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Congratulating the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership on ten years of Watershed education, stewardship, restoration, and advocacy.
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WHEREAS, In 2000, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) launched the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF), a groundbreaking effort to connect diverse stakeholders as neighbors and stewards of the watershed.
WHEREAS, The partnership was integral in developing the TTF Integrated Watershed Management Plan, a blueprint for restoring this urban stream into a community asset while addressing the mandated requirements of the federal Clean Water Act and the federal Stormwater Permit Program (MS4); and
WHEREAS, In 2005, under PWD's leadership, TTF formally incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization, with a Board of Directors composed of representatives of environmental organizations, community groups, government entities, and other watershed stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, TTF hired its first full-time Executive Director in 2007 and Julie Slavet, current Executive Director, joined TTF in 2011. Since then, the organization has expanded to a full-time staff of six, including an Executive Director and Communications Director, as well as Upstream and Philadelphia teams; and
WHEREAS, TTF experienced significant growth in 2013, adopting a new Strategic Plan and moving to the Globe Dye Works to be closer to Tacony Creek Park. In early 2014, TTF was awarded funding through the William Penn Foundation's multi-year Delaware Watershed Conservation Program to protect land, restore streams, test innovative approaches in ecologically significant places, and monitor results over time; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized TTF's efforts with a prestigious Mid-Atlantic Region Environmental Achievement Award. In 2013, the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce named TTF Non-Profit of the Year. In 2014, TTF projects at Abington Junior High School, Cedarbrook Middle School in Cheltenham, and Vernon Park in Philadelphia's Germantown were recognized by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Certified Wildlife Habitat®, National Audubon Society Bird Habitat, and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's (PHS) Community Greening Award; and
WHEREAS, TTF is dedicated to improving the health and vitality of its watershed by engaging its communities in education, stewardship, restoration, and advocacy. By working closely with its communities, TTF supports PWD's groundbreaking Green City Clean Waters 25-year plan to protect the watershed by managing stormwater with innovative green infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, TTF is committed to working with partners to encourage community engagement, provide programming, and build stewardship of historic Tacony Creek Park. TTF has also installed two rain gardens: one in Germantown's Vernon Park and one at the Olney Recreation Center. Working closely with neighbors and community organizations, and with the support of numerous funders, TTF has planted creek side buffers in its upstream communities along East Baeder Creek at Abington Junior High School, the Tookany Creek at Glenside Elementary School, Rock Creek both at Cedarbrook Middle School and Rock Lane Park in Cheltenham; and
WHEREAS, TTF hosted its first Watershed Milestones Award Ceremony & Reception in 2011. This special event celebrates the organization's accomplishments as well as the efforts of partners. To fate, TTF has honored 25 individuals, organizations, and businesses, recognizing them with Friend, Educator, Youth Champion, Municipal Leader, Corporate Steward, and Legacy awards. This year's Milestones will be held at the Globe Dye Works, TTF's home above the former little Tacony Creek, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby congratulate the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed partnership on ten years of watershed education, stewardship, restoration, and advocacy.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Julie Slavet, Executive Director of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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