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Swatara Creek Watershed Association November 29, 2006 Welcome all! At 9:30AM, the November 29, 2006 SCWA meeting was held at the Watershed office. Attendees: Dick & June Blouch, Harvey Bomgardner, Betty Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, Stephanie Harmon, Joe Hovis, Ann Lasky, Karen Light, Jo Ellen Litz, Doug Ramsey, Jack Stouffer, Mark Swartz, John Worrilow. BUSINESS: ¨ Tom Embich, showed a film on flooding in the Swatara Watershed.¨ Swatara State Parko Old State Road---Call from the Governor’s office. o Inwood Iron Bridge: Drawings reviewed. Stone-like features. Higher orientation will allow more water to pass under the bridge and accommodate routing of the rail trail on the West side. Upgrading of the original structure will not allow two-way ‘ traffic (only 14’ wide) nor provide for safe pedestrian and bicycle crossing. Using the same footprint will reduce need for many studies. Timeline requested. Questioned if the height of the walls allow a view of the Creek. o Bordner Cabin: Successful Party on the Porch attributed to active participation by all in attendance. Certificate distribution by mail will occur to volunteers who couldn’t make the event. ¨ Still awaiting results of plan review by DCNR. ¨ Concrete work—Ramsey shored up cement under kitchen step. ¨ Tree removal—high winds predicted. ¨ Electricity—former student interested in this project. ¨ Picnic table—Seek price estimates from Jono; BigHouse Industries by Donmoyer; LCCTC; Troop 25 Eagle Scouts. ¨ Doors for storage areas: Allwein took measurements. ¨ Security Camera experiment going on. ¨ Temporary outdoor toilet in place, $40 per month. ¨ Pumpkin watch. Blouch and company were thanked for their stewardship. ¨ It came to our attention that debris from the former Bordner shed were deposited on the former Vasil property, which had recently been cleaned up. Unfortunately, some of the debris washed downstream during the last storm event. ¨ Grant and award applications—Mr. Cox and Nonprofit Innovation Award applications will be filed. ¨ Preservation of Water Trail Access Sites— o On a Stouffer/Worrilow motion, SCWA will pursue acquisition of the Waterworks, East Hanover Township Water Trail site, which is the center point on the 90-mile Trail. This vital link houses a Union Canal lock, provides riparian protection to the stream, includes a picnic pavilion, has the option of camping and golfing, and can become part of a multi-county corridor along the Swatara Creek. o Route 22 access—Blouch will take a look at reported dumping at this site. In cooperation with the Lebanon Water Authority, the site may be closed over the winter months. o Awaiting final payment by DCNR. Tatanish contacted. Other: Farm preservation—survey whether or not up to $1500 per acre is adequate compensation for farmland preservation. Conner mentioned that Jim Heisey made her aware of wells being dug for public water supply along the Little Swatara. Hovis reported that: ¨ 1941 buildings are being replaced with new block buildings at Fort Indiantown Gap. ¨ A $7 million waste water treatment plant replaces a 1940s model. The new plant will treat up to 2.5 million gallons per day. ¨ For reducing water and energy consumption, FIG received a Gold Rating, and is now in the finals for a national Natural Resources Conservation award. ¨ Five years of water monitoring of streams is complete, and a report is pending. Following up on his Bugs, Bunnies, Bucks, Birds, and Butterflies report, Joe stated: ¨ The butterfly project continues as FIG is incubating caterpillars. Through this “legacy project,” FIG seeks 25-100 acre lots on which to release the butterflies whose main diet is arrow-leafed violets. These violets tend to grow heartily after a field has been burned. ¨ 36 bucks were harvested on Day 1 at FIG. So that sparrows don’t nest in them, Blue bird boxes that are installed are cleaned out. October 25, 2006 Welcome all! At 9:30AM, the October 2006 SCWA meeting was held at the Watershed office. Attendees: Bob Arnold, June Blouch, Betty & George Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, Carol Keesey, Karen Light, Jo Ellen Litz, Dave McSurdy, John Worrilow. BUSINESS: ¨ Congratulations to Conservation District award winners who are members of SCWA: Dick & June Blouch, Tom Embich, John Worrilow ¨ Swatara Sojourn PA Organization of Watersheds and Rivers check accepted. ¨ Susquehanna River Basin Commission