2002 Meeting Minutes
SCWA did not get Governor Schweiker's nomination for the EPA Watershed Initiative.
Bow Creek – Ed Ruch and Steve Dale know the most about the grant process. By October 7, the township should have an action plan to DEP about their long-term plan to come into compliance. Every day there is new activity. Janice Vollero
In Watershed Weekly, Bonnie Swinehart printed an article on our Driving Tour.
Vote of Affirmation Requested : Swatara Creek Watershed Association was asked to write a letter concerning the Hammer Creek grant for the QWA:
An agreement was drawn similar to the water conservation kits where a member of the group using the weed whacker can sign out the weed whacker, then store it for us. They must carry their own liability insurance.
2 Stihl Weed Whackers
 | At your own risk, use of equipment is offered free of charge to any qualified individual or organization within the Swatara Creek Watershed. |
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| Each individual or organization utilizing the week whackers must have a responsible individual—18 years of age or older qualified in the use of the weed whackers who is also the operator at all times. |
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| The weed whackers are to be used for the Hammer Creek project only; |
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| It is understood that the owner of the weed whackers is the Swatara Creek Watershed Association who holds the grant. |
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| All laws and trespass signs must be obeyed when the weed whackers are utilized. |
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| When equipment or supplies are lost, stolen, or broken, replacement cost is borne by the borrowing individual or organization. |
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| When supplies are used, cost is borne by the individual or organization using said expendables/supplies. |
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| Weed whackers may be signed out on a first come, first served bases. |
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| Collection procedures will be initiated for replacement cost of equipment and supplies not returned. All related expenses to be born by the borrower. |
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| Equipment will be stored at Kyle Smith’s locked shed, 401 S. Spruce St., Annville PA 17003, (717)867-2618. |
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| If equipment becomes obsolete, SCWA retains the right to retire the equipment. |
Vote of Affirmation Requested : Swatara Creek Watershed Association was asked to write a letter of support for Hummelstown Borough to update Hummel Nature Trail for better accessibility and eventually join the new United Water Trail.
Vote of Affirmation Requested : Swatara Creek Watershed Association was asked to write a letter of support for Swatara Township Board of Supervisors to purchase 8.6 acres known as the Landis Land Acquisition, directly across from the township building. The land would be developed as a recreational facility to conceptually include baseball and soccer fields, a basketball court, trails for passive recreation, and a pavilion. About 1 acre is wetland/flood zone.
Vote of Affirmation Requested : Swatara Creek Watershed Association was asked to write a letter of support for Jonestown Borough. A 12-acre property that is contiguous to Jonestown Community Park and owned by Irene Moore is available. The owner has given Jonestown Borough the first option to but and wants to sell as soon as possible. According to Mayor George Kauffman, if the borough doesn't purchase the land, it will be placed on the open market and will be lost to a housing development. Therefore, on October 2, 2002, borough council instructed the Mayor to proceed with a grant request through DCNR for land acquisition. The tract is bordered on the south by Little Swatara Creek, South Lancaster Street to the west, and Mill St. (Swatara Township) to the east. Approximately 7 acres is flood plain and 4+/- acres are residential. The acquisition will ensure the land will be utilized for recreation and open space for future generations.
DEP advisor Rus Wagner approved the following, which will become part of our Little Swatara grant contract:
 | Since Wenger Feeds will scale back from using 12 work barns that need about $10 million in upgrades to 5 work barns by March 2003, and not renew their contract after July 2005, minor revisions to our grant contract are necessary. |
| Additional funding is also approved for a mandatory demonstration project where we show the improvements to other farmers and interested persons. |
| The balance of the grant may be used on other farms for the same type of work and in the same area along impaired tributaries in the Little Swatara Watershed--providing each farm is approved by Rus. |
| An extension through September 30, 2004 is granted. |
A PA Sojourns 2003 Calendar is being created as a giveaway product, with each Sojourn featured as a picture for each month (12 Sojourns/12 months). Choose a favorite picture representative of our event. Susan has some pictures for this year, but would like to use a picture that we choose to represent our river by Oct. 31.
Haines & Kibblehouse made application to DEP for a nonsurface mining permit to conduct noncoal surface mining on land owned by the PA Game Commission in Cornwall Borough. This encompasses 23.1 acres of which 11.4 are to be affected y mining. Discharge from the permit area will be to Snitz Creek. The applicant requests a variance to conduct activities within 100’ of an unnamed tributary to Snitz Creek. Comments must be submitted to Roger Hornberger by November 15, 2002.
At what turned into a Greenway Coalition adhoc committee, the status of a Greenway running north-south linking Swatara State Park to the Susquehanna River via the Swatara Creek and east-west linking the Berks County Greenway to the Dauphin County Greenway efforts via the Tulpehocken & Swatara Creeks took place at the farm of John Childe. In review:
| Dauphin County completed a River Conservation Plan that includes a Greenway proposal, and was incorporated into the |
| Swatara River Conservation Plan, which contains signed letters of support from more than 50% of the municipalities in the watershed. |
| Representatives from Schuylkill, Berks, Dauphin, and Lebanon Counties sit on the board of SCWA, and their meetings are always open to discuss items of mutual interest and to help each other solve problems. |
| A Swatara Water Trail exists from Jonestown, Lebanon County, to Middletown, Dauphin County--maps were distributed. Also, with DCNR planning that is currently taking place, the trail may extend north through Swatara State Park into Schuylkill County. |
| In addition, DCNR has approved a grant for the Lebanon Valley Conservancy to complete a plan along the Tulpehocken Creek to the Berks County Greenway. |
| Municipalities are establishing parks along the Swatara. For example, United Water Company has recently partnered with Hummelstown Borough to create a walking trail. |
| The LV Rails-toTrails just dedicated a segment of trail that connects to Lancaster County. |
By working together, a synergy that has meaning and purpose may build to where people are contacting us to become part of the Greenway, maybe even feel a bit obligated to make a commitment to the project. A Greenway is land along a creek that preserves and protects open space. This can be in the form of farmland preservation, or easements containing riparian buffers or access for passive recreation (trails, canoe launches...). The Swatara Water Trail provides continuity to the Greenway. As more people, municipalities, or businesses provide easements, the Greenway will happen one parcel at a time. As momentum builds, the Greenway will become increasingly visible--at least from the air. It was suggested that we clarify what kind of easement we are looking for, and define the limitations. Summary sheets were handed out that outlined easements, limitations, and provided funding sources. An easement is a permanent attachment to a deed. Whether it is a conservation easement to stop soil erosion or a recreational easement, we are not in a position to dictate the kind of easement that a property owner donates. Rather, we appreciate the setting aside of land for conservation that borders the Swatara Creek, whatever form that may take. Ideally, 35-50' corridors are suggested, but even 10' are welcome. Fair Market Value legislation, possibly Act 25, requires that an easement go to a nonprofit group. Each county has a conservancy that can fulfill this purpose.
Central PA Business Journal Nonprofit Innovation Awards.
Received a record of decision for the Fort Indiantown Gap, Environmental Impact Statement
Saturday, October 12
, at H.M Levitz Park near Grantville, the RestoreCorps Volunteer Action Day & Growing Native event was great. Brook Lenker and crew did a spectacular job of organizing all of the scouts and students that showed up. Admittedly, the squirrels got most of the acorns before we arrived, but we had fun just the same. Representatives from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited were also in attendance..The October 15, South-Central Assembly for Effective Governance, RC&D…, Land Use conference at Lebanon Valley College was very informative and very well attended. Lebanon County Commissioner Rose Marie Swanger was one of the guest speakers.
