What you can do

To find out what our Chapter is doing to protect our state’s waters, wetlands, and headwater streams, see our Water Issues newsletter.

Published since early 2007, the newsletter provides readers with a snapshot of the water committee’s current concerns, as well as sources for further information. The newsletter is distributed to members of the water issues committee, Group chairs, and other individuals who have indicated an interest in receiving the newsletter. If you would like to be added to the distribution list for this newsletter, contact Barbara Benson.

Want to get involved? Contact our Water Issues Committee co-chairs Thomas Au and Barbara Benson.

The water brigade

Courtesy Gracey Stinson

Clean water is everybody’s business, and there are lots of organizations working along side the Sierra Club to protect our streams and rivers.

Though the following is not an exhaustive list, it’s enough to get your feet wet.

Clean Water Action works on pro-active legislation to protect Pennsylvania’s drinking water. The project has offices in Allentown, 610-434-9223, Philadelphia, 215-640-8800, and Pittsburgh 412-765-3053 www.cleanwateraction.org/pa

The Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water is a coalition of more than 120 environmental, conservation, sporting, and religious groups from all corners of the state that support federal and state policies to protect and restore Pennsylvania’s water resources. 215-640-0930 www.pacleanwatercampaign.org 

The Pennsylvania Watersheds Association advocates for the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of water resources, and conducts programs that foster stewardship, communication, leadership, and action. (717) 234-7910 www.pawatersheds.org  

The U.S. Geological Survey employs nearly 100 scientists, technicians, and support staff in New Cumberland, Exton, Pittsburgh, and Williamsport to collect scientific data and conduct interpretive investigations of the source, distribution, quantity, quality, ecology, and use of the Commonwealth's water resources. (717) 730-6900 http://pa.water.usgs.gov

The Stroud Water Research Center seeks to advance the knowledge of freshwater ecosystems through interdisciplinary research into all aspects of streams, rivers and their watersheds. The Center offers educational programs to students and the public. (610) 268-2153 www.stroudcenter.org

The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited has 56 chapters statewide and more than 13,000 members working to make our waterways more hospitable to trout, one of the most sensitive freshwater species, through habitat improvement projects, seminars on water quality, and fisheries management and educational outreach programs. www.patrout.org

The Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs is a statewide, grassroots organization that works to protect the rights and interests of sportsmen and conservationists, as well as our state’s environment and natural resources.  (717) 232-3480 www.pfsc.org

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy protects, conserves, and restores land and water for the diversity of the region's plants, animals, and their ecosystems. 412-288-2777 www.paconserve.org.

Published March 2006