The Northeast Regional Center for Rural
Development Land Use Toolbox
You and Your Community:
What You Can Do links
Connecticut
Delaware
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Regional
Rhode Island
Connecticut
Connecticut
Conference of Municipalities
Connecticut
Conference of Municipalities,
http://www.ccm-ct.org/
Description: The Connecticut Conference of Municipalities is Connecticut's association of cities and towns. CCM provides member cities and towns with a wide array of other services, including management assistance, individualized inquiry service, assistance in municipal labor relations, technical assistance and training, policy development, research and analysis, publications, information programs, and service programs such as workers' compensation, liability-automobile-property, risk management, energy cost containment, and revenue collection assistance.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Connecticut
Government
Towns
and Cities of Connecticut,
http://www.ct.gov/ctportal/cwp/view.asp?a=843&q=246468
Description: The following is a list of hyperlinks that direct you to general telephone and E-Mail directories for various local government contacts commonly used within the State of Connecticut.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Connecticut
Trust for Historic Preservation
Connecticut
Trust for Historic Preservation,
http://www.cttrust.org/
Description: Established in 1975 as a non-profit organization by Special Act of the Connecticut General Assembly, the Connecticut Trust's mission is to preserve the character and ensure the vitality of Connecticut's historically significant places. Through education, advocacy, collaboration and support, the Trust assists residents and community organizations throughout the state to preserve, protect, and revitalize Connecticut's historically significant communities.
Topics: Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Pomeraug
River Watershed Coalition
Pomeraug
River Watershed Coalition,
http://www.pomperaug.org/aboutthecoalition.html
Description:
The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition was formed by residents of Bethlehem,
Woodbury, and Southbury, CT in 1999 to protect the quality and quantity
of water in the Pomperaug Watershed--a 90 square mile area that provides
both water and recreational opportunities for thousands of residents.
The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition is working to create a partnership
between local governments, businesses, environmental organizations and
private citizens and regional, state and federal agencies to insure the
health and vibrancy of the Pomperaug Watershed.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
University
of Connecticut
Cooperative
Extension Forestry,
http://www.canr.uconn.edu/ces/forest/
Description: Information about the University of Connecticut's forestry outreach programs, including the Forest Stewardship Program.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
University
of Connecticut
Home
and Garden Education Center,
http://www.canr.uconn.edu/garden/
Description: The goal of the UConn Home & Garden Education Center is to be a highly respected and visible educational outreach program to the citizens of Connecticut. The Center is designed to meet the needs of an increasingly sophisticated audience by providing accurate, thorough and timely information on a wide variety of issues including: home horticulture, entomology, food safety, drinking water, septic system management, family financial management, soil testing, lead poisoning and indoor air quality.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Connecticut
Delaware
Delaware
Audubon Society
Delaware
Audubon Society,
http://www.delawareaudubon.org/
Description: Incorporated in 1977, the Delaware Audubon Society is a statewide chapter of the National Audubon Society. Delaware Audubon is dedicated to developing a better appreciation of our natural environment and working for species and habitat conservation.
Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Delaware
Delaware
Stream Watch
Delaware
Stream Watch,
http://www.delawarenaturesociety.org/nrc/SW/aboutstreamwatch.htm
Description: Delaware Stream Watch is a grassroots volunteer waterway protection program focusing on citizen involvement through monitoring, education, and advocacy. Stream Watch is co-sponsored by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Control (DNREC), representing a unique partnership of government, environmental interests, and industry.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Delaware
Maine
Leadership
Maine
Leadership
Maine,
http://www.mdf.org/leadme/home.html
Description: Leadership Maine is a yearlong experiential program covering twelve days. Unlike community-based leadership programs, Leadership Maine is statewide in scope and focuses its discussions on issues important to the overall Maine economy. Over the course of the program, participants will learn about their own personal strengths and opportunities for growth, and examine the leadership styles of government, nonprofit, corporate, and educational leadership in Maine.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maine
Maine
Historic Preservation Commission
Maine
Historic Preservation Commission,
http://www.state.me.us/mhpc/
Description: The Maine Historic Preservation Commission is the state agency which functions as the State Historic Preservation Office in Maine. As such, the Commission is responsible for the identification, evaluation, and protection of Maine's significant cultural resources. The Commission oversees the statewide survey program, nominates properties to the National Register of Historic Places, reviews development activities for their effect on cultural resources, co-ordinates rehabilitation projects under the Preservation Tax Incentives Program, assists local governments in survey work and the design of preservation guidelines, and is involved in a variety of public education activities.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Historic Preservation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maine
Natural
Resources Council of Maine
Natural
Resources Council of Maine,
http://www.maineenvironment.org/
Description:
The Natural Resources Council of Maine's goal is of a Maine that has successfully
addressed threats to the quality of its air, water, forests, and natural
habitats in a fashion that is inspiring to others working to protect the
environment both here and elsewhere in the nation.
Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maine
Small
Woodlands Owners Association of Maine
Small
Woodlands Owners Association of Maine,
http://www.swoam.com/
Description: Owning and managing small woodland properties in Maine can be a very rewarding endeavor, but there are many issues that small woodland owners must deal with, including: taxes, public use of private lands, land use regulations, protecting wildlife habitats and water quality, and marketing and utilization of forest products. For more than two and half decades SWOAM has been helping small woodland owners address these and countless other issues.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maine
State
Planning Office
Municipal
Code Enforcement Training Program,
http://www.state.me.us/spo/ceo/program/
Description:
The Municipal Code Enforcement Training Program has two primary functions:
Provide a program of specialized professional training to prepare individuals
to work as municipal code officials, as well as provide continuing education
courses. Conduct examinations for state certification in the areas of
land use, shoreland zoning, internal plumbing, external plumbing, and
building standards.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maine
University
of Maine
PEARL,
http://pearl.maine.edu/
Description:
PEARL is the on-line GIS-based, searchable database for Maine lakes. Over
the years, PEARL has expanded to become the GIS-searchable on-line resource
for environmental information in Maine. It allows scientists, educators,
community organizations, and students to find environmental information
in one location.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maine
University
of Maine
Water
Quality Team,
http://www.umaine.edu/waterquality/
Description:
The Water Quality team at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension
(UMCE) provides information to the public on protecting Maine's water
resources. We focus on lake and watershed issues, and work with agricultural
producers to implement best management practices (BMPs) on their farms.
Through applied research we provide growers with information on efficient
nutrient and weed management practices.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Maine
University
of Maine
Yankee
Woodlot Forestry Camp,
http://www.umaine.edu/umext/YankeeWoodlot/
Description:
Forestry information for landowners in Maine.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maine
Maryland
1000
Friends of Maryland
1000
Friends of Maryland,
http://www.friendsofmd.org/friends2.html
Description: Formed in 1996, 1000 Friends of Maryland is a coalition of business and development companies, architectural and historical preservation organizations, community and environmental groups. Our mission is twofold: to preserve what is best about Maryland and to encourage sensible growth.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Department
of Agriculture
Conservation,
Harmony With the Land,
http://www.mda.state.md.us/mdacon/index.htm
Description:
Learn how Maryland farmers are working to control soil erosion, discover
the many ways you can practice conservation without ever leaving your
home and find out what's being done on the farm to protect water quality
in our streams, rivers and Chesapeake Bay.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Department
of the Environment
Water
Conservation Program,
http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/WaterPrograms/Water_Conservation/index.asp
Description: Since 1999, MDE has put several programs into effect aimed at reducing water consumption statewide. MDE is working to help state facilities meet water conservation goals that were established under Executive Order 01.01.2001.03, encouraging water utilities to take steps to reduce water consumption, and developing and implementing an outreach campaign to educate Maryland citizens about the importance of water conservation.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Department
of Natural Resources
Bays
and Streams Education,
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/education/programs.html
Description: You may not be aware of it, but all of our activities on land (like driving, building and farming) impact the Chesapeake Bay. Our individual contributions may seem small, but by making small changes in our daily habits together with 4.6 million other Marylanders all living in the Bay watershed, we can clean up the Bay.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Department
of Natural Resources
MERLIN
Online,
http://www.mdmerlin.net/
Description: MERLIN Online is an electronic atlas that allows a user to produce a custom "map" for any location in Maryland, including their choice of base map and theme data layers. It also allows the user to query the system to obtain information provided about specific locations.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Maryland
