Lititz, PA – August 26, 2013

On August 22nd at 2:00pm, LandStudies launched a Lititz Region Healthy Watersheds Tour (Tour) in partnership with the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to the Chesapeake Executive Council. The Citizens Advisory Committee is a diverse group of volunteers appointed by the Governors of PA, MD, VA, the Mayor of DC and the Board of Directors of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The Lititz Region Healthy Watersheds Tour supports the mission of the Citizens Advisory Committee to provide a non-governmental voice to the state-federal Chesapeake Bay Program on policies impacting citizens who live and work in the region. CAC travels to different states in our region to learn about topics in local communities that can inform recommendations to the leadership of the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership.The LandStudies/CAC Healthy Watersheds Tour was a three-hour field learning program that focused on Best Management Practices (BMPs), monitoring, and streamside forests in conjuncture with the Citizens Advisory Committee’s larger two (2) day meeting event that focused on updates on the draft Chesapeake Bay Agreement, progress on streamside forest goals and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The Tour showcased 8 sites in the Lititz area including the 5-acre floodplain restoration project that LandStudies completed at the Landis Homes Retirement Community in 2012. The educational focus for the LandStudies/CAC Tour included regulatory compliance measures, resource management & protection strategies, improving community well-being, and providing economic value to stakeholders.[youtube id=”hs2iMd4IxBY” width=”600″ height=”350″ ]The Tour was hosted by LandStudies’ very own Michael LaSala, Director of Product Development & Management. Mike is a Senior Project Manager and oversees development and management of LandStudies’ product lines and services. He provides unique experience and knowledge of municipal operations including intergovernmental cooperation, ordinance development, and comprehensive planning; along with a strong understanding of MS4 Permit compliances and requirements. Mike currently serves as the acting Executive Director of the Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee (LIMC)—a Council of Governments in central Lancaster County, PA comprised of nine municipalities.About LandStudies[imageframe link=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/29388462@N06/23225422080/” ] LandStudies, Inc. is a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) providing environmental planning and restoration services with 25 years of experience. They work on the belief that understanding and working with natural systems, instead of artificially controlling them, provides consistently superior, more stable, and longer lasting results. They offer a refreshing approach to conventional site design while balancing stewardship with practicality. To learn more visit: www.landstudies.com.About the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Chesapeake Executive Council[imageframe link=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/29388462@N06/23225422080/” ] Established in 1984, the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) represents a sample of residents and stakeholders in the Bay Watershed region and provides advice and guidance to the Chesapeake Executive Council The Chesapeake Executive Council is comprised of the Governors of PA, MD, VA, the Mayor of DC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the tri-state legislative Chesapeake Bay Commission.

CAC is composed of 29 members representing diverse professional and educational backgrounds, yet all dedicated to improving the health of the Bay. CAC is staffed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. To learn more visit:http://www.chesapeakebay.net/groups/group/citizens_advisory_committeeAbout the Landis Homes Floodplain Restoration ProjectThe goal of the 5-acre floodplain restoration project completed in 2012 was to improve stream function and the aesthetics of the community while minimizing the space devoted to stormwater management and increasing the space available to construct resident housing. LandStudies (LSI) designed and constructed the floodplain restoration project to address the many needs of the community. The project removed legacy sediment from the floodplain, increasing the floodwater storage potential. In addition, the project reduced stream bank erosion and promoted the infiltration and filtration of runoff resulting in water quality benefits.

Quantifiable Results:

  • Approximately 2,600 linear feet of stream restoration
  • Approximately 6.5 acres of created wetlands
  • Planting
    • 25,000 native herbaceous plugs
    • 700 trees and shrubs
  • Estimated annual pollutant load removal:
    • 3,200 lb. Nitrogen
    • 600 lb. Phosphorus
    • 150 tons Sediment