The October 16 Charles Cravotta & Dan Koury presentation at the Ravine monitoring site on Swatara Creek was postponed.
SCWA had a display on October 26 at the ribbon cutting for the Rail-Trail at Lawn Fire Company at 10 am. Over 100 people attended the linking of the Lancaster and Lebanon County rail-trails. John B. Wengert and his colleagues did a spectacular job of coordinating the event.
Calendar of Events:
| November 7, Millersburg HS, room 101, 7PM, Susquehanna River Trail Association meets. |
| November 9 – Lebanon County Watershed Forum at the EXPO. Contact Steph Harmon. |
| November 11, 7PM, 320 S. 18th St., Lebanon PA 17042, North Cornwall Township meets. Attend to discuss plans for the 21 acres on the other side of Snitz Creek that were originally obtained in a land swap with Catholic Homes who want to operate a retirement community. *Suggested discussion includes: Ways the supervisors can preserve and protect the valuable wetlands along Snitz Creek, which could ensure a trout stream for years to come; the fact that lands usually appreciate next to streams; and finally that land with easements (especially farmland) hasn't been selling for less than comparable lots. Ralph Heister will make the formal presentation. |
| November 12, 2002, DCNR Forest Lands Beautification Program, Schuylkill County local advisory team workshop, Ryan Township fire House, 3-9PM |
| November 15, POWR Annual Meeting, $30, Wormleysburg, 5-8:45PM, Tim Palmer, speaker. Infor@pawatersheds.org |
| Thursday, December 6, 9:30AM, next RC&D meeting at Penn State. |
| November 27, Next meeting of SCWA, Harper’s Tavern, 9:30AM. |
Letter of thanks received from DEP for our September 10 Watershed Tour. CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO THE VIRTUAL DRIVING TOUR ON OUR WEB SITE. Craig Morgan is also conducting a tour in N Swatara.
As a follow-up, 9/11 spoke to both Jack Curry and Lynn Langer about future Watershed projects. Apparently Governor Schweiker can nominate two projects for a $21 million EPA Watershed Initiative. 20 Watersheds across the US will receive between $300,000 and $1.3 million to restore or protect clean water. Since three farms stepped to the plate for water cisterns to feed cattle or irrigate and/or reinject collected rainwater back into the ground via abandoned on site septic systems, it was proposed to submit this project to fund a dozen or more such projects. Dick Blouch, will report on the cost of fitting one farm so we can submit a more formal proposal. The State would help us write the grant to specifications. A 25% match is required. This can be our volunteer time. RC&D is also aware of this proposal, and if approached, may help with some of the match.
With 46 participants, SCWA’s GIS August 30 Training was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this day a success! Final Report submitted.
9/5/02: Bob Hedin, Kim Weaver, Gina Mason, and Jo Ellen met to discuss completion of the Streamlynx mapping project by the extended deadline of February 1, 2003.
Hummelstown Borough and United Water Company did a wonderful job of dedicating a section of hiking trail along the Swatara Creek. Members present approved a letter of support to update Hummel Nature Trail and join it to the new United Water Trail.
Jo Ellen attended the wellhead protection study of ground water for West Lebanon Township. In addition to the groundwater study, they will submit a grant request to cover surveillance and monitoring equipment, GIS software….
Bow Creek –East Hanover Township representatives were approached at our GIS training, and an offer was made to write letters of support for grants to implement a solution to the ammonia concentrations. Representatives shared how they spent $ on remedies that weren't working, and are stumped. GLRA representatives also attended. They brainstormed about lime slurry in just the right mixture.
At a joint meeting of the Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Lebanon Valley Conservancy, Quittapahilla Watershed Association, Lebanon County Conservation District, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and property owners, it became apparent that a brief synopsis of available programs may assist local property owners and municipalities to preserve open space that will benefit our land and water resources for generations to come. To that end, a one-page program review is available for all Municipalities. Start with North Cornwall Township.
Ed Chubb called with a lead on an easement donation from two individuals on the border between Lebanon & Dauphin Counties. They live on Pine Road. One is an environmental attorney and the other is a sheep farmer. Permission granted to pursue a joint meeting to see if either or both the Lebanon Valley or Manada Conservancy can accommodate this transaction.
Nominate Landowner Dick Blouch whose 25 acre farm is in both CRP and CREP; Conservationist Lois Meily who has both preserved her farm and spearheaded the Union Canal Tunnel Park along with restoration and additional easements or acquisitions; Educator Cynthia Ortego who helped with the wetland at the Career and Technology Center; & Special Recognition to all the Farm and Conservancy preservation easement donors for recognition in 2002.
Reviewed Vern Achenbach’s concern about dumping and manure not being turned under on Glen Road.
Per Stephanie Harmon, Marisa Ranieri, a Senior-Engineering Geology student
from Millersville University is looking for a thesis project involving water
quality monitoring/assessment. She is available now until Dec. '03. If anyone
has a project they could use assistance on this is great opportunity to utilize
a willing participant, for a committed period. Submitted --It would be nice to
have a base line water quality assessment, both chemical and microinvertebrate,
of Trout Run below the proposed hog farms in Union Township.
September 16, 2002. With its first conservation easement, the Lebanon Valley Conservancy has taken the necessary step to assure that 166 acres of stream buffer and woodlands in northern Lebanon County is permanently protected on the K. Robert and Mary Beth Conrad property.
Duck Farm - DEP met with Duane Wampler on 8/28/02 at which time they agreed to provisions, which will be included in a Consent Order and Agreement (COA). Mr. Wampler has been very cooperative. He has agreed to implement the recommendations by NRCS and pay a civil penalty in settlement for the violations of The Clean Streams Law associated with the manure discharge which resulted in the fish kill. The COA will be available as a public document when it is finalized. The COA has been drafted and will need attorney review. They are not at liberty to discuss the details until it is finalized. A copy of the fully executed COA will be sent at that time.
In the absence of Brook Lenker for an update, the POWR membership will be revisited at the next meeting.
| September 29 Conservancy picnic at Quittie Woods. |
| October 2, 9:30AM, special meeting at Watershed Office to review Little Swatara/Wenger Feeds Growing Greener grant. All partners are invited. |
| October 3, Stormwater Conference televised at Rachel Carson building auditorium. |
| October 10 from Hoffer Park in Middletown to Middletown's Union St. Boat Landing, Kenneth P. Britcher Jr., M.Ed., History Teacher, G.W. Feaser Middle School, will take advantage of recorded low waters on the Swatara Creek this fall. He (and 125 students and 20 adults) will CLEAN the Swatara Creek. Any assistance appreciated. |
| October 11, AWRA Drought Management conference (Grantville?) |
| Saturday, October 12, RestoreCorps Volunteer Action Day & Growing Native event, H.M Levitz Park near Grantville. Sponsored by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Everyone welcome--children, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. All volunteers are asked to preregister with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Please contact Brook Lenker at 717-737-8622 or via email at Blenker@acb-online.org. |
| October 15, South-Central Assembly for Effective Governance, RC&D…, Land Use conference at Lebanon Valley College. |
| October 16. Charles Cravotta & Dan Koury will give a presentation at the Ravine monitoring site on Swatara Creek. Sampling by volunteers is possible, but not all at once. |
| October 26, at the ribbon cutting for the next phase of the Rail-Trail at Lawn Fire Company at 10 am. Set up a display. |
| November 9 – Watershed Forum at the EXPO. |
Guest Speaker: Vincent Fauci on windmills as a source of oxygen to aerate ponds. His one-half acre, 9 feet deep pond is aerated by a sixteen feet tall windmill with 12 five feet blades. The head rotates to catch any 5-mph wind. Vince emphasizes this is a non-chemical treatment, and there are no electric bills. This from a retired chemical engineer with Warner Lambert. You do have to grease the components once a year. The oxygen adds aerobic action to digest decomposing matter like leaves. No permits are needed, and the bass and blue gill thrive in his pond. Construction material of the windmill is galvanized steel, which comes with a one-year warranty. The air percolates from the bottom through stone diffusers attached to PVC type pipe. Vince likened the windmill to an erector set. It cost him $1000 and his labor, but Vince estimates it would have cost thousands of dollars to run electric cable and install an electric aerator. If the opportunity presents itself, SCWA may add this windmill initiative to our new/old grant request(s).
