July 2026 Newsletter

What’s New

Northeast Mid-Atlantic Forests & Water Forum

Mark your calendars – we’re coming to Pennsylvania! The third in-person Northeast Mid-Atlantic Forests & Water Forum will take place September 23–24, 2026 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and we’re rooting for you to join us. 

We’re thrilled to, once again, bring together forestry and water professionals from Maine to West Virginia to support this growing collaborative network. After all, when forests and water work together, it’s a streamlined path to success. This year we are in Pennsylvania and are excited to engage with local and state partners to activate partnership efforts in the state and broader region! 

What to Expect:

• September 23: A half-day field trip hosted by the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority (WMWA) 
• September 24: A full day of workshop sessions at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) Northcentral Regional Office (208 W 3rd St #101, Williamsport, PA)

Check out a draft agenda, nearby hotels, and register today on Eventbrite!

A sincere thank‑you to our local hosts, PA DEP and WMWA, as well as the volunteer committee working hard to plan the forum. We’re looking forward to focusing on the Partnership’s work in Pennsylvania and continuing this important work together.  See you in Williamsport!

Program Spotlight!

Highlighting Rhode Island’s “Penny Per Hundred” Program.
This popular program is often referred to by municipal water suppliers as the “penny per hundred” program. For every one hundred gallons of water delivered by major water suppliers, one cent is collected and set aside for land acquisition or water quality improvement projects that protect the quality of drinking water supplies. Each water supplier participating in this program must spend a minimum of 55% on land acquisition – the primary protection activity. Only water suppliers that manage their own water sources (groundwater or surface water) are eligible to receive Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) program funding.

In addition to land acquisition, other examples of projects that contribute to improved water quality include nonpoint source pollution or run-off prevention measures, treatment facility upgrades, water main cleaning or relining, and even the purchase of water conservation kits or watershed signage.

Have we piqued your interest? Read more about the program here and read answers to frequently asked questions on the program here.

Share Your Story

It’s your turn! Do you have a success, lesson learned, or project you want to see in our next newsletter? Take 3 minutes to share your story in the form (or by clicking the link below) – your experiences help tell the story of this Partnership and inspire others across the region!

Partner Updates

EPA Fact Sheet: The Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds
This updated fact sheet, developed by members of the partnership, compiles state-by-state evidence demonstrating the measurable economic returns of watershed protection across six benefit categories: drinking water treatment cost savings; natural hazard mitigation; recreation and tourism; subsistence hunting, fishing and foraging; quality of life and health; and property values. 

US Forest Service Allegheny National Forest Prescribed Fire
On April 23, 2026, the Allegheny National Forest successfully conducted its largest prescribed fire to date, treating 2,044 acres. Decades without fire had allowed fuels, including leaf litter and woody debris, to accumulate on the forest floor, increasing vulnerability to forest health and wildfire issues. Indigenous communities have long used fire to manage vegetation, support wildlife, clear land for travel and crops, and shape healthy ecosystems and the Forest Service continues this legacy through modern prescribed fire practices. This project demonstrates how the Forest Service is advancing national priorities to reduce wildfire risk for communities across the country. 

American Water Works Association State of the Water Industry
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) released its annual State of the Water Industry Report, which collects voluntary data from thousands of water professionals to reveal the most pressing challenges the sector currently faces. The report reveals a sector facing growing pressure across infrastructure, financing, and long-term water supply reliability. While overall sector health remains stable, the five-year outlook has declined to its lowest level in nearly a decade, signaling growing concern about the future.

NRCS Refining Source Water Protection Local Priorities for Fiscal Year 2027
On June 11, 2026, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) published its yearly National Bulletin providing NRCS State Conservationists with information for refining high-priority source water protection areas in each state and territory by August 28, 2026. The 2018 Farm Bill requires that at least ten percent of NRCS conservation funding go to landowners in these SWP areas. Landowners in these areas can get up to 90 percent incentive payments for implementing agricultural and forestry practices that protect drinking water sources. State Conservationists can provide input to their NRCS state office in advance of the August 28 deadline. To find your state’s office, view the NRCS State Offices Directory. To see the current areas, view the U.S. map of NRCS SWP high priority areas.

2026 Farm Bill Draft
In late June, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry released a discussion draft for its Agricultural Act of 2026: Farm Bill 2.0. You can read the draft here or review this one-pager for more information.

Funding Opportunities

FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) is a hazard mitigation program that makes federal funds available to states, U.S. territories, federally recognized Tribal Nations, and local governments for hazard mitigation activities. These activities include upgrading and modernizing the nation’s infrastructure against the growing risks to communities and the need for natural hazard risk mitigation activities to promote resilience for natural hazards. Eligible projects may include watershed forest restoration, riparian forest buffers, floodplain reforestation, and other approaches that improve community resilience. Projects must demonstrate measurable hazard mitigation benefits and are typically submitted through state or local government partners. Deadline: July 23rd.

NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program stimulates the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers through the development of technical manuals, guides, and for practical instruction for the private sector. Deadline: July 27th.

NRCS Announces $310 Million in RCPP Funding
USDA NRCS has announced up to $310 million in Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) funding. The program supports partner-led projects that address natural resource challenges, including forestry and watershed initiatives that protect drinking water sources, improve water quality, and enhance watershed resilience. Funding is available through both RCPP Classic and Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA). Recent updates have streamlined the program and increased flexibility for partners. Deadline: August 24th.