Streamside Cleanup check accepted. ¨ DonorEdge Foundation Profile reviewed. ¨ Swatara State Parko Vasil cleanup—Building still standing; debris piles remain (for natural decay?). o Old State Road---Tree hanging across road near closed Inwood Bridge was removed. Thank you Swatara Township! o Bordner Cabin: ¨ Get a quote from Jerry the Concrete man to repair kitchen step walkway and entry steps. ¨ Obtain a quote on a picnic table—Jono by Light; BigHouse Industries by Donmoyer; Troop 25 Eagle Scouts. ¨ Doors for storage areas: Offers from Elaine Ludwig, Twin Grove Park, and Chuck Allwein who would make them from planks. Plank doors preferred. ¨ Sandblasting of spade on fireplace—Gretta & Jim Rank. ¨ Submitted Landscape plan created by Art Schiavo to Bill Friese. · Remove invasive species like tree of heaven; · Remove non-native species; · Plant with native species like pawpaw and spice bush; · Mulch with natural materials from site; · Hershey Nursery and Meadowood Nursery committed to project. ¨ Footbridge justification (additional justification welcome): · Replace a previous single plank bridge that was dangerous to cross; · Provide access to a wider range of people with less mobility; · Expand educational and environmental opportunities; · Access scenic overlook/photo opportunity; Provide an alternative to crawling over the rocks which is more damaging to the stream ecology; · NL Rotary committed as a sponsor; · Promote community involvement and buy-in. ¨ Security Camera justification (additional justification welcome): · Safety of visitors; · Protect the structure, as well as SCWA and the public’s investment; Inventory visitation of the cabin · Previously, parties Halloween eve & vandals visited the cabin and spray painted graffiti; · Recent visit where vandals burned brochures, scribbled in journal, and removed a screen; · Public land implies public scrutiny, observation and surveillance. ¨ Water Wheel justification (additional justification welcome): · Historical education and restoration; · Will not impede or redirect flow of water; · Aesthetics and ambience. ¨ Composting toilet justification {Temporary PortaPotty on site} (additional justification welcome): · Smaller footprint than removed shed; · Convenience for visitors to Bordner’s cabin; · Time-saver for cabin workers; · Bio-Sun technology does not require a drain field or hard-wired electricity; · Demonstration of environmentally friendly way to recycle human waste. ¨ Sunday "duties"-2PM on Old State Road in Swatara State Park: · Recognize family: Linda Dietz, daughter; Nancy & John Gambler, Gerry Boltz · Refreshments: Drinks, Jo Ellen. Other: Blouch, Ludwig, Donmoyer, Butler, Alwein…. · Allwein: Ladder, lanterns, table, chairs (More lanterns-Arnold & Donmoyer) · Hilton: Generator · Ravegum: Certificates · Podium, 150 programs, pictures, tool bags, broom and dustpan, garbage bags, hammer & nails, roll of screen, flag, canopy. Guest Speaker: Tom Embich on sediment. DATES:
September 27, 2006 The SCWA meeting was called to order at the Watershed office. In attendance were: Dick Blouch, Betty and George Conner, Doug Deppen, Denise Donmoyer, Stephanie Harmon, Carol Keesey, Ann Lasky, Karen Light, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, and John Worrilow Business: We received acknowledgement of receipt of our sales tax renewal form. Bordner Cabin update: Running Total: 549.5 Hours & 35 volunteers. Thank you! Picture CDs, certificates, and/or Tool Belts were distributed to volunteers. ¨ Completed Projects: Roof, floorboards, window screens, bug treatment, pictures hung, and welcome center. ¨ Committed Projects: Interpretive signage, landscaping, tree removal, graffiti removal, falls repair, security system installation, and mantle. Waiting on delivery of solar light. ¨ Available Projects: Adopt-A-Cabin for a month, composting toilet, bridge (NL Rotary looking at this), steps and walkway masonry gone over, water wheel, banister & stair case spindles, porch railing (obtain picture from Ditzler), large picnic table and benches, scavenger hunt. ¨ October 29, Party on the Porch: 2PM. Ribbon Cutting (rain or shine). Bring a lawn chair. Park at the Appalachian Trail Bridge, and we’ll shuttle you to the cabin. Light refreshments. Donor and volunteer recognition and appreciation. Everyone welcome! ¨ Meet with Bill Friese to discuss doors to storage areas, security cameras, electricity…. Title to Old State Road remains with Swatara Township.