| Siting Watershed Weekly, a lengthy discussion about ground water deficits and surface water levels took place. SCWA encourages everyone to conserve water! It is important for our health. It is important for life. |
| August 30, 9-3, GIS Training at the Lebanon Municipal Building. Scott Hoffman, USGS, is the trainer. 45 participants are signed up. Here are some of the topics that will be covered: 1. Adding a list of lat/longs to a view (from GPS); 2. Editing contour lines; 3. Labeling features to scale; 4. Measuring distances; 5. Adding attributes to a table; 6. Adding data by digitizing from an image; 7. Producing maps; 8. Screensaving the view into an image format; 9. Sharing data and views. |
| September 4, 10AM , 2300 block of Oak Street. Special Meeting to explore the opportunity to preserve habitat along Snitz Creek, a trout stream. As background, North Cornwall Township apparently owns around 11 acres on one side of the creek, and Michael Kip Kelly, Pete Silldorf's son-in-law, owns about a 20 acre farm on the other side of the Creek. Kip is very conscientious, both about restoration of the 1700's farm house and preserving the environment. Lebanon County has a new friend in our efforts to conserve our precious resources. Kip has also offered his home to host a joint meeting of interested parties--the Swatara Creek Watershed, Lebanon Valley Conservancy, Quittaphilla Creek Watershed, Trout Unlimited, Lebanon Conservation District, and other interested partners. We would especially like to explore the CREP program that could provide some funding to cover insurance and taxes to leave the fields in a natural state. These fields consist of wetlands that really should not be developed. Perhaps easements to ensure preservation in perpetuity should also be discussed. As a courtesy to Kip, please let us know if you plan to attend. |
| September 5, 9AM, Meet with Hedin Environmental to discuss Streamlynx project at Watershed office. |
| September 7, noon, dedication of United Water Trail with Pennsy Supply, near the square in Hummelstown. |
| September 10th, 9:30AM to 2:30PM, Watershed Tour beginning at
Ravine exit off of Interstate 81. 1) Ravine Wetland , hosts Dan Koury & Chuck Cravotta |
2) Swatara State Park at Appalachian Trail bridge, hosts Karen Light & Jo Ellen Litz
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| Yasmin Neidlinger, P.E., will be teaching environmental science at Lebanon HACC in the fall. She'd really like to talk to her students about our group and show them one of our completed projects. She was invited to go along on the Watershed Tour. |
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October 12, 9:00 AM through 12 Noon. Volunteer Action Day.
Hardwood Native Seed collection at Manada Gap and south,
Swatara State Park, or Levitz Park. Coordinators: Brook Lenker & Tom
Embich. Partner sponsors for the day will be SCWA, Alliance for the Chesapeake
Bay, and Trout Unlimited. Expected outcome: Acorns taken to a
grow-out center to establish containerized trees for future plantings by
non-profits.
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November 9, 9AM-Noon at the EXPO.
Free Lebanon Watershed Forum. Includes
continental breakfast. To attend or set up a display, contact
Stephanie Harmon at 272-3908 x4. | |
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| Update on Tourism Writers - Despite the initial enthusiasm by the folks in travel & tourism development for hosting a float trip down the Swatara Water Trail travel writers, I've been unable to make much headway since I spoke to you last. The meeting I had originally scheduled has been postponed on me twice now and the individual assigned to work on this is presently on an extended vacation. When he returns, I'm told that his focus will be almost exclusively on the Governor's annual fall bike tour in October. That fact, coupled with the lack of water, leads me to believe that we will not be able to pull this tour off this fall. I'm not giving up on the idea, however, and will continue to press for something next spring or early summer. Thanks for the interest and support you've shown thus far. I hope the de facto postponement we seem to have run into does not damped your enthusiasm too terribly much. I'm still committed to getting some sort of increased regional and national media exposure for the trail. If worst comes to worst, we (the PFBC and your organization) just do our own thing. One way or another, this WILL happen. I'll keep you posted. Dan Tredinnick, Press Secretary, PA Fish & Boat Commission |
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| Information/educational material concerning possible groundwater recharge
using abandoned on-lot septic systems will be forwarded to South
Annville Township for consideration. |
| Patrick Farrel, Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited, presented
documentation on the need for a Boe Creek sewage upgrade.
SCWA will both send a letter of support to township supervisors offering
endorsements for grants to upgrade the sewage system as well as contact the
northern DEP team asking for follow-up progress reports. |
| Similarly, we will ask for an update on the duck farm in
Union Township. |
| Completed a survey for grad student Julia Frost Nerbonne,
University of Minnesota, Department of Fisheries Wildlife and Conservation
Biology, 200 Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108 |
| Tom Hughes from the Baltimore Office of the Corp of Engineers is now the
contact person for the proposed Lower Susquehanna Water Study and the
current Swatara Creek Study. For the Lower Susquehanna Study the big
issues are the time table and the cost. The present time table is a 30
month study period and the cost is about $1 million. The Corp's Section 22
program is still alive but with reduced funding. The proposed money
sharing is about a half million from the Corp and a half million from
local shares. The Capital Region Water Board is presently looking at the
federal year 2003 to begin the study but financing will be the big issue. | |
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Wood Chips: Pam Craft. There sure was an excellent response to your
offer for wood chips. I hope it wasn't overwhelming. If you're keeping a
file for future drops, please add Ryan Koch with the Schuylkill Conservation
District and Harrisburg Area Community College in Harrisburg. Others
requesting chips included Bob Ladd; Twin Grove Park in Suedberg--Joe Motter;
a recycling center in Schuylkill County--Dave Ravegum; and Rails-to-Trails
in Lebanon County--John Wengert. It appears that any where chips are hauled
from in the Swatara Watershed, one of these spots should be close. Thanks to
Mike Pavelek of the greater Lebanon Refuse Authority for pointing the hauler
in our direction!
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Future speakers are being sought for meetings. Suggestions include
Vincent Faucci on windmill oxygenation of ponds and Mr. Lash for a lava
tour. |
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At the next meeting of SCWA, LC Conservation District nominations will
be voted upon. |
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A motion by Blouch/Bomberger concerning a POWR
membership was tabled untill Brook can establish if there
are lifetime memberships available at a discounted rate for all-volunteer
nonprofits. |
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The Susquehanna River Basin annual Report was circulated. |
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SCWA was not successful in obtaining an Invasive Species
Growing Greener grant from DEP. Other sources will be
researched. |
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West Lebanon Township requested an SCWA member assist
with their wellhead protection study. |
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A letter from Tremont Township Supervisors was read. |
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The newest Swatara State Park newsletter was
circulated. |
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Dave McSurdy reported that the West Branch of Fishing Creek
will be designated as a Wild Trout Stream by the
Schuylkill County Commissioners. |
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Knowing there will be a new governor in office during the next round of
grants, SCWA wants to prepare potential submittals for presentation to DEP
staff. For example, because the Swatara Watershed now has three
farms that volunteered for a groundwater recharge project, Dick
Blouch agreed to research total costs to install these recharge systems
on local farms with the intent of SCWA filing for a future Growing Greener
Grant that could accomodate around a dozen farms. |
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Bob Arnold shared sportsmen's dismay over draining of the Rexmont
Dam during this time of drought. |
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Gina Mason announced a Watershed Conference in Greensburg on
September 20 & 21. Further, a Watershed Awareness month
program is being planned for May. In addition, a WATER MANIA
event is in the works for LVC that would involve students in hands-on
activites. Finally, a Municipal Academy will take
place November 6 & 7 in Mechanicsburg. We are
asked to encourage our supervisors, mayors and councilmen to attend. |
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Brook Lenker announced a Chesapeake Bay conference at the Window Hotel
at Inner Harbor September 24-26. Scholarships available. | |
| Certificate from DCNR Secretary John Oliver placing the Swatara Creek and all tributary streams are on the PA River Conservation Registry. |
| Among other topics, at this meeting we heard from
Tom Donmoyer,
East Hanover Township Supervisor who proposed SCWA sponsor a Growing Greener
grant application for matching funds to complete a comprehensive plan for
multiple municipalities in the Swatara Watershed. He had two guests:
student Megan Kohr and Township Engineer, Jim Birdsall,
Hanover Engineering.
