News For Constituents
From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office

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Archive

May 4, 2012

Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvanians can aid in preventing the spread of invasive plants that threaten the balance of the Commonwealth’s eco-system, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Invasive plant species in the form of trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and herbs are often well-intentioned introductions that quickly grow out of control. Instead, be sure to use native plants in your landscape to help avoid some of the problems caused by invasives.

News reports on kudzu, the vigorous half-woody vine introduced from Asia for ornamental, forage, and erosion control that turned noxious, are often joined by references to mile-a-minute, a slender annual vine with prickles, accidentally introduced from Asia with nursery stock. Keep your landscaping invasive-free with a host of online tools and a list of invasive plants provided by DCNR.

PA Water Trails Beckon Boaters

Where can you find over 85,000 miles of rivers and streams; 76 natural lakes with over 5,200 acres of flat water; 2,300 constructed impoundments providing another 200,000 acres of boat-friendly waters; 63 plus miles of Lake Erie shoreline and its 735 square miles of waters, and 56 miles of Delaware River tidal waters with access to the Atlantic Ocean? Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania provides nearly unlimited opportunities for the recreational boater, according to the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Motor boats, sailing vessels, canoes, kayaks, and other personal watercrafts provide endless water adventures across the state.

Novice and experienced boaters can brush up on boating basics, participate in educational courses, locate boat registration agents and so much more offered by the PF&BC.

Just Drive PA

Stay in touch with the rules and stay focused on the road through "Just Drive PA", the newest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) highway safety initiative.

Click on the "Distracted Driving" page for highlights of the state’s new anti-texting law, recent changes to the bicycle safety law, work zone safety, and motorcycle and helmet laws. Motorists are also reminded of the importance of wearing seat belts and driving sober.

Just Drive PA is aimed at preventing the annual loss of more than 1,200 lives resulting from unsafe driving in the Commonwealth.

AlertPA Delivers Emergency Info When You Need It Most

Targeting potentially dangerous situations and impending threats, AlertPA delivers emergency information when you need it most, according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Alert System. The Alert System is intended to provide timely information to assist in notifying the public of natural and manmade disasters. 

Weather advisories, watches, and warnings; public health alerts; child abductions; correctional facility incidents; and much more information can be delivered to steer, guide, and warn you through text messages to all of your devices or to the technology of your choice:

• Email account (work, home, other)
• Cell phone (via SMS)
• Pager
• Smartphone/PDA

AlertPA recipients receive real-time updates, instructions on where to go, what to do, or what not to do, who to report to, and other important information. Click on AlertPA for a list of the latest alerts.

Register Now for Fossils and Archaeology Summer Day Camps

The PA State Museum will offer one-day youth summer camps during the third and fourth weeks of July 2012, according to the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

Fossil Day Camps will be offered Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, July 18, 19, and 20, for children ages 9 to 12 years old. Archaeology/Native Americans Camp will be offered Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, July 25, 26, and 27, for children ages 7 to 10 years old.

The museum’s recently restored Marshalls Creek mastodon will be featured in the Fossil Day Camp. State Museum educators will include relevant hands-on activities. The one-day courses cost $30 per child or $25 per child for State Museum Affiliate Members and are held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 717-772-6997 to reserve space for the first-come, first-served summer day camps.

Visiting PA – Trips & Tips

Whether you will be day tripping your way around the state or looking for a great vacation, Pennsylvania is prepared to help with trip ideas, destinations, places to stay, and things to do.

Treat yourself to fine dining one day, the next, stop by one of the roadside diners that pepper the landscape. The array of restaurants and eateries reflect the regional and cultural differences represented across the state.

A quaint B&B may beckon or perhaps one of our superior spas appeals to your senses. Or, find lodging opportunities ranging from campgrounds and cabins to farmstays or historical hotels.

Subscribe to Pursuits Magazine and obtain a copy of PA’s Vacation Guide to help plan your spring and summer travels. Both resources are free and cover stories and travel information from throughout PA.