Yes, Penn State University Penn State develops, supports, and offers programs that encourage and maintain good aquatic stewardship practices. For example:
- University Extension developed a statewide Watershed Stewards program which encourages good aquatic stewardship practices.
- University Extension developed water management and conservation programs such as pond management and watershed restoration programs.
- The University has developed programs such as a Water Resources Preservation Areas (WRPAs) land-use classification for approximately 455 acres of land at University Park which has resulted in the University overall becoming a net zero discharger of surface runoff.
- The purpose of the university’s Stormwater Protection Plan is to promote health, safety, and welfare within the University and its watershed by minimizing the harm to the environment by stormwater from the campus through provisions designed to manage stormwater runoff impacts at their source by regulating activities that cause the problems and by using minimum structural controls, relying on natural processes. All new development and redevelopment projects at the University have the goal of reducing peak runoff rates downstream.
- Penn State’s Extension offers webinars, workshops, and articles about water quality and management that are available for free online to all. The Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center is focused on solving today’s water quality challenges related to the impacts of land use and land management.
Learn more about Penn State’s Progress on SDG 14 HERE.