Municipal League
Maryland
Municipal League,
http://www.mdmunicipal.org/mmlhome/index.cfm
Description: A voluntary, nonprofit, nonpartisan association controlled and maintained by city and town governments, MML works to strengthen the role and capacity of municipal government through research, legislation, technical assistance, training and the dissemination of information for its members.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
University
of Maryland
Home
and Garden Information Center - Bay Issues,
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/hgic/bay/bay.html
Description:
The Home and Garden Information Center is assisting the Chesapeake Bay
Program's Tributary Strategies by showing how simple actions in your home
and yard can prevent excess nutrients and other pollutants from reaching
the bay.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
University
of Maryland
Rural
Development Center,
http://skipjack.net/le_shore/rural/
Description:
The Rural Development Center's mission is to strengthen and diversify
the rural economy of Maryland's Eastern Shore. We strive to increase incomes,
employment and the local tax base by providing technical assistance to
counties, communities, and businesses. The RDC collaborates with local
higher education institutions, governments and the private sector to accomplish
this mission.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Worcester
County
Landowner's
Guide to Protecting Worcester's Sensitive Areas,
http://www.co.worcester.md.us/loguide.htm
Description:
The natural resources of Worcester County enhance our quality of life,
providing economic, public health and safety, aesthetic and other benefits
to the individual landowner and to us all. Sensitive areas are places
or elements in the landscape that have ecological, economic and/or public
health values, and should receive some degree of management and protection.
Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Massachusetts
Division
of Conservation Services
Division
of Conservation Services,
http://www.state.ma.us/envir/dcs/default.htm
Description:
Since 1964, the Division of Conservation Services has been providing technical
and financial assistance to farmers as well as public and private land
owners in matters dealing with farm plans or sediment and erosion control.
DCS awards grants to municipalities for conservation and park land acquisition
and construction. DCS also provides assistance with the development of
open space and recreation plans, and to municipalities, land trusts, and
private land owners regarding approval of conservation restrictions.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
Executive
Office of Environmental Affairs
Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Protection,
http://www.state.ma.us/envir/biodiversity/default.htm
Description:
The three objectives of the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection Initiative
are: build a constituency for biodiversity, through education and outreach
to the public including all ages and sectors of society (teachers, students,
corporate leaders and employees, municipal officials, and citizens); protect
and restore ecosystems, through land protection and ecological restoration
projects; and promote incorporation of biodiversity and ecosystem health
considerations in decision making regarding our use and management of
natural systems, including decisions made by private citizens in their
daily lives, corporate leaders in establishing and growing their businesses,
and developers and land use decision makers in land use decisions.
Topics: Land Preservation, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
University
of Massachusetts
Citizen
Planner Training Collaborative,
http://www.umass.edu/masscptc/
Description:
The Citizen Planner Training Collaborative provides local planning and
zoning officials with tools to make effective decisions regarding their
community's current and future land use.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
University
of Massachusetts
Drought
Information,
http://www.umassdroughtinfo.org/
Description:
UMass Extension has rallied all its program resources to address the issues
surrounding the topic of drought. We have also rallied resources and experts
throughout the University, and those available through federal, state,
and local governments. In addition, we have gathered much of what is being
said and written about the drought in the regional news media, and on
the web.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Lake
Wentworth Association
Lake
Wentworth Association,
http://www.lwa.org/
Description:
The LWA was established in 1930, with Supreme Court Justice William O.
