The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Acquisition.” The purchase or lease with an option to purchase of land, easements or buildings for public parks, conservation, historical or recreation uses.

“Authority.” The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

“Authorized organization.” An entity involved in research, restoration, rehabilitation, planning, acquisition, development, education or other activities, which furthers the protection, enhancement, conservation, preservation or enjoyment of this Commonwealth's environmental, conservation, recreation or similar resources. The organization must be a tax-exempt institution under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)) and registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations or an educational institution involved in these authorized activities or a municipal authority.

“Bond fund.” The Growing Greener Bond Fund established under section 6116 (relating to establishment of bond fund and allocation and use of bond proceeds).

“Departments.” The Department of Agriculture, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection of the Commonwealth.

“Development.” New construction, improvement, alteration or renovation required for and compatible with the physical development or improvement of land or buildings.

“Fund.” The Environmental Stewardship Fund established in section 6104 (relating to fund).

“Geological hazard.” A naturally occurring or manmade geologic condition or phenomenon that presents a risk or is a potential danger to life and property. The term includes, but is not limited to, landslide, avalanche, ground subsidence and coastal and beach erosion.

“Growing greener bond referendum.” The referendum authorized under the act of April 13, 2005 (P.L. 1, No. 1),¹ known as the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection Enhancement Authorization Act, and approved by the electorate authorizing the Commonwealth to incur indebtedness of up to $625,000,000 for the maintenance and protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation and other environmental initiatives.

“Interior land.” Land that has at least 65% of its boundary lines immediately bordered by either State forest or State park lands.

“Planning.” The preparation of park, recreation and open space plans, river corridor and watershed plans, master site development plans, feasibility studies, natural areas studies and inventories, greenways and recreational trail plans, maintenance management plans, conservation plans, zoning plans, land use plans, environmental management plans and research or education documents useful in assisting municipalities, Commonwealth agencies, conservation districts, watershed organizations and authorized organizations to address environmental improvement, natural resource management, park and recreation development and land conservation.

“Recreational trail.” A thoroughfare or track across water, land or snow used for motorized and/or nonmotorized recreational purposes.

“Rehabilitation and repair.” Restoration or renovation of facilities or conditions of existing public conservation and recreation resources. The term excludes routine maintenance.

“Technical assistance.” Provision of financial grants and professional services. The term includes publications, research, videotapes, workshops, meetings, phone consultation and written and electronic communication.

“Watershed organization.” An entity recognized by either or both the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Protection and established to promote local watershed conservation efforts in an identified watershed.

“Watershed protection.” Activities that address regional water priorities, including priorities within the Delaware, Erie, Ohio, Potomac and Susquehanna watersheds and compliance by the Commonwealth with its commitments under Chesapeake Bay agreements and implementation of the provisions of Chapter 31 (relating to water resources planning).