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Protecting Water Resources

Governor Schweiker Honors Horsham Township for Protecting Water Resources

Governor Schweiker Honors Horsham Township for Protecting Water Resources

On April 16, 2002, Gov. Mark Schweiker and DEP Secretary David E. Hess recognized Horsham Township for our commitment to watershed restoration and environmental protection. Horsham Township was one of 24 organizations from across Pennsylvania selected to receive a 2002 Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship from the Governor and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Horsham Township's attendance at a special award ceremony in Harrisburg marks one of this year's highlights in pursuing our mission to protect and educate the public about the value of the Park Creek and all watersheds in Horsham.

"It is my great honor to congratulate the winners of the 2002 Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship," Gov. Schweiker said. "Each winner's unique, community-oriented project is helping educate Pennsylvania residents about the importance of enhancing and protecting local waterways."

Economic vitality in Horsham Township has led to unprecedented residential and commercial growth over the past 30 years. While providing many economic opportunities, this growth also put strain on the natural environment, as destabilized stream-banks, flooding and urban runoff into streams have adversely affected water quality, vegetation and wildlife.

Kohler Park is one affected area. This 72-acre municipal park is home to Park Creek, a tributary of the Little Neshaminy. Horsham Township, with support from a coalition of partners - including Horsham's Environmental Advisory Board, Heritage Conservancy, local conservation agencies, businesses, senior groups, youth organizations, students and residents - decided to focus cleanup efforts in this area. The Kohler Park Streambank Stabilization and Riparian Buffer Restoration Project is dedicated to protecting Kohler Park and the entire Neshaminy Creek watershed.

The entire community mobilized to support the Kohler Park project. Residents and volunteers contributed more than 950 hours and donated more than $12,000 towards the cleanup. DEP Growing Greener grants helped cover the cost of restoring streambanks, training township staff to maintain the restored areas, holding a community education workshop and creating an educational sign onsite.

The Township and its volunteers were successful in revegetating the area, removing invasive species, planting trees and shrubs, building riparian buffers and re-grading creek banks. Local middle school and high school students assisted with planting and reestablishing native vegetation - later bringing proud parents back to the park to view their handiwork! Even local businesses and restaurants contributed by donating food and supplies for volunteers. Local newspapers covered the story, and park visitors called the Township to express awe at the beautiful results of the cleanup.

The Kohler Park project's community-driven approach serves as a great example of passionate people uniting to protect and reestablish forest cover in an environmentally sensitive area.

"Horsham Township is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Park Creek and all the Watersheds and we're proud that Governor Schweiker and DEP Secretary Hess have recognized us for our efforts," said Mike McGee, Township Manager. "The energy and enthusiasm of our volunteers, Horsham's Environmental Advisory Board, Township Staff and community have been key to our success in bringing renewed life to our streams and water resources, ensuring the health and quality of Pennsylvania's waterways and native wildlife for the enjoyment of present and future generations."

This year's Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship winners have proven their commitment to sustaining Pennsylvania's watersheds. Collectively, they have removed 142,760 pounds of trash; installed 25,783 feet of streambank fencing; stabilized 3,752 feet of streambank; created 810 acres of wetlands; reclaimed 200 acres of abandoned mine land and improved 48.5 miles of mine drainage-polluted streams. The effects of these accomplishments have been immediate and invaluable.

This year marks the second annual Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship. In 1999, former Governor Tom Ridge signed into law "Growing Greener" - the largest-ever investment of state funds to address Pennsylvania's critical environmental issues. Since then, watershed groups, local governments and conservation districts have taken advantage of these state dollars to implement watershed protection projects. These awards honor the individuals and organizations engaged in safeguarding and enhancing our environment across Pennsylvania.

Projects are evaluated by an independent panel of judges, who select winners based on a variety of criteria, including economic and environmental impact, pollution prevention, teamwork, public service and educational efforts.

For more information on the Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship, please visit the official site at http://www.greenworks.tv/watershedawards/.

Awards & Honors

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Horsham Township

Horsham Township Municpal Building
1025 Horsham Road
Horsham, PA 19044

Phone: (215) 643-3131
Fax: (215) 643-0448
horsham@horsham.org

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM

Horsham Township Police

Horsham Township Police Department
1025 Horsham Road
Horsham, PA 19044

Phone: (215) 643-3600
Fax: (215) 643-0390
police@horsham.org

Hours: 24 Hours

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