After a decade of abundant funding opportunities in the environmental non-profit community, it may be hard for some of us to accept that the financial crisis is just beginning to trickle down to us.  Many of the funding programs that watershed groups have grown to rely on will have even less money than last year to distribute to our worthy causes in the future.  The latest round of Growing Greener, announced this past weekend, is a great example.  It will have less to distribute and a narrow focus.  Abandoned mine related projects in particular will be limited to priority watersheds, set by DEP, and mine drainages located on bond forfeiture sites.  Given that most abandoned mine drainage sites are not in either category, it is possible that a very small percentage of grants will be given for abandoned mine drainage remediation this round.   

If we want to continue making watershed improvements and remain viable organizations in our communities, we must be willing to seek out new funding opportunities.  One way to accomplish this is by pooling dollars through innovative partnerships.  It just so happens that Anthracite Region Independent Power Producer’s Association (ARIPPA) is currently seeking partnerships with Pennsylvania Conservation Districts and non-profit organizations.  ARIPPA is awarding $20,000 to Pennsylvania Conservation Districts or non-profit organizations that support ARIPPA’s mission and have completed on-the-ground AML/AMD projects between August 2009 and August 2011.  The money is broken into two pots: $10,000 for those organizations with projects in the Bituminous region of Pennsylvania and $10,000 to those organizations with projects in the Anthracite region of Pennsylvania. 

For anyone who has ever participated in the development, construction, and funding of AML/AMD projects, you know that $10,000 can’t complete an entire project.  However, in our present constrictive economy, $10,000 can mean a lot to an organization that is struggling.  It could be the last little bit needed to complete a project or help with operations.  The awards are based on a competitive application and the deadline for the application is July 30, 2010, so don’t delay.  To get all the information you need to fill out the application, visit: www.wpcamr.org.  To learn more about ARIPPA, visit: www.arippa.org. 

Another mechanism to fill up you petty cash is the 9^th Annual Port of Pittsburgh – Ohio River Watershed Celebration, aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet on September 15, 2010.  Due to the generosity of several donors, the Celebration planning committee has been able to give away cash prizes to laudable displays presented on the Networker Cruise for the past several years.  Judged on partnership development, community and outreach efforts, and project innovativeness rather than grandeur, your organization could earn one of four $250 second-place prizes or one of four $500 first-place prizes for presenting your organization’s display on the Networker Cruise.  Any environmental non-profit organization, including conservation Districts and Municipalities, in the Ohio River Watershed, covering parts of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are eligible for the prizes.  Small groups operating on a shoe-string budget are encouraged to participate no matter how fancy or simple your display may be.  To reserve your display space and Networker Cruise ticket, visit: www.streamrestorationinc.org/rsvp/index.php.

In this edition of WPCAMR’s Video Diaries, we visit the Loyalhanna Watershed Association, who recently hosted a “Turning on of Lights Ceremony”.  Besides the unique name of the event, what makes this really special is that the electricity used to power the lights was generated from Abandoned Mine Drainage. 

Since 2005, Loyalhanna Watershed Association has been working on the Saxman Run Mine Drainage Treatment and Hydroelectric Project.  They faced all of the trials and tribulations persistent with any other AMD project but faced the additional hurdle of being a pioneer in this type of electricity generation.  Recently, they were finally able to host a dedication for this one-of-a-kind project.   The celebration culminated with the turning on a string of lights using electricity generated by the flow of the AMD.

Click on the player below to view the video.

Note: If you’re on a work computer and can’t view the video, speak with your IT person to see if embedded videos are blocked.

1. Register for the Conference.  Daily rate is $125 or the full rate (3 days) for students, non-profits, and Conservation District representatives is offered at a discounted rate of $135.   Program and registration information can be found at www.PghMiningReclamationConf.com.   FAX or email your completed registration form before 12:00pm, Thursday June 3 to guarantee your meals will be available.  Do not mail your registration form as stated on the website due to the short timeframe.

1. Apply for a scholarship.  Scholarships (for up to an additional 50% off the already discounted rate) will be made on a reimbursement basis to Pennsylvania non-profit representatives and Conservation District employees.  Scholarship applications are available at www.treatminewater.com/scholarship10.htm.  Remember, you must register for the conference separately, pay and attend to be eligible.

Here are some of the things you can look forward to at this year’s conference. 

• Exhibits

• Opportunities to speak with consultants, scholars, and industry

• Wide range of presentation topics, many prepared for the non-profit and Conservation District audience

• Three Rivers Boat Cruise in the evening of Tuesday, June 8. on the Gateway Clipper Fleet’s Empress.  Live Music.  Commander’s Buffet. Presentation of the PA AMR Conference’s coveted Mayfly Award.  The cost is $60 and is separate from the conference registration.  Scholarships are applicable to the cruise.   Free scheduled shuttles between the Radisson and the Gateway Clipper provided.  You may attend the cruise without attending the conference.

• Pre- and post- conference tours and workshops