Plan Update News
Open Space was identified as one of the topics to be addressed by the Landscapes2 Steering Committee. The Landscapes2 website has been updated to highlight the next topic in the Plan, Open Space. An Open Space presentation was given to the Landscapes2 Steering Committee on May 21st that summarized the issues facing Chester County.
Open Space Related References
Open Space Department — Since 1989, the Commissioners of Chester County have created and funded one of the most comprehensive and sustained efforts to protect open space. The programs are designed to preserve the most productive non-irrigated agricultural soils in the world, provide adequate local and County park and recreation opportunities, preserve significant natural areas, and encourage revitalization of developed areas. Many of these programs are implemented through the County Open Space Department including the Municipal Park Grants Program and the Conservancy Grants Program. The Open Space Department maintains useful guides that provide information on these resources areas including the Municipal Parks Guide and the Nature Preserve Guide.
Preserving the natural landscapes and cultural landscapes of our county. Chester County Parks & Recreation celebrate their 50th Anniversary.
Chester County receives National Conservation Award from The Trust for Public Lands and the National Association of Counties. The awards were developed to recognize leadership, innovation and excellence by forward-thinking county leaders in local land conservation. Chester County was among the 2008 recipients in recognition of its commitment to preserving open space resources through a partnership program with local municipalities, land trust organizations, as well as state and federal agencies. “Chester County’s program not only distinguished itself by meeting these qualifications, but also surpassed the many other accomplished applications received.” Commissioner Farrell traveled to Washington D.C. and accepted the award on behalf of the County at the National Association of Counties annual legislative conference awards ceremony in March.
Planning Related News and References
Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign — Of the 22 municipalities that have signed up for the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign, seven are in Chester County.
Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces $10.9 Million in Aviation Grants — $60,000 for Brandywine Airport in West Goshen and $1,050,000 for the New Garden Flying Field.
Two of the acres within Eagles Forest were planted in partnership with The Conservation Fund's Go Zero program to offset the carbon emissions that resulted from the team's away-game air travel during the 2007 season. Dubbed the "Go Zero Grove," the 870 native seedlings planted here will trap 565 tons of carbon dioxide over their lifetime.
Phillies Go Green — To offset the carbon footprint, the Phillies have purchased 20M kilowatt-hours of Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).
Greater Philadelphia Regional 2008 Transit Map — free regional and city transit maps. You can also create custom transit maps to be viewed in Google Maps or export files into Google Earth.
A Consumer's guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets 2008 — PA Preferred™ is a program designed to identify locally sourced Pennsylvania agricultural products. The guide also lists Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which benefits older adults and Women, Infants and Children.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct connection between the farmers and the consumers. To join a CSA is to buy a share of the season's harvest.
Secretary McGinty Applauds State’s Latest Solar Energy Project at Philadelphia’s Naval Yard — The facility will feature between 6,000 and 8,000 solar panels on a tract of land north of the Aker shipyard, and will produce up to 1.4 M kilowatt hours of electricity by the first quarter of 2009, or enough to meet the energy requirements of as many as 200 homes.
The Emergency Ride Home (ERH) service is a "safety net" for commuters working in southeastern Pennsylvania who share their ride to work on a regular basis. In the event of an unexpected personal or family emergency or illness, unscheduled overtime, or if the regular ride home is not available for certain reasons; registered commuters are provided with a free ride to home, their car or to the place of the emergency.
Upcoming Events
First Suburbs Issues Convention on Saturday May 31, 2008 to address common challenges; education finance, housing, infrastructure and social services.
PennFuture's 2008 Annual Clean Energy Conference: PA's Clean Energy Boom in 2008 and Beyond May 29, 2008 at Radisson Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center.
DEP Cosponsoring Outdoor Lighting Workshops for Municipal Planners — The departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation & Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council, are sponsoring Outdoor Lighting workshops this spring for municipal planners. To register please contact DEP's Jim McTish at 484-250-5180.
Walkable Communities: Growing Stronger, Growing Smarter— May 28, 2008, Millersville, Pennsylvania.
Links
- DCNR's Growing Greener II Report
- DCNR's Greenways Action Plan
- CCPC's Trail Planning Guide
- DVRPC's Municipal Open Space program
- GreenSpace Alliance— Regional Greenspace Priorities
- Natural Lands Trust- Hopewell Big Woods project
- 2008 Preservation partnership Program (Conservancy Program) Grants
Terminology Corner
Perspectives on terms used in Landscapes2 discussions. These links are included to serve as a reference to help Landscapes2 Project participants understand the meaning, scope and application of terms.
New Urbanism
Wikipedia definition
YouTube Video DefinitionSustainable Development