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Finalized Tour of the Swatara Watershed on September 10, 10AM to 2PM. Thank you to everyone for their ideas on this tour! Time constraints mean we won't get to every favorite spot, but a handout will be prepared summarizing all nominated sites. At each stop, a five-minute presentation by the host(s) will be followed up by questions from DEP. We will allow fifteen minutes driving time between each stop. The majority voted to decide how to highlight the watershed's success and problems in four hours to John S Curry, Jr. and staff from DEP's Water Supply Management Program for our area. Please email a head-count of everyone interested in attending the entire tour. Depending on the number of participants who want to take the entire four-hour tour, we will consider a rental van. Otherwise, please carpool. It's better for the environment, and it will maximize parking. Everyone is invited, but you are responsible for your own bag lunch. As they are ironed out, more details are forthcoming. SCHUYLKILL COUNTY
LEBANON COUNTY
DAUPHIN COUNTY
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| Also working on a possible FAM tour/float trip down a section of the water trail for outdoor and travel writers. Idea was presented to some folks at the Center for Travel & Tourism within the Department on Community & Economic Development (DCED). The initial reaction has been positive. They particularly like the idea of promoting a section of Central PA that they haven't done much on recently and the water trail approach is enough of a novelty to catch the attention of writers who get bombarded with all sorts of offers. Dan Tredinnick, Press Secretary PA Fish & Boat Commission | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pine Grove Landfill, Pad 12 Expansion Application is a major permit modification seeking a 2.4-acre expansion, which would add approximately 1.5 years of additional capacity to the current permitted capacity. DEP has completed comments concerning: Visual Impact, Leachate Recirculation, Traffic Issues, Odor, Application of Daily and Intermediate Cover Material, Removal of Current Landfill Capping.... An example of their comments follows: the Department is concerned that the removal of current landfill capping that would accompany the expansion may release odors. These areas contain, among other things, sewage sludges and certain residual sludges with high sulfur contents, associated with past odor problems at PGL. During the Department’s review, the communities have requested that DEP hold a public hearing during the EAP review of the expansion application. Please be advised that DEP intends to hold such a hearing during the EAP review. The Department requests that PGL provide a revised application within 90 days. A complete copy of comments will be forwarded upon request. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growing Greener Reports filed: GIS Vector Contours, Streamlynx, Quittie Restoration with Clear Creeks Consulting, Quittie Hammer Creek, Quittie Little Swatara Creek, Conservation Kits, and Little Swatara Wenger Feeds Farms. Voted to approve payment of bills (as funds arrive) related to these grants. Also, special thanks to legislators who supported renewal of Growing Greener funding. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fish Kill on an unnamed tributary to Swatara Creek in Union Township. DEP and Fish & Boat responded very quickly. Emphasizing the importance of microbiotic indexes was an inventory showing sowbugs and midges as the dominant species. Inquiry from Penn Future. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GIS Training with Scott Hoffman, United States Geological Survey USGS at the Lebanon Municipal Building, 400 S. 8th St., Lebanon PA on August 30, 2002 from 9AM –noon for beginners; and noon– 3PM for advanced users. A $5 registration includes a bag lunch (and gives us a head-count so we know how many packets of information to prepare). Call 274-1175 for more information. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| October 15, 2002, 8AM-5PM, there will be an
Economic
Development & Community Planning: Bridging the Gap Summit at Lebanon
Valley College, Annville PA. This is a multi-county event that
usually draws several hundred people. It is the first time the event is
being held in Lebanon. Early registration through September 1 is $50.
Mid Registration, $75. Late Registration, $100. Exhibitors pay
$300. For more information, email
Karl6@psu.edu
or call 717-948-6464. Some of the sponsors include the South Central
Assembly for Effective Governance, Capital Region Water Board, and the Capital
Area RC&D. So far, Swatara Springs farms has volunteered as a pilot project for Lebanon County. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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AT THE LAST CAPITAL RC&D MEETING, WE BRAINSTORMED AN IDEA FOR A JOINT PROJECT. WE ARE TO TAKE PROPOSALS BACK TO OUR NEXT MEETING. HERE'S A BRIEF SUMMARY FOR YOUR INPUT. TO RECHARGE AND/OR REUSE OUR GROUND WATER INSTEAD OF FLOODING NEARBY STREAMS, CAUSING EROSION, AND POLLUTING THE CHESAPEAKE BAY, CAPTURE THE RAIN WATER FROM ROOFS AND DIVERT IT INTO ONE OF TWO AREAS: 1) ABANDONED ON-LOT SEWER SYSTEMS; 2) CISTERNS. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Stephanie Harmon is coordinating the first Lebanon County Watershed Forum for Saturday, November 9 from 9AM-noon at the EXPO. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Nonpoint Source News-Notes article on our Conservation Kits. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Status report of state and federal permitting received from Vortex Environmental Wetland Mitigation outlining requirements for the Union Canal Tunnel Park, North Portal Project, Phase 3, Clark's Run to Minnich Lane. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Environmental Futures Planning Report received. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Completed a questionnaire for graduate student Carla J. Truax,
cjtfire13@hotmail.com ,
(651) 523-2895 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Inquiry from Randall A. Lillard concerning Rocky Powell (Clear Creeks Consulting) doing work on the Swatara State Park. Does anyone have knowledge of Rocky's involvement in this project? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Inquiry from Dave Materness, Camp Bashore, concerning any regulations governing digging of backyard ponds. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Participated in canoe safety training of 75 Girl Scouts at Camp Furnace Hills near Schaefferstown. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Presented Water Conservation Equation to 90 Cub Scouts at a Day Camp Program in Schaefferstown. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
To see an Archived Video clip on the Swatara Sojourn, visit: http://www.greenworks.tv/watershed_weekly/featuredtopic.htm |
Attendance: Tom Embich, Ed Chubb, Joseph Hovis, Chuck Wertz, Laura Rickenderfer, Bob Arnold, Gina Mason, Dick Blouch, Brook Lenker, Ann Lasky, Bill Achor, Annette Ehrhorn, Stacy Cromer, Jeremy Trexel, John Worrilow, Jo Ellen Litz, George Conner and Betty Conner.
The Secretary’s reports were reviewed. It was moved by John Worrilow, seconded by Bob Arnold, to approve the minutes of the February, March and April meetings. Motion carried.
The Treasurer’s report was filed for audit.