Douglas as one of the founders. The Association was established for the
protection and preservation of Lake Wentworth and Crescent Lake as well
as the wildlife and habitat associated with them. Promotion of knowledge
about the lakes and their history is also part of the association's mission.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
Natural
Resource Conservation Service - USDA
New
Hampshire NRCS,
http://www.nh.nrcs.usda.gov/
Description:
NRCS soil conservationists, soil scientists, agronomists, ecologists,
engineers, planners, and other specialists promote land stewardship by
providing technical assistance through teams to address surface and groundwater
quality; wetlands, riparian areas, and biodiversity; aquatic and terrestrial
habitat; and impacts of landuse changes. NRCS teams work on all of a state's
landscapes: agricultural, wetlands and riparian areas, suburban, rural,
urban centers, and forested.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
New
Hampshire Preservation Alliance
New
Hampshire Preservation Alliance,
http://www.nhpreservation.org/html/home.htm
Description:
Founded in 1985, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is a group of
people dedicated to preserving the parts of New Hampshire that make it
so wonderful to live here. Consider us to be advocates for the best parts
of New Hampshire's incredible past. In so doing, we preserve a legacy
someone saved for us so we may offer it to our children tomorrow. Our
primary goal is to instill the preservationist in everyone by holding
workshops, offering information and demonstrating the value of preserving
and protecting our spectacular landscapes and the historic structures
and communities shaped by our heritage.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Historic Preservation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
Newfound
Lake Region Association
Newfound
Lake Region Association,
http://www.newfoundlakeregionassociation.org/
Description:
NLRA is a nonprofit organization formed by concerned citizens in 1971.
It is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the Newfound Lake
and surrounding region. Water quality analysis is our #1 job, and we have
been constantly sampling and testing for acid rain, water transparency,
nutrients and algae growth since 1986. This information serves to identify
the location of specific problems so that corrective action can be initiated.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
University
of New Hampshire
Community
Development Programs,
http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/CommDev/CommDev.htm
Description: UNH Cooperative Extension's Communities program provides education, training, and assistance to New Hampshire communities to enhance their ability to improve their economic, environmental, social, and physical well-being. The Communities program offers capacity-building assistance in a variety of forms, including workshops, trainings, informational materials, public facilitations, and technical assistance.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
University
of New Hampshire
Forestry Resources,
http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/Forestry/Forestry.htm
Description: Information about forestry in New Hampshire.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
University
of New Hampshire
New
Hampshire GRANIT,
http://www.granit.sr.unh.edu/
Description: The New Hampshire Geographically Referenced Analysis and Information Transfer System (NH GRANIT) is a cooperative project to create, maintain, and make available a statewide geographic data base serving the information needs of state, regional, and local decision-makers. In addition to database development and maintenance, the GRANIT staff offers a range of application development, training, and related technical services to GIS users in the state and the region.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
New Jersey
Department
of Environmental Protection
I-Map
New Jersey,
http://www.nj.gov/dep/GIs/imapnj/imapnj.htm
Description: I-Map NJ is an environmental mapping tool that can provide you with information about your neighborhood, county, or state (NJ). With this unique application, homeowners can find out what's in their backyard; and environmental organizations, planners, and builders can identify open space, various regulatory boundaries, sensitive lands, watersheds, and much, much more.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
Department
of Environmental Protection
New
Jersey Drought Information,
http://www.nj.gov/dep/drought/
Description: Information about drought in New Jersey with ideas on water conservation and a review of indicators of drought.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
New
Jersey Agricultural Society
New
Jersey Agricultural Society,
http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture/agsociety/
Description: The mission of the New Jersey Agricultural Society is to preserve and enhance the agricultural industry through educational and promotional programs. The Society accomplishes this goal through a number of dynamic and exciting programs.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
Rutgers
University
RCE
Drought Web,
http://drought.rutgers.edu/
Description: Information about drought in New Jersey with a focus primarily on drought management for commercial agriculture, the home, and the home and commercial landscape.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
Watershed
Partnership for New Jersey
Watershed
Partnership for New Jersey,
http://www.wpnj.org/
Description:
WPNJ is a statewide network of watershed education and outreach education
representatives from more than 40 nonprofit, federal, state, county and
local agencies, educational institutions, and private industry.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New Jersey
New York
Cornell
University
LEAD
New York,
http://www.cals.cornell.edu/LEADNY/
Description: The mission of LEAD New York is to inspire and develop leaders for New York State's food and agricultural industry. It is a unique program that emphasizes the development of communication and leadership skills, studies public policymaking, enhances issue evaluation and problem-solving techniques, and provides networking connections that can prove valuable for years to come.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New York
Cornell
University
Master
Forest Owner Program,
http://www.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/mfo/index.htm
Description: The Master Forest Owner (MFO)/COVERTS Program provides private forest owners of NY State with the information and encouragement necessary to manage their forest holdings wisely.