Milton Hershey Center for Land and Water – Prioritization of services/needs of center: Grants and fundraising; technical assistance; outreach. Overarching areas include education and partners and collaboration. Deppen reported that 9-12” muskies will be released in the Swatara Creek above and below the American Water Company dam in Hershey. Worrilow moved and Blouch seconded a motion to nominate Betty Conner and Constance Hoffer for reappointment to the Lebanon Conservation District board. If a date is still available, Blouch’s are willing to man a booth at BassPro (as long as it is not on a Penn State football day). A discussion concerning the City dropping the lawsuit against the Lebanon Water Authority ensued. The Authority may hire sixty-five City employees. Calendar: ¨ September 27, 2006 – At the Lebanon Valley Home, 550 E Main St., Annville, the Audubon program will feature students, including Samantha Walmer who visited Hog Island off Maine’s coast. Future programming will include Sally or Betty Ray on a vernal pool inventory by the Middletown Conservancy. ¨ September 30 – Boy Scouts will complete a cleanup at the Water Works canoe launch. ¨ October 9 – GGII applications will be available for Lebanon County funds. ¨ October 24 – LCCD Awards banquet at Hebron Fire Hall, 5:30PM ¨ October 27 - Pumpkin walk at Quittie Nature Park, 7-9 PM. SAFE, from LVC will be assisting with the evening. ¨ October 28 – Lancaster Lebanon Watershed Forum @ LV EXPO, 9AM-noon. ¨ November 14 - Sweet Arrow Lake program by Scott Weidensaul, 7PM; Scott is a birder and naturalist who wrote Return to Wild America. Also learn when banding of Saw Whet owls will commence (They’re on some of our State license plates). August 30, 2006
Business: We will submit a sales tax renewal form. PA Flood Disaster Relief as of 8/10/06
Bordner Cabin update: Running Total: 268 Volunteer Hours Newest Partner: PA Conservation Corps. Members of the corps introduced themselves to SCWA, then went to work on the roof. Ian Donmoyer will create a graphic art of the falls with a quote on stewardship. A discussion ensued to send out the original appeal for funds along with an update on the extra materials needed to complete the cabin roof--for example, tongue and groove boards and tarps.
On a motion by Donmoyer, seconded by Worrilow, SCWA will purchase a self-contained solar shed light as an experiment to illuminate areas inside the cabin. Arnold pointed out the dead tree on the northwest corner of the cabin. Dead branches could break off and fall through the new roof. We will add tree removal to the project list. Available Projects:
County bridges: On deteriorating bridges, weight limits may be reduced and over-head bars installed, which will restrict access to passenger vehicles--or alternatively, closure. Program-PA Conservation Corps: Many people have commented that they didn’t know the Conservation Corps still existed. They associated the Corps with projects after World War II. They are presently surprised to find out that the Corps still exists. In reality, there are 50 Corps teams around PA. During emergencies, crews can be called to assist PEMA with search and rescue or emergency repairs. The team assisting SCWA is based at Sweet Arrow Lake in Schuylkill County where they complete projects like building repairs, make primitive furniture, cut up dead trees, and create trails. We couldn’t help but think that a Corps team for Swatara State Park sounded like a wonderful idea. There is a team that is authorized for Middle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, but currently inactive since they are looking to hire an experienced tradesman as a crew leader. Interested individuals can apply at Careerlink. Team members are between the ages of 18-25. They are either working on their GED or on their way to college. Upon completion of one year of service, each member qualifies for a $1000 bonus, and eventually over $4000 towards college expenses. They are permitted to participate in the program for two years. House Bill 534 was reviewed, and supported on a Donmoyer/Blouch motion. The bill provides health care benefits for Conservation Corps crewleaders. After the meeting adjourned, SCWA cleaned up fallen debris from inside and around the Bordner cabin. Calendar:
July 26, 2006 Attending today’s field session were: Bob Arnold, June Blouch, Michelle Campbell, Tom Embich, Stephanie Harmon, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack and Lois Stouffer, and John Worrilow. Next Friday, August 4, 2006, a screening of “The Great Warming” will take place at SCWA headquarters at 9:30AM. Donations will be accepted. Stonehaven Productions will receive one-half of the collection, and the other half will go toward Swatara Watershed projects.