Business:
|
| A letter was received from Mackin, Inc., amending the contract for the
River Conservation Plan GIS training to be performed by USGS.. |
| A letter was received from
North Cornwall Township
approving the River Conservation Plan for the Swatara
Watershed. |
| An application was received from the Fish and Boat Commission in response
to SCWA’s inquirly about the AES funds available to community conservation
groups. |
| SCWA is invited to send a representative to a meeting of the Susquehanna
Greenway Partnership to be held at Ft. Hunter on June 6 from 10 A.M. to
noon. |
| Chuck Wertz reported on the Swatara State Park Plan Task Force
meeting held on May 23. A presentation of the Draft Master Plan was made by
Simone Jaffe Collins. A public meeting to review the Plan will be held on June
20 from 7 to 9 P.M. at the Ft.Indiantown Gap Community Center. The DCNR
Spring 2002 EXPLORER newsletter describing the Plan was circulated. |
| The Swatara 2002 Sojourn/Canoe Trip and Litter Cleanup May 4 and 5
was a great success and thanks are owed to so many people for another
successful year. From State agencies, to local businesses, volunteers, and
participants, you are all Watershed Heroes! A suggestion was made concerning
the portage around the Middletown dam. Tom Embich talked to the adjacent
property owner, Mark Spitler, who said that if SCWA notifies him in advance
of future sojourns, he will remove the driveway barrier so that trucks can
come in and help with the portage. The Swatara Sojourn was videotaped by
Kelly Meinhart for GREENWORKS and may be seen on their website in the
future. |
| SCWA played a prominent role in the Watershed Awareness Month Kickoff
in the Capitol Rotunda on May 1. Speakers included Governor Schweiker, DEP
Secretary Hess, DCNR Secretary Oliver, Senator Rhoads, Senator White, and
Rep. Hershey with Ed Wytovich as moderator. Jo Ellen, as one of the
speakers, gave a creative description of the Swatara Watershed as she
descended the Rotunda staircase through the mass of students seated on the
steps. This event was also videotaped and may be seen on the DEP/POWR
website. |
| The Swatara Water Trail Signs are installed. Reviewing the list of
volunteers who helped to install signs, we give kudos to everyone who helped
to make this a TEAM effort:
|
| A letter was received from Eric Milliron, Park Planner, Bureau of State
Parks requesting comment on environmentally sensitive areas near Northport
Industrial Park, Lot #5 owned by Eldorado Properties Corporation. A bulk
lubricating oil storage facility is being proposed. It was noted that SCWA
needs to be better informed of development plans in the watershed. The
Northern Lebanon County Regional Visioning Process is an opportunity for
SCWA to interact with township officials and promote the requirement of Best
Management Practices, especially for stormwater management, for any new
developments. |
| Minutes of the Northern Swatara Watershed Association in
Schuylkill County were submitted by Thomas N. Flannery. |
| An invitation was received from PA Association of Conservation Districts
for SCWA to set up a display on Friday, May 31 through June 1 at the Susquehanna
River Celebration, Carousel pavilion, City Island. Volunteers to set up
and man the display are needed. |
| Green Projects and Sponsors Wanted. Groups with green projects
needing sponsors, and sponsors looking for projects to help, should contact
DEP’s Green Project Bank at www.GreenProjectBank.org or e-mail to GreenProjectBank@state.pa.us
. |
| Wenda Dinatale, Camp Strauss, is formulating a
"water education" program for campers. SCWA shared information on
Water Testing Kits; Water Conservation Kits; Microinvertebrate studies (Bug
inventories); and manmade wetlands. |
| Rick Strohl, is with Concerned Citizens of South Annville,
which is involved in presenting alternatives to South Annville Township's
current Act 537 Plan Update. This plan, as currently written, proposes
installation of a central sewage collection system in the northern part of
the township, with all waste pumped to Lebanon's wastewater treatment plant.
They are concerned about permanent loss to their aquifer where most of the
homes are on wells using about 60,000 gallons per day. Also proposed are 500
new residences and an industrial park. They are asking for the name of a DEP
contact who will listen and advise them. |
| An article appearing in today’s Patriot News was circulated concerning
the junkyard near the south end of Swatara State Park. The article gives a
history of the problems at this site. | |
Reports from Members:
Joseph Hovis, Ft.Indiantown Gap Envirornmental Specialist, reported that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the expanded airport facility was completed and mailed to 250 interested persons. After a notice is published in the Federal Register, there will be a 30 day public comment period, probably starting this summer. He also reported that the new wastewater treatment plant is up and running. Ft.Indiantown Gap has large areas of native warm season grasses which are being harvested for seed to use for propagation in areas that need reseeding. They feel there is potential for harvesting even larger amounts of seed that could be used regionally by agencies such as PennDOT for planting native grasses rather than importing Little Blue Stem from Nebraska. There is interest in developing a natural plant nursery at the Gap.
Chuck Wertz introduced Laura Rickenderfer, a summer intern with the Lebanon County Conservation District.
Bill Achor introduced Annette Ehrhorn, a senior at PSU in environmental management and a summer intern with Wenger Feeds. Bill gave an update on the CREP projects completed on the Berks County farm and the Deck Road farm. Work is ongoing at the pullet farm on Mountain Road. Wenger Feeds is also working with the DEP Office of Pollution Prevention on a possible alternative bioenergy project. As a member of the Organics Recycling Task Force, Bill has an interest in promoting composting. He is working on developing a pilot program for using composted manure to reclaim abandoned surface mine lands. Transportation is the greatest cost. The states of Maryland and Delaware provide subsidies to cover the cost of transporting manure, thereby impacting the market in Pennsylvania.
Stacy Cromer reported that the Cold Water Fisheries Conference in February was a big success. Ann Lasky attended from SCWA. She enjoyed the workshops on streambank restoration and the use of root wads.
Tom Embich reported that DCNR is again spraying for gypsy moths. It is important to protect the health of trees and forests which in turn preserve water quality and recharge. The USGS is now doing water quality sampling at the Swatara Creek site WQN-211 in Middletown. Tom sent copies of their results to us by e-mail.
Bob Arnold reported that our June meeting will take place at the Waterworks Canoe Launch Site where we will do our annual cleanup on June 26
Ann Lasky reported that Old Annville Days will take place on June 8 and the Quittapahilla Nature Park will have a display at the old railroad station.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 A.M.
Today’s Speaker: Brook Lenker, Chesapeake Bay Restore Corps Program
Restore Corps is a program of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay created to help local environmental groups recruit and train volunteers for watershed restoration projects. The Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster partnerships to restore the Bay and its tributaries. Their goal is to engage and mobilize volunteers in restoration activities, accelerate restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, and build local capacity in watershed planning and management. Volunteer Action Days are planned in partnership with local watershed groups. Priority is given to sites that need restoration and are visible and accessible to the public. Volunteers are given information packets, a site tour, training, T-shirts, food and fun. The Alliance offers half-day training modules in riparian forest buffer establishment, native plant nurseries, seed collections of native plants, identification and control of invasive species, maintenance and monitoring of riparian buffers, and watershed management planning. Bayscapes is another program of the Alliance that encourages the use of native plants in landscaping. After an "Action Day", each watershed group is given a "Volunteer Recruitment and Retention" packet in disk or hard copy, a video film of the day, a database of volunteers, suggestions for post events, and an evaluation.. The Alliance is able to help local watershed associations recruit a variety of people and groups to join in projects. District Rotary has adopted Restore Corps as their environmental project for 2002-03. The Alliance serves as a clearing house for other resources such as publications, conferences, web sites, grant opportunities, and special trips.