Topics: Land Preservation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New York
New
York Planning Federation
New
York Planning Federation,
http://www.nypf.org/
Description:
The mission of the New York Planning Federation is to promote sound planning,
land use and zoning practice in New York State so that orderly growth
and development may occur balanced with necessary resource conservation.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: New York
Pennsylvania
Chester
County Water Resources Authority
CCWRA
Webpage,
http://www.chesco.org/water/index.html
Description: The role of CCWRA is to provide the basic science, analyses and planning that are necessary to protect public safety, to preserve the integrity of the County's natural water resources and watershed systems, and to balance the needs of all water users in support of planned growth for the County.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Department
of Community and Economic Development
Governor's
Center for Local Government Services,
http://www.inventpa.com/default.aspx?id=136
Description:As
the one-stop shop for all Pennsylvania Local Governments, the Governor's
Center for Local Government Services provides a full range of financial
assistance to local governments. The Center's mission is to: be the principal
advocate for local governments, provide vital programs, services and training
to local officials and municipal employees, and cut through red tape expeditiously
to solve problems at the local level.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Department
of Environmental Protection
eMapPA
Application,
http://www.emappa.dep.state.pa.us/emappawebsite/HTMLDEMO/
Description: This web based mapping application has been developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Geospatial Data Center.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Department
of Environmental Protection
What's
in my Watershed?,
http://www.emappa.dep.state.pa.us/emappawebsite/emapWIMN/
Description: This web based mapping application has been developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Geospatial Data Center.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Leadership
Berks
Leadership
Berks,
http://www.leadershipberks.org/
Description: Leadership Berks is a training program designed to broaden the base of effective future voluntary community leadership within Berks County by cultivating the interest, knowledge and skills of emerging leaders reflecting diverse backgrounds. Leadership Berks prepares individuals to contribute their time and talents to effectively meet the rapidly changing needs of our community.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Leadership
Harrisburg Area
Leadership
Harrisburg Area,
http://www.leadershipharrisburg.org/
Description: The mission of Leadership Harrisburg Area is to develop a diverse corps of leaders for volunteer community service and the cultivation of shared responsibility in the region.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Leadership
York
Leadership
York,
http://www.leadershipyork.org/
Description: The mission of Leadership York is to train and support individuals who have the desire to serve the York community in leadership positions.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
Community
Affairs Extension Home Page,
http://cax.aers.psu.edu/
Description: The CAX Files is a collection of educational materials from Penn State Cooperative Extension to help citizens and local leaders anticipate, understand, and shape the forces affecting their communities. Courses, workshops, and other programming are made available to individuals and communities requesting assistance, and are tailored for local needs.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
Forest
Stewardship Volunteer Initiative Project,
http://vip.cas.psu.edu/
Description: The purpose of the Forest Stewardship VIP-COVERTS, a Volunteer Initiative Project, is to train volunteer woodland owners in the principles of forest stewardship so that they will not only better manage their own forestlands, but also motivate other woodland owners to become actively involved in the future of Pennsylvania's forest resources. Through this program, you will learn how stewardship practices and your involvement can ensure healthy and productive forests for years to come.
Topics: Land Preservation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
Local
Taxes and Our Community,
http://cax.aers.psu.edu/ltoc/
Description: The Local Taxes & Our Community series of workbooks is intended to help local officials and citizens in Pennsylvania move beyond stereotypes to better understand local taxes in their own community.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
Master
Well Owner Network,
http://mwon.cas.psu.edu/
Description: The Master Well Owner Network is a program designed to train volunteers throughout Pennsylvania about proper location, construction, maintenance and management of private water systems (including wells, springs, and cisterns).
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
Pennsylvania
Leadership Program Directory,
http://rule.cas.psu.edu/pa_lead_direct/
Description: The Pennsylvania Leadership Program Directory is an evolving resource document of leadership program initiatives throughout the Commonwealth. This compendium provides a network of leadership contacts through the collaborative entity of the Pennsylvania Leadership Forum.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
Pennsylvania
Municipal Planning Education Institute,
http://www.cax.aers.psu.edu/pmpei/
Description: The mission of PMPEI is to develop educational opportunities primarily for citizen planners, zoners, appointed and elected municipal and county officials.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
PlanOScope,
http://cax.aers.psu.edu/planning/planoscope.htm
Description: Through the miracle of Modern Science, the Plan-O-Scope performs an expert analysis of your community's land use planning quickly and easily.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
PSU
Center for Watershed Stewardship,
http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
Description: The Center's mission encompasses two primary elements: interdisciplinary graduate studies focused on team-oriented, real world problem solving within the context of community-based watershed planning and management engaging environmental, economic and resource management interests and; continuing education short course for practicing professionals and community leaders with emphasis on enhancing and broadening their expertise and skills across a wide range of technical, planning and organizational management skills.