The historic bridge on Tow Path Road at Water Works was discussed. The phone number for FEMA’s Historic Specialist was obtained, and will be provided to Gloria Smith. Disaster Recovery Assistance information was shared. Apply at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) for housing, tax, unemployment, or agricultural assistance, and food stamps and grants for special needs. You can also register on line at www.fema.gov/about/process . Those in attendance received an update on the status of Tom Lane’s pollution problem in North Annville Township. SCWA empowers citizens with tools like contact information at all levels of government; facilitation and discussion among parties; and how to document problems, conduct research, and organize presentations. Since Tom seems well-equipped with these tools, as volunteers, SCWA feels they should take a back seat to a highly capable individual. The lease came for the Bordner cabin. Hurrah!!!! During this next week, we will finalize a parts list and round up what is needed to roof the cabin. We will also visit Bethel Township to see if we need a permit to replace the roof. We listened when you said you didn’t want the cabin dismantled. Now we need your help. We could use a skilled roofer or carpenter to volunteer as our Team Captain/coordinator, to make sure we do a quality job. Volunteers will do the work, but donations of nails, felt, sheeting, drip edge, ridge vent, planks, cement and/or cash are still needed, so please don’t be bashful about sending in a few dollars, or many dollars, or supplies. Elk is generously providing green shingles. We also would like to install a security system, get interpretive signs made, maybe replace the bridge across the stream, and address storm water from the hill. The signage or bridge might even make good Eagle Scout projects. While the roof and insurance are priority, we’d love to hear your ideas. Work sessions will be scheduled and announced shortly. All volunteers must complete a ‘Volunteers in Parks form,’ which is posted at http://www.mbcomp.com/swatara/State%20Park/AdoptACabin.htm . Use this same form for your organization to "Adopt a Cabin" for a month to monitor the cabin, serve as tour guides, and keep the place sparkling. PS. Please make checks payable to SCWA, and mail to 2501 Cumberland St., Suite 4, Lebanon PA 17042. Embich will research available DEP security.
The June 28, 2006 meeting of the Swatara Creek Watershed Association was called to order. In attendance were: Bob Arnold, Betty Conner, Tom Embich, Stephanie Harmon, Ann Lasky, Dave Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, and John Worrilow. An audit by Faren and Garcia was approved on a motion by Embich/Arnold. Taxes and charitable organization forms will be signed and submitted to IRS and the state of PA. SCWA signed and submitted the lease for the Armar Bordner cabin to DCNR. We are awaiting a copy of the executed lease and written permission to begin roof repairs. The recent 13+ inches of rain emphasize the immediate need. $1720 of a $5000 goal has been raised to date to help pay for these critical repairs. Please consider sending your contribution to SCWA today. Also, an experienced team leader is being sought to create a materials list, coordinate volunteers, and organize workdays. Conner volunteered to research additional grants for repair of the log cabin. Members discussed today’s flood, which crested at 18.28’ on the Swatara Creek at Harper’s Tavern along Route 934 north of Annville. For reference, USGS data is posted at http://www.mbcomp.com/swatara/flooding.htm . People have been evacuated from their homes, bridges and roads have washed out and closed, and the Myerstown sewage treatment plant is under water, thus not functioning. As a result, Commissioners and Governor Rendell declared a state of emergency. SCWA will inquire about the current status of legislation on the Lebanon Water Authority. Because we have members on both sides if the issue—an Authority board member and the brother of a councilman—SCWA placed an olive branch on the table by offering to host a meeting between both parties to seek a friendly resolution to this litigious situation. In an effort to exhaust every opportunity to resolve the conflict, SCWA offered to help find an acceptable mediator to both parties by presenting a list of high level officials, attorneys, accountants, and water experts. Of course, parties could suggest other mediators. Coleman’s Park is in need of funding to stay solvent, and grants may be pursued through DCNR. The July meeting will take place at the Water Works canoe launch. Embich and Arnold will make an assessment of flood damage. Dave Lasky gave a report on the Quittie Watershed. The Hazel Dyke runs from Elm Street near the Veteran’s Administration Hospital to the north and, behind Pushnick’s, joins a cement channel holding the Quittie. Channelization on the Quittie starts at Lincoln Avenue and ends at 22nd Street, just north of Chestnut Street. Rocky Powell recommends creating more wetlands to reduce flooding. Dave also mentioned that the Quittie is now running in its original channel on the south end of Cleona; and Joe Lannon completed an Eagle Scout project by planting potted shrubs in the bank. Ann Lasky led a discussion on garlic mustard, which can be eaten. In fields, the garlic mustard crowds our wildflowers. A duck race is scheduled for September in Quittie Park. Spotts, Stevens and McCoy made changes in the design for the bridge across the Quittie. Harmon mentioned upcoming events:
Conner read Roger Fickes’ retirement notice, and reported that his successor is from Maryland, a Mr. John Norbeck, who attended the FBI National Academy and has a history with canals and river shorelines. It sounds like a good match for the Swatara Watershed.
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