SavATree Partners With 27 NGOs and 14 Federal Agencies in Support of National Urban Natural Resources Restoration Effort

BEDFORD HILLS, NY–(Marketwired – Dec 16, 2014) – SavATree, along with more than two dozen NGOs including conservation and outdoor recreation organizations recently announced their endorsement for the Urban Waters Federal Partnership, a collaboration of 14 federal agencies that aims to boost local economies and create jobs by restoring waterways and their surrounding communities.

The announcement came as agency leaders, mayors, non-profits and others working with the Partnership convened in the nation’s capital to share best practices from 18 current Urban Waters project locations across the country.

The collective NGO and association partners have pledged to align resources, funding and expertise to restore urban waters, parks and greenspaces; increase outdoor recreation; engage youth and residents at pilot sites; and create new initiatives or projects nationally or at the state or local levels that achieve complementary results. They will also be assisting federal agency partners with outreach and communications encouraging urban waters restoration, parks and greenspace conservation and outdoor recreation.

“Great progress has been made since The Clean Water Act passed in 1972,” observed Mike Galvin, Director of The Consulting Group at SavATree. “In many large cities, rivers and harbors that previously served as sewers behind industrial lands have become valuable amenities bringing economic development, water access, and jobs. But much work remains. Clean water solutions rely in part on regulatory approaches like the Clean Water Act as well as on voluntary approaches like the Urban Waters Federal Partnerships,” Galvin explained.

“We are very grateful for the support and partnership that these important organizations will be bringing to our efforts to restore urban waterways,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Community led revitalization is central to the success of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and these organizations have deep roots in cities across the country, which will enhance and accelerate our collective work.”

In addition to the EPA, the Urban Waters Federal Partnership also includes the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and nine other federal partners.

Launched in 2011, the Partnership provides grants, resources and expertise to local governments looking to restore urban rivers and jumpstart local economies, particularly in underserved communities. This support rejuvenates local communities by restoring habitat, providing outdoor education for youth and improving access to waterfront areas for both business and recreational uses. These enhancements improve public health while bolstering property values and local businesses.

The Urban Waters and Five-Star Grant program, which currently supports 18 communities in cities of all sizes across the nation, has awarded more than $1.8 million since its inception, with grantees leveraging an additional $6.7 million in local project support. The RFP was issued in November and closes February 5, 2015.

The grant recipients are tackling some of their communities’ foremost challenges, from improving drinking water quality to promoting economic revitalization. This cross-sector engagement with local groups ensures community-based solutions best tailored to the local environment.

“The Urban Waters Partnerships convene 14 agencies of the federal family to partner with state, local, and NGO partners to develop place-based solutions to water quality,” noted Galvin. “SavATree is proud to be part of these voluntary efforts.”

More information: http://www.urbanwaters.gov

Progress in the original 7 urban waters locations is detailed in the Partnership in Action Report (PDF)

The participating NGOs include:

  • Alliance for Community Trees
  • American Forests
  • American Planning Association
  • American Rivers
  • American Society of Landscape Architects
  • Amigos de los Rios
  • Arbor Day Foundation
  • Arkansas Urban Forestry Council
  • City Parks Alliance
  • EarthForce
  • Groundwork USA
  • Izaak Walton League
  • National Association of Clean Water Agencies
  • National Recreation and Park Association
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • River Network
  • SavATree
  • Society of Municipal Arborists
  • The Chesapeake Conservancy
  • The Conservation Fund
  • The Intertwine Alliance
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Sierra Club
  • The Trust for Public Land
  • Tree Care Industry Association
  • US Water Alliance
  • Wilderness Inquiry

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About SavATree & SavaLawn
SavATree & SavaLawn are the green choice for environmentally sensible tree, shrub and lawn care services for residential, commercial, historic and government properties in select parts of CT, DC, IL, MA, MD, MN, NJ, NY, PA, VA and WI. Services performed by certified arborists and trained field specialists include: tree pruning; fertilizing; plant health care; insect, disease and mite management; deer deterrent solutions; lawn care services and so much more. Organic, traditional and hybrid options are available. Learn more at www.savatree.com.

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