The Alliance has a grant from the William Penn Foundation to carry out a certain quota of Action Days. Brook asked of there were any possibilities for an Action Day in the Swatara Watershed. Suggestions included a Bayscape project at the Career and Technology Center to enhance the wetlands restoration project planned there; riparian buffer establishment along the Quittapahilla Creek in North Cornwall and Cleona; and a training day in watershed management for township supervisors.
"Builders for the Bay", another program of the Alliance in cooperation with the PA Builders Association and the Center for Watershed Protection, promotes principles for better site design and their incorporation into the local planning process. Community round tables for local officials and citizens are held with the goal of changing local ordinances that hinder good site design. This is part of the "Smart Growth Program" of the Center for Watershed Protection.
There will be a Chesapeake Bay Restoration Conference September 24,25 in Baltimore and a PA Watershed Conference September 20-21 in Greensburg. The web sites for the Alliance are www.alliance.chesbay.org and www.RestoreCorps.org .
Calendar:
June is Pennsylvania Rivers Month—activities sheet and poster available
June 26 – SCWA meeting--Clean-up at Water Works canoe launch—the ground around the sign has settled and needs filling. Meet at 9:30 A.M. at the site
July 31 – SCWA meeting--Tom Donmoyer, NL Visioning Process—regional plan completed for Bethel, Cold Spring, East Hanover, Jonestown Borough, Swatara and Union Townships.
September 20-21, 2002 PA Watershed Conference—Success, Stewardship, Sustainability—Greensburg PA
September 24-26, 2002 Chesapeake Bay Restoration Conference, Baltimore
Attendance: Stephanie Harmon, Tom Embich, Tara Herman, Andy McAlister, Jeremy Trexel, Ed Chubb, Gina Mason, John Worrilow, Jo Ellen Litz and Betty Conner.
The Secretary’s reports will be reviewed at the May meeting.
The Treasurer’s report was received, including the Audit for years 2000 and 2001.
Also, Form 990 and the Charitable Organization Registration Statement were filed with the IRS and PA respectively.
Business:
|
| On April 1, Scott Hoffman from USGS met with Jo Ellen for a GIS session.
The meeting was very productive. Contract details were developed to give to
Mackin. We now have flood plains in CAD format. |
| The Swatara Sojourn/Canoe Trip and Litter Cleanup May 4 and 5 will
take place in less than 2 weeks. So far, PA Representative Ed Krebs and
Congressman Tim Holden have shown interest in joining us. |
| Our Growing Greener Grant application for an Invasive Species Inventory
was revised and resubmitted to DEP |
| Tom Embich and other SCWA members attended the Hershey Symphony concert on
April 7 honoring community service organizations including SCWA. |
| The Little Swatara Creek Watershed Association will be conducting a Stream
Cleanup on May 15 at 3:30 P.M. near Greble Road. |
| On April 22, Union Township held a hearing on the proposed bottled
water facility wells located on a farm on Trout Run. The landowner had also
applied for a CAFO permit for a large hog farm to be built on the same
property. The water bottling facility was turned down by the township, but
will be appealed. The township approved the hog farm on April 22, Earth Day. |
| The site visit to Ft. Indiantown Gap planned for March was
rescheduled for April 22. A bus tour of the tank trail improvements and the
USGS gauging station followed a program during which awards were given to
military personnel. Joe Hovis gave a presentation on the environmental
projects at the Gap. |
| In response to concerns about the junkyard at the south end of Swatara
State Park, DEP made several inspections of the property during January,
February and March. They will be following up on any violations and the need
to clean up breeding grounds for mosquitoes. |
| The Northern Lebanon County Regional Visioning Process Summary and
Landscape Policy Plan has been completed for East Hanover, Union, Cold
Spring, Swatara, Bethel Townships and Jonestown Borough. Tom Donmoyer will
give a presentation at the July 31 SCWA meeting. |
| The Capital RC&D District is advertising for a coordinator and
a part time secretary. |
| A meeting was held with Stacy Cromer concerning a CVI grant for a Water
Trail Update. |
| Stephanie Harmon, Lebanon Conservation District Watershed Specialist,
announced plans for a Watershed Forum to be held in the fall. This
would include all of the watersheds in Lebanon County. Stephanie is applying
for a mini- grant to carry out the program. It was moved by John Worrilow
and seconded by Tom Embich to support this program. Motion Carried. |
| Jo Ellen at the DEP Watershed Academy and at Lickdale Elementary School
made SCWA presentations. | |
Reports from Members:
|
| Tara Harmon, reported that Tri-County Regional Planning is working on a
regional growth management plan, a regional transportation plan, and
comprehensive plans for Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry Counties. |
| Andy McAllister reported that DEP is busy with the Watershed Snapshots.
Watershed Awareness Month begins May 1 with a Kick-off at the Capitol
Rotunda. SCWA will participate with a display including our Water
Conservation Kits and information about the Swatara Sojourn. Jo Ellen will
give a special presentation. Students from Middle Schools and High Schools
will also participate. |
| Tom Embich reported that Drannon Buskirk, in the Environmental Science
course he teaches at HACC, is asking his students to do projects and artwork
in the Paxton Creek Watershed. Tom suggested that similar projects could
take place in Lebanon City in the Quittapahilla Watershed. He suggested
talking to Ralph Hiester and Dave Lasky about the possibility. |
| Stephanie Harmon last Friday toured the Quittapahilla Creek corridor, near
the Dairy Queen where the Hazel Dine ends, with North Cornwall Township
officials who are concerned about flooding, garbage pileup and sediment. |
| Ed Chubb, Dauphin County Parks and Recreation, will take part in the
Swatara Sojourn evening program. He asked for suggestions for people to
honor with awards from Dauphin County. Manada Conservancy and South Hanover
Township were suggested. Ed also gave a brief update on the Swatara Greenway
Project and the various rail-trail projects in the area. | |
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 A.M.
TODAY’S PROGRAM: Water testing for Watershed Snapshot of Swatara Creek and Indian Run under the direction of Tom Embich.
CALENDAR:
April 25-27 –Third Annual Natural Stream Channel Design Summit, State College,
May 1 – begins Watershed Awareness Month. SCWA will set up a display at 9:00 A.M.
in the Capitol Rotunda and be part of the kick-off ceremonies from 10 to 2.
May 2 - Quittapahilla Watershed Assoc. meeting, Lebanon Ag Center, 7:00 P.M.
May 14 – Frailey Township & Tremont Borough Council will hold a public meeting to discuss their Growing Greener Watershed Project. Landstudies, Inc. has been contracted to carry out the project. The meeting is at 6:30 P.M. at the TACC Building, 19 North Pine Street, Tremont. Contact Cheryl Mack 570-695-3001.
NEXT MEETINGS:
May 29 – Brook Lenker, Chesapeake Bay Program
June 26 – Water Works Canoe Launch Site Cleanup
July 31 – Tom Donmoyer, Northern Lebanon Visioning Process
March 27, 2002
The meeting at Harper’s Tavern was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Jo
Ellen Litz, president.
Attendance: Stephanie Harmon, John Worrilow, David Lasky, Ann Lasky, Bob Arnold, Jim McSurdy, Karen Light, Jo Ellen Litz and Betty Conner.
The Secretary & Treasurer reports will be reviewed at the April meeting.
Business:
|
| On April 1, Scott Hoffman from USGS will meet with Jo Ellen for a GIS
training session. |
| Planning for the Swatara Sojourn/Canoe Trip May 4 and 5 is moving
ahead. Life guards, safety personnel and other volunteers are needed to help
during the weekend. Please contact Jo Ellen if you are available. Small
waterproof flashlights have been obtained for use on the Sojourn.
|
| Our Commercial Liability Policy needs to be renewed for $190, effective
4/1/2002. It was moved and seconded to approve payment of the renewal fee. Motion
carried.
|
| Regarding our Growing Greener Grant application to Inventory Invasive
Species in the Watershed, DEP has asked that we re-evaluate the time it will
take to complete the inventory and that we break down the total costs by
estimating how much money we
will actually need in each fiscal year over the
next 3 years, instead of 2 years. It was moved and seconded that SCWA make the
changes requested and resubmit the application. Motion carried.
|
| A "Rivers Conservation Plan Focus Group" meeting held on March 11
at the Huntingdon County Farm of John Dawes and led by Susan Parry from POWR,
was attended by Jo Ellen. Discussion covered the pros and cons of hirng part
time executive directors and ways of building up endowments to fund them.
Administration costs are greatly increased. |
| April 7 at 3PM the Hershey Symphony will give a concert honoring SCWA.
Please sign up for free tickets. |
| The Little Swatara Creek Watershed Association will be conducting a Watershed
Snapshot April 11 at 9:30 A.M. at Country Gardens on Route 645, one mile
south of the blinking light in Frystown. They will also take samples at
Freeport Mills golf Course. On May 15 at 3:30 P.M. they will do a cleanup on
Greble Road. |
| On April 22, Union Township will hold a hearing on the proposed bottled
water facility wells located on a farm on Trout Run. The landowner has also
applied for a CAFO permit for a large hog farm to be built on the same
property.
|
| The site visit to Ft. Indiantown Gap planned for March was postponed due to
rain. Everyone will be notified as soon as it is rescheduled. |
| Jo Ellen talked with Sandy Williams, PA Cleanways, about Swatara State Park
being listed among the Dirty Dozen State Parks in PA. She also told Sandy
about the many cleanups that SCWA has conducted over the past 14 years during
our annual canoe trips.
|
| Casey Williams of Save Our Streams, Izaak Walton League of America,
Gaithersburg MD, contacted SCWA and offered to attend our Water Works Cleanup
this summer and do a "bug" workshop.
|
| AES Ironwood has established an environmental fund with the Fish and Boat
Commission. Groups like SCWA can apply for distribution of the funds. |
| DEP now has a 'Green Projects Bank' where ideas for projects and offers of
sponsorship and volunteer help will be listed. Check it out at
www.GreenProjectBank.org . |
| The Paxton Creek Watershed Association is concerned about stormwater
management at the construction site of a new high school in the headwaters of
Beaver Creek near Route 39 and Piketown Road. There is also increased
development along Linglestown Road. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Bayscapes
Program is working with developers in the area. It was moved and seconded to
support the efforts of the Paxton Creek Watershed Association. Motion
carried.
|
| A 'Restore Corps' has been started by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay
with a program for recruiting and training volunteers for on-the-ground
projects, for example, collecting seeds of native plants and starting a
nursery to provide stocks for local planting projects. See www.RestoreCorps.org
. |
| There will be a kick-off for Watershed Awareness Month on May 1 at
the Capitol Rotunda from 10 A.M.to 2 P.M. SCWA has been invited to set up a
booth to promote the May 4-5 Swatara Sojourn. Betty Conner & Stephanie
Harmon volunteered to help. | |
|
| Jim McSurdy, Northern Swatara Watershed Association, reported on 3 current grants they are working on - |
There will be 4 hikes in May. Talk to 'Big Owl' McSurdy if you are interested in joining them. Or e-mail porcupinepat@yahoo.com
| Karen Light, Quittapahilla Audubon Society, reported that the Society will be sending 8 students to Audubon Camp in Maine this summer. Donations for scholarships can be sent to Quittapahilla Audubon, Jean Boltz, President. |
| Bob Arnold, Signage Chairman, asked about the Pine Grove area canoe access and whether a conservation easement could be obtained to insure permanent access. He also asked whether the Swatara Water Trail should be extended that far and a Water Trail sign installed. The Northern Swatara Watershed Association and the Pine Grove Landfill, Inc. are willing to help install signs for road/stream crossings in Schuylkill County. John Bates, GPU, indicated willingness to dig holes for signs in Lebanon County. Jo Ellen will contact him. |
The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 A.M.
April 25 - Quittapahilla Watershed Assoc. meeting, Lebanon Ag Center, 7:00 P.M.
April 25 - 27 Third Annual Natural Stream Channel Design Summit, State College. Call Canaan Valley Institute at 1-800-549-7640 or e-mail Lesley.Moore@canaanvi.org
May 1 -- Watershed Awareness Month Kick-off at Capitol, 10 A.M. to 2 P.M.
February 27,
2002
The meeting was called to order at 9:30AM by Jo Ellen Litz, president.
The Secretary & Treasurer reports were approved.
BUSINESS:
| A motion was made and seconded to pay Clear Creeks Consulting $9,000 from the Quittie Creek restoration grant. MOTION CARRIED. | ||||||
| A motion was made and seconded to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture to perform services outlined in the Wenger Feeds Little Swatara Farms grant. MOTION CARRIED. | ||||||
| Plans for the 2002 Swatara Creek Sojourn were discussed. Update is attached to agenda. | ||||||
| Water Trail update: Jim Bates called with the OK to go ahead on the two Lebanon County sign installations in GPU'S territory. PA ONE-CALL cost $50 for the year to provide reference numbers for installation of the Water Trail Signs. A motion was made and seconded to pay this bill. MOTION CARRIED. | ||||||
| File copy of the Annual Report of the Northern Swatara Creek Watershed Association was received. | ||||||
| Charitable Organization forms need to be completed and filed. A motion was made and seconded to pay the $150 filing fee. MOTION CARRIED. | ||||||
| Letter was received from John R Luke Esquire, Pittsburgh, seeking expertise in monitoring and reviewing coal operations. | ||||||
| SCWA contacted Leroy Young @ PA Fish & Boat to ask about the process to be included in the distribution of AES Ironwood funds. | ||||||
| PA Cleanways "Dirty Dozen Report" includes Swatara State Park. Karen, Betty & Jo Ellen weren’t aware of the Greenpoint dump the report referenced. | ||||||
| SRBC signage update—Bob Arnold reported on progress. | ||||||
| A visitor to SCWA web site wrote: "I am looking at barns for a painting class I am taking. Next week we have to bring in a watercolor of a barn. Your barns are quite different than the ones in Illinois. Do you care if I copy one to use just as a model for my painting?" Joan Semande, Carl Sandburg College, Seniors Watercolor Class Galesburg IL 61401 | ||||||
| Promotion of PA trails during PA Hiking Trails Week (May 11-19). Swatara State Park has been placed on the statewide list of parks participating in this event. Will feature some of Swatara's potential as a 'trail-oriented' park and share the ongoing park master planning process. Ideas are wanted for planning activities and participating in any events. Details worked out by March 15 for DCNR's press release scheduled for early April. This is an opportunity for any trail-using group to get exposure and experience Swatara in a state-sponsored celebration. Participation can be a simple, organized trail ride, instructional session, trail maintenance activity or similar trail-oriented activity. Please let me know if you have any ideas, inspiration or interest in this KTA sponsored event--Jean Akers. SCWA suggested a triathlon (Canoe Swope’s Valley bridge to Appalachian Trail bridge, bike 3-4 miles, pick up trash while walking 1-2 miles. Could be a church sponsored youth group or a business sponsoring employees,….) | ||||||
| Water Conservation Equation presentations will be made to the following
