HARRISBURG, Penn. - On Feb. 12, Governor Mark Schweiker declared an official drought emergency for 24 counties in southcentral and southeastern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association (PLNA) has set out to assist and educate the industry and the general public in dealing with the drought.

PLNA President Gregg Robertson addressed the association's preparation in a statement that read "We have contacted our member companies in the landscape, nursery and garden center business to inform them about the drought declaration and sthe steps they can take to conserve water while continuing operations. We also are urging the gardening public to contact our members for drought advice and assistance during the upcoming spring planting season."

PLNA hopes to avoid the devastating impact to the industry and consumer gardner that occurred during the drought of 1999. In 2000, PLNA took the first step in this process by working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to re-write the state's drought regulations. The changes made provide provisions for water limitations, not the restrictions that were present in 1999.

"The regulations go a long way in protecting the industry," said Michele Corbin, PLNA's government relations director. "By making the changes, DEP recognized the importance of the industry to Pennsylvania's economic growth. They provided the necessary watering allowances to ensure the industry's survival."

For more information contact Michel Corbin at (717) 238-1673 or e-mail mcorbin@plna.com.