest