PA CHAPTER SIERRA CLUB

Contact: Barbara Benson FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone 610-282-3611 March 11, 2008

PROTECTING OUR HEADWATER STREAMS AND WETLANDS – WHAT CITIZENS NEED TO KNOW

Learn about the Scientific Importance of Headwater Streams and Wetlands, Their Regulation and Monitoring, and How Organizations Can Be Effective in Protecting Them

On April 19, 2008, the PA Chapter of the Sierra Club will present a workshop at Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. The sessions are designed to provide concerned citizens, community leaders, and municipal officials with tools to enable them to protect streams and wetlands in their communities. Registration is required by April 10 and lunch will be provided at no charge for those who have registered (Phone: 717-232-0101, Web: http://pennsylvania.sierraclub.org).

Robin Mann, Vice President, National Sierra Club Board of Directors, will welcome the attendees. At 10:15, Shandor Szalay, AKRF Consultants, and Mike Wilson, Trout Unlimited, Southeastern Montgomery County will present the current scientific understanding about the importance of headwater streams and wetlands on water quality downstream. Matt Royer, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Ken Okorn, Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, experts in water quality regulation in PA, will outline the basics of the regulatory systems at 11:15.

In the afternoon, Rick Loomis, Clean Water Action, Barbara Smith, Tobyhanna Creek/Tunkhannock Creek Watershed Association, and Faith Zerbe, Delaware Riverkeeper Network will present their knowledge of how to gather support for grassroots efforts, expand local interest and concern, and obtain tangible support from those in affected communities.

Many miles of headwater streams and wetlands in PA are at risk of degradation and encroachment and the protection of these very valuable waters is a major priority of both State and National Sierra Clubs. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is currently engaged in regulations revisions and it is very important that citizens, community leaders, and municipal officials engage in the process in an educated and informed manner.

The Sierra Club's members and supporters number more than 1.3 million. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

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