Topics:Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Penn
State University
RULE
Program,
http://rule.cas.psu.edu/main.htm
Description: The RULE program is designed to develop community leaders who have the skills and resources necessary to meet the challenges of a changing community. Through individual and group learning experiences, you will develop the knowledge to make a difference.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy
Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy,
http://www.paconserve.org/
Description: We connect communities - especially children - to nature by planting urban gardens. Through gardening with volunteers, we also foster engaged communities. We connect people to nature through ecological science and land conservation. Working through hundreds of local groups and organizations, we empower local decision makers to make good land-use choices.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
Regional
Alliance
for the Chesapeake Bay
Alliance
for the Chesapeake Bay,
http://www.acb-online.org/
Description: The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is a regional nonprofit organization that builds and fosters partnerships to protect and to restore the Bay and its rivers. The Alliance does not lobby or litigate. Instead, we do the slow, hard work of bridging dialogue between groups that don't see eye-to-eye, forming strategies for joint solutions, and building the capacity of communities for local-level action.
Topics: Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Maryland, Pennsylvania
Blackstone
Valley Chamber of Commerce
Leadership
Blackstone Valley,
http://www.blackstonevalley.org/leadership/
Description:
Leadership Blackstone Valley is an intensive, hands-on program to cultivate
emerging community leaders in the Blackstone River Valley towns of Massachusetts
and Rhode Island.
Topics: What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Deerfield
River Watershed Association
Deerfield
River Watershed Association,
http://www.umass.edu/tei/mwwp/drwa/index.html#work
Description:
The Deerfield River Watershed Association is a nonprofit organization
with the mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources
of the Deerfield River watershed in south-eastern Vermont and north-western
Massachusetts.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts, Vermont
Green
Valley Institute
Green
Valley Institute,
http://thelastgreenvalley.org/gvi/
Description:
The Green Valley Institute exists to help Heritage Corridor communities
and citizens sustain their environment and quality of life while growing
their economies. We are a non-regulatory organization dedicated to: improving
the knowledge base from which land use and natural resource decisions
are made and building local capacity to protect and manage natural resources
as our region grows.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Massachusetts
MyWatershed.com
MyWatershed.com,
http://www.mywatershed.com/index.html
Description:
The mission of MyWatershed.com is that through active involvement, mailings
& websites, educate residents about watersheds and nonpoint source
pollution, offering new ways for residents to view and improve their surroundings,
thereby improving water quality within watersheds.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island
National
Park Service
Blackstone
River Coalition,
http://www.nps.gov/blac/zap/home/home.html
Description:The
Blackstone River Coalition is made up of various organizations that are
concerned with the regeneration of the Blackstone River and the health
of the Blackstone River Watershed. These organizations include state and
federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and businesses.
Everyone is working in different ways, from business people recognizing
the value of the river in regards to successful business ventures to government
agencies working with watershed groups to improve water quality.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts, Rhode Island
New
England Regional Water Quality Program
New
England Regional Water Quality Program,
http://www.usawaterquality.org/newengland/
Description:
The CSREES New England Regional Water Quality Program works to improve
water quality management through educational knowledge and extension programming
that emerges from a research base. The program builds on the strengths
of the Extension Water Quality Programs at the Land Grant Universities
throughout New England.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Rhode Island
Healthy
Landscapes
Healthy
Landscapes
Project,
http://www.healthylandscapes.org/
Description: The Healthy Landscapes Project goal is to generate and deliver an Extension education program aimed at pollution prevention best management practices (BMPs) in the home landscape. The Healthy Landscapes Project is a collaborative effort with URI Cooperative Extension Programs and the Town of North Kingstown.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
University
of Rhode Island
RI
Home*A*Syst,
http://www.uri.edu/ce/wq/has/html/has.html
Description:
URI NEMO provides training, application of local watershed assessment
tools, and follow up technical support to municipal officials in managing
environmental impacts of changing of land use.
Topics: Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Vermont
Agency
of Natural Resources
Backyard
Forest Stewardship Program,
http://www.state.vt.us/anr/fpr/forestry/backyard/index.htm
Description:
The Vermont Backyard Forest Stewardship Program offers free stewardship
assistance to private landowners in Chittenden County and Rutland County
and surrounding areas with 25 acres or less.
Topics: Healthy Communities, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Vermont
Department
of Housing and Community Affairs
Housing
Needs Assessment Guide,
http://www.housingdata.org/assessment/index.php
Description:
Policy makers, leaders, and citizens continually analyze present and future
trends when determining the levels and types of housing needed at the
state, regional, or local levels. Whether projecting the capacity for
sewer and water infrastructure, building roads, or planning for schools,
housing needs assessments are an integral element in community and regional
planning.
Topics: Housing, Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Vermont
People
Can Plan
People
Can Plan,
http://www.peoplecanplan.org/
Description:
The People Can Plan website is an interactive resource for local land
use and environmental activists who want to learn more about how the planning
process works.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Vermont
University
of Vermont
Center
for Sustainable Agriculture,
http://www.uvm.edu/%7Esusagctr
Description:
The Center for Rural Studies (CRS) is a nonprofit, fee-for-service research
organization that addresses social, economic, and resource-based problems
of rural people and communities.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Vermont
Vermont
Association of Conservation Districts
Vermont
Association of Conservation Districts,
http://www.vacd.org/
Description:
The Association is a nonprofit organization of Vermont's 14 Conservation
Districts whose mission is to help the Districts carry out natural resource
oriented programs at the local level.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Vermont
Vermont
League of Cities and Towns
Vermont
League of Cities and Towns,
http://www.vlct.org/
Description:
VLCT is a voluntary organization which is supported, in part, by dues
voted on each year by municipalities at their annual Town Meetings. The
balance of the League's $2.4 million annual budget comes from premiums
paid into our health, property and casualty, workers' compensation and
unemployment insurance trust programs. The league provides educational,
legislative, and insurance trust services to all political subdivisions
of the State of Vermont.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: Vermont
West Virginia
Natural
Resource Conservation Service - USDA
West
Virginia NRCS,
http://www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov/
Description:
NRCS soil conservationists, soil scientists, agronomists, ecologists,
engineers, planners, and other specialists promote land stewardship by
providing technical assistance through teams to address surface and groundwater
quality; wetlands, riparian areas, and biodiversity; aquatic and terrestrial
habitat; and impacts of landuse changes. NRCS teams work on all of a state's
landscapes: agricultural, wetlands and riparian areas, suburban, rural,
urban centers, and forested.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: West Virginia
West
Virginia University
Community
Resources and Economic Development,
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/crd/index.htm
Description:
The West Virginia University Extension Service's Center for Community
Resources and Economic Development conducts research and provides educational
assistance to local communities throughout the state. These activities
are in the areas of business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship
development, economic development networks, strategic planning, local
government finance and special studies of socio-economic trends.
Topics: Planning/Zoning, What You Can Do, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: West Virginia
West
Virginia University
Farm
Management,
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/farmman2/index.htm
Description:
Farm management is not a series of canny, split second, or "heat
of the battle" maneuver skills that are innately personal. Farm management
is a learned set of skills that allows the manager to make informed decisions
and to implement changes that will move the operation toward its goals.
Management success can be measured by the quality and timeliness of decisions,
which are likewise affected by the quality and timeliness of information.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: West Virginia
West
Virginia University
Forestry
and Wood Products,
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/forestry/forestry.htm
Description:
Information about forestry management and the production of wood products.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Land Preservation, What You Can Do
Jurisdiction: West Virginia
NERCRD ©2004
The Toolbox is a joint effort of The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD)
and Penn State Cooperative Extension in Adams County.
This page was last updated on July 13, 2005.
For questions, suggestions or to report broken links, please contact NERCRD: nercrd@psu.edu.