Exploring tree plantings in Pennsylvania through Precision Conservation and the Keystone 10 Million Tree Initiative

Streamside native trees, or riparian forest buffers are an important best management practice for Pennsylvania to improve water quality in local waterways, the Susquehanna River, and the Chesapeake Bay. Planning, installing, and maintaining riparian forest buffers is a process that often takes years to complete from first engaging a landowner to developing plans and designing a buffer to long-term care and establishment of the tree planting. Chesapeake Conservancy and Chesapeake Bay Foundation have been examining methods to enhance these steps and streamline the process from start to finish. Chesapeake Conservancy will highlight their Precision Conservation in the Susquehanna River Watershed project, with an emphasis on identifying the right locations for tree plantings to improve water quality. Chesapeake Bay Foundation will highlight their Keystone 10 Million Tree Partnership that aims to assist conservation organizations and landowners with funding for tree plantings, increasing demand, and ensuring supply. While these programs aim to address certain steps needed for successful adoption of tree plantings, there are still several opportunities for organizations to partner on innovative ways to address remaining gaps. We will describe the step-by-step process and highlight opportunities to fill the remaining gaps