groups:
| ||||||
| A VOTE was requested on Charles Cravota’s grant proposal for "Optimization of Limestone Drains for Long-Term Treatment of Acidic Mine Drainage, Swatara Creek Basin, Schuylkill County, Pa." A motion was made and seconded to approve the grant proposal. MOTION CARRIED. | ||||||
| A VOTE was requested on supporting the continued publication of Watershed Weekly produced by DEP and edited by Bonnie Bonnie Swinehart. A motion was made and seconded to send a letter of support for Watershed Weekly. MOTION CARRIED. | ||||||
| Support for SCWA Grant application to Assess Invasive Species was received from: Senator Brightbill; Representatives Krebs & Zug; Union Township Supervisors; Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon, and Schuylkill County Conservation Districts. Thank You! | ||||||
| Tracy Longenecker provided a link to the Izaak Walton League’s newly designed web site: http://www.iwla.org | ||||||
| Dave Ravegum provided CLEAN’s web link www.penweb.org/clean | ||||||
| A transfer of technical assistance grant funds were not secured for the Quittapahilla Watershed. | ||||||
| The Beaver Creek Association is looking for technical assistance to
provide the Township with facts to set or amend any construction and
land-use zoning controls. Suggested RC&D C-Saw grant. |
| February 28th Quittapahilla Watershed Association meeting-at 7:00 P.M. at the Lebanon Agricultural Center 2120 Cornwall Road |
| March 13th, 2002 Focus Group to be held at the cabin at R. John Dawes' Huntingdon Farm in Alexandria, PA |
| March 19 SRBC Legal Technical Assistance Workshop on the Good Samaritan Act, Radisson Penn Harris Hotel, Camp Hill |
| March 27, next SCWA meeting, Hershey Entertainment Resort on water rides and water conservation. |
1/30 Drought takes hold in East, Associated Press, Patriot
2/3 Talkin Trash by Dave Wolf, Lebanon Daily News
January 30, 2002
| On a motion by Jack Worrilow, seconded by Dick Blouch, permission was granted to pay Clear Creeks Consulting $7,329.44 + $146.59 SCWA administrative expenses on the Quittie restoration grant ME350428. |
| On a motion by Jack Worrilow, seconded by Bob Arnold, a letter of support was approved for a new grant submittal to complete the Quittie Creek Restoration analysis by Rocky Powell. |
| On a motion by Jack Worrilow, seconded by Bob Arnold, $441.60 will be paid to Susquehannock Fly Fishers upon DEP reimbursement of Quittie’s Hammer Creek grant 3591059. |
| Until our next meeting, members agreed to reflect upon their comfort level with our practice of recording minutes to report agreed upon “sponsorship” of subwatersheds, or whether we should develop signed memorandums of understanding. |
| For the Round 4 Growing Greener Grant Round, Tom Embich moved, and Karen Light seconded a motion for SCWA to submit an Invasive Species Inventory with Mackin Engineering designating the Swatara State Park as our pilot project. Motion Carried. Letters of support are requested from Conservation Districts and municipalities. Multi-flora Rose should be included as a species to inventory. SCWA will try to interest additional buy-in form the Department of Agriculture and other "jurisdictional" organizations. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/growgreen/defaultdep.htm |
| A Waste Management lifetime membership received. |
| Points were plotted for Data Points submitted to Kim Weaver for our Streamlynx project. |
| Mackin Training was requested. They are waiting on USGS to schedule a date which will be advertised for interested parties, especially municipalities. |
| 2002 Sojourn Update. Theme, Our Native American Heritage. Looking for related programs or ideas to enhance the weekend. Headbands with feathers can be worn by canoeists. LVC students may paint faces. Local Indian Arrowhead displays, Boy Scout Order of the Arrow will be asked to attend…. |
| Barb Bashore, DEP, requested a presentation on our year in review and lessons learned. |
| To facilitate a TMDL study, Kirsten Williams, SRBC, was interested in any projects on the Swatara Creek tributary north of the Quittie Confluence. Roads crossing the tributary are Lindley, Shirks Church, Jonestown and Route 81. |
| Judy Taggert, Terrene Institute, did an article on our Conservation Kits. Schools participating to date: Cedar Crest; Lower Dauphin; East Hanover; Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, Harrisburg; Holy Name of Jesus School, Harrisburg. Letters sent to each school District in Swatara Watershed. |
| Cory Anderson, CVI, may help with some of the needed CAD formats. |
| Project 2221 Non-Point Pollution from Agriculture Activities grant on Wenger Feeds Farms, Little Swatara Creek Watershed, approved and signed on a motion by John Worrilow, seconded by Tom Embich. All three copies were presented to Advisor Rus Wagner who was in attendance. |
| We reviewed Governor Schweiker’s budget cut. His letter states cuts will not impact our Growing Greener Grants. |
| We complied with DEP’s request to chart our grants when submitting bills for reimbursement. |
| AES Ironwood tested their generators. A letter was sent. |
| Tom Embich reported on a contact by Mr. Banks who has concerns over composting on a landfill at the Hodges Heights area of Lower Paxton Township (Beaver Creek subbasin). |
| On our Water Trail maps, the missing Union Canal Lock #31 is on the south bank of Beaver Creek at the confluence with the Swatara Creek. This data point will be forwarded for inclusion in our Streamlynx. |
| Joe Hovis outlined a proposed presentation and driving tour of Manada and Indiantown Run Watersheds at Ft Indiantown Gap. The postponed 24th of January tour needs to be rescheduled. Possible areas for improvement included the trout nursery and tank parking areas. |
| Tisha Walmer reviewed a 1/14/02 , 7PM , Lebanon Municipal Building meeting where the Nature Conservancy presented an outline of the Natural Diversity Inventory to be conducted in Lebanon County. To date, one plant and one unknown speices were identified. Those present were given an opportunity to identify special areas on a map. |
| After 9 years of trying to get our area designated a USDA Resource Conservation and Development Area, it has happened! A letter of support from Congressman George Gekas surely had an impact. A celebration at an upcoming PA Association of Conservation Districts event will be pursued. |
| March 19 SRBC Legal Technical Assistance Workshop on the Good Samaritan Act, Radisson Penn Harris Hotel, Camp Hill |
| Drannon Buskirk announced the Paxton Creek Watershed Association will conduct macroinvertebrate testing on February 26 and on March 26 review an assessment with Skelly and Loy, 7:30PM @ C Ted Lick Building, HACC. |
| Stephanie Harmon asked for information on April Activities for inclusion on an Earth Day/Month celebration calendar. |
| On a unanimous motion by Tom Embich, seconded by Betty Conner, a letter of support will be send to Mark Chedwiggen in support of a BMP Growing Greener grant submittal. |
| Chuck Wertz expressed concern over an April Farm Bill that could better support Farmland Preservation. Likewise, a US Fish & Wildlife budget may be impacted by oil dollars. Finally, the Forrest Legacy program was approved, and the Lebanon Conservancy has applied to administer the program for Lebanon County. |
| Bill Achor summarized a Feb 12-14 DEP BMP nutrient management seminar scheduled for the Holiday Inn, Grantville. He is also active in a renewable energy strategy. |
| Betty Conner reviewed the Drought Watch for the state of Pennsylvania, and asked Mary Golab to obtain copies of a booklet entitled Water is Life for distribution at the next meeting of SCWA. |
| Jan Jarrett presented a resolution asking
the Legislature for support to reauthorize Growing Greener grant
funding through avenues like a 10-year bond issue and $3
increase in landfill tipping fees. On a motion by Betty
Conner, seconded by Tom Embich, the resolution will be signed and forwarded
to the Pennsylvania Organization of Watersheds and Rivers as well as to area
legislators along with a list of grants that have benefited the Swatara
Watershed. We thank Janet Hunt representing Senator
Brightbill and Jen Loy for Representative Krebs who were in
attendance to help carry the message back to our legislators. |
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