Pennsylvania Riparian Forest Buffer Progress Report
Pennsylvania has made significant progress in riparian forest buffer development since 2014, focusing on state-funded grants, partner projects, and capacity building. Challenges remain, but initiatives like the NFWF Stream ReLeaf project and CREP have helped advance the program. Various projects and programs are enhancing outreach, implementation, and funding strategies to improve buffer effectiveness in the state.
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Presentation Transcript
Pennsylvania Riparian Forest Buffer Progress and Challenges
1. Background Pennsylvania s Progress-2014 2017
Early Progress- Highlights 2014-Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement Signed. 2015-Planning for PA State-Funded Buffer Grants, Program Development, Initial Partner/Agency Coordination. 2016- RFB Advisory Committee Created, Prime Prospects Project Initiated, First Internal Buffer Summit Held. 2017-Riparian Forester and Coordinator Hired, NFWF Stream ReLeaf funded, PENNVEST commits funding for Multifunctional (potential income generating) buffers. PA s progress since 2014 might look different than other jurisdictions because we wanted to build a foundation for a comprehensive program designed to address some of the challenges associated with CREP. The idea was to provide multiple program options for landowners and test other funding mechanisms.
2. Current Projects/Programs 2017 2018
PA-Specific Funding State-Funded Buffer Grants Two sources of funding Two rounds per year Pilot projects in planting phase currently Insights on per acre costs For Municipal and NGO Partners working with various landowners Competitive Application Process NFWF Stream ReLeaf Project INSR Project Funded in 2017 Innovative Outreach Gap-Filler Implementation Money for Forester and Partner Use New RFB Forester Position Advisory Committee Development Capacity Building/Training
PA Riparian Foresters and Coordinator Work PA Buffer Grants and Partner Projects NFWF Stream ReLeaf Project CREP
PA Riparian Foresters and Coordinator Work: 2017-Present PA Buffer Grants and Partner Projects NFWF Stream ReLeaf Project CREP Capacity Building
PA Riparian Foresters and Coordinator Work 2018-Forward NFWF Stream ReLeaf Project PA Buffer Grants and Partner Projects CREP
3. Challenges
Communication Breakdowns Making connections between federal, state, and local office personnel among various agencies Understanding Existing Spheres Who is already doing what, and where? Don t want to step on toes! Building Relationships Introducing ourselves/explaining our purpose/gaining trust
Tracking How do we keep track of CREP acres outreached vs. planned by foresters? Maintenance Understanding our role; splitting time between establishing acreage and ensuring survivability Continued Funding Continuing progress made, ensuring program sustainability
4. Future
Goals Summit Host state-wide capacity- building conference; assess options for future events. Maintenance Working w/ SCC to establish buffer maintenance BMP for tax credit reimbursement; other PA maintenance options. MFRFBs Continue to work with partners to develop pilot sites to test ability to produce crops in/profit from forest buffers. RFBAC Continue to host quarterly meetings to gain feedback from all buffer players in PA, work with Leadership Team. Tracking Work w/ DEP, PDA to explore options for multi-agency tracking mechanism also accessible by partners. Funding Ensuring future sustainable funding for positions and programs to guarantee progress is maintained and continues to grow; acreage continues to increase. Service Foresters Continue to develop tools, options for funding, and direction for Service Foresters related to buffer implementation.
Thanks! Any questions? Our Contact Info: Matt Keefer: makeefer@pa.gov . Teddi Stark: c-tstark@pa.gov Marah Fielden: c-mfielden@pa.gov Kelsey Miller: c-kelmille@pa.gov Marlin Graham: c-magraham@pa.gov
