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You are also welcome to join SWA on interactive sites: It's all about Clean Water. Post your pictures of our events, water conservation, floods, pollution. Share your memories about the Swatara.... Our projects and areas of interest include the Bordner Cabin, Eagle Scout Projects, PA Conservation Corps, Swatara State Park, Swatara River, Swatara Sojourn, Swatara Water Trail, Tenaska, Swatara Watershed Park, and Water Companies.
Swatara on Great Nonprofits: http://www.greatnonprofits.org/reviews/profile2/swatara-watershed-association SWATARA WATERSHED ASSOCIATIONLebanon, PA USA Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
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Swatara Watershed Association October 28, 2009 In Attendance: Bob Arnold, Dick Blouch, June Blouch, Denise Donmoyer, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, John Worrilow. Business: Jack Stouffer called the meeting to order. Administration: A letter arrived from the Department of State officially recognizing our name and address change. Bordner Cabin: June & Dick Blouch reported that once again, the toilet is upset. A closet door and screen are broken too. Repairs will be made this week. Establish a more stringent police policy. Post no smoking signs. With Dan Logar moving on, did we miss a window of opportunity for electricity, which would have aided in surveillance equipment? Center for Land and Water Report: Jack Stouffer reported that CLaW met on October 27 from 9AM to noon at Milton Hershey School Horticultural Center. Matt Royer, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Andy Gavin, SRBC, led discussions on Steering Committee reports and developing projects and skills inventories. Breakout sessions of the Land, Water, and Education Committees took place before a wrap-up panel consisting of Andy Gavin, Susan Parry, and Kristen Saacke-Blunk on the value of the CLaW. Chesapeake Bay: 2009 Chesapeake Bay Executive Order YouTube post 3:21 President’s Executive Order. Conference call with EPA. Met at LCCD with new DEP Water Deputy Secretary John Hanger who lives in Palmyra. Conservancy Report: Their annual appeal raised over $18,000. November 15 is an easement party at Carol Christ’s home. Donations and bequests are always welcome to help with SWA projects and to preserve our water. Currently SWA is conducting a Capital Campaign to support both the Bordner Cabin and Union Canal Canoe Rentals. Please be as generous as you can. Thank you.
Facebook: Become a friend. 100 friends will help us to attain a permanent site address. Interns and Eagle Scouts are always welcome! None active, but completed projects highlighted at http://swatara.ning.com/forum/topics/eagle-scout-project-highlights . The northern bridges need “signed.” Inwood Bridge: Per Tom Kotay at the MPO meeting October 29, the MPO can't afford two bridges; PA Historic and Museum Commission wants the existing bridge repaired; the existing bridge won't accommodate fire trucks, which is the main purpose to keep a bridge at this location. No one will budge. So, a "no build" is being considered. In this event the road that floods from Manada could be raised. Jonestown Boat Launch: Talked to Mayor Kauffman about rocks placed near the water at the new Jonestown Launch. Denise said that the Mayor was very understanding, and will have the rocks moved so that trailers with boats can enter and maneuver the boat launch. Lebanon Water Authority: Make contact to discuss future water needs. Ning.com: Slideshow of activities. Opportunity to comment on issues. Ning; Presentations: Jonestown Seniors, HMC World Culture Club, S Lebanon Lions Club, Women’s Club (donations received). Northern Swatara Watershed and Sweet Arrow Lake Report: Denise Donmoyer reported that the Army Corps of Engineers is looking into dredging the Lake. December 5 a Barbershop Chorus will perform at Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse. Quittapahilla Audubon Report: Karen Light Quittie Creek and Park Report: Ann Lasky reported that a Pumpkin Walk will be held on Friday night October 30 between 7-9PM. Rail Trail Report: John Wengert received a Lebanon County Conservation District award for his dedication to bringing this magnificent trail to Lebanon for all of our residents. Sojourn: Begin planning at January meeting. Volunteers wanted. EMA HazMat Training 11/15 @ Lickdale Campground 8AM-11AM. State Water Board Report: Betty Conner. Pour point water deficit areas outlined in a report. Swatara River: Designation requested through EPA. Swatara State Park: Since the budget was passed, is their an appropriation to complete Phase I of the Plan? Meeting with Angel, Swatara State Park Manager. Tenaska: No action taken at last months Chamber Government Affairs meeting. SRBC contact. Tom’s of Main Application: Conflicting notification said we were not chosen to compete. L Trout Unlimited Report: No report Union Township Farm: No report Watershed Specialists Report: A get well card will be sent to Stephanie Harmon. Water Trail: Refiled a final report and payment request. Wise Property: Will call to see if Fish and Boat’s executed contract is on track to arrive in the next few days. When the contract arrives, a special meeting will be called to go over settlement and operations details. Other: Thursday evening, October 29, Pete Sildorff will receive WGAL’s Jefferson Award. Dick and June Blouch will attend, and give Pete our congratulations and best wishes. Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 25, 9:30AM. September 30, 2009 The Swatara Watershed Association took a field trip to the American Water Company in Hershey PA. In attendance were: Bob Arnold, Dick Blouch, John Cradic, Betty Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, John Prawdzik, Jack Stouffer, Gary Witmeyer, Jack Worrilow. SWA learned how AWC treats and filters water drawn from the Swatara. Licensed to withdraw 11 million gallons per day from the Swatara and 5 mgd from Manada Creek, AWC has been drawing 8 mgd from the Swatara. Because of growth in the area and to meet customer demand, beginning in 2010, they plan to add a pump and clarifier to take advantage of the 11 mgd approval. AWC is interconnected with the Lebanon Water Authority, and they plan to establish a connection to United Water Company too. AMC is also updating their Source Water Protection Plan with the help of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. The process starts with a self assessment; appointment of a steering committee; a contaminate source inventory; contingency planning for emergencies; and ends with identification of new sources of water supply. September 3, 2009 A special meeting of the Swatara Watershed Association was called to order at 8AM in the Commissioner's conference room, 400 St. 8th St., Lebanon PA for the sole purpose of discussing Tenaska's proposed gas-fired power plant. In attendance were, Andrea Blosser, Dick and June Blouch, Dan Culver, Ron Fortna, Cheri Grumbine, Stephanie Harmon, John Heisey, David Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Elaine Ludwig, Earl Roberts, Jack Stouffer, Ray Swingholm, Sheila Wartluft, Chuck Wertz, and Sandra and Ken Wolfe. After Tenaska representative Dan Culver answered 20 questions that were provided in advance, he took questions from the floor on topics ranging from grey water, wells, property values, why Lebanon was chosen for a plant, impacts, benefits, evaporation, a timeline, value added proposals, how an 8-million gallon project can be implemented in 3.5 years, whether a moratorium would occur on other businesses locating to the area, violations, and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission's reaction to the proposal.  Tenaska
1 10 of 20 Questions
9:48 If you prefer to read the answers to SWA's 20 questions, visit
http://swatara.ning.com/forum/topics/tenaska-power-plant . There
is also an opportunity to comment on this blog.August 26, 2009 Watermelon at the Waterworks: Members of the Swatara Watershed Association patrolled and picked up litter at their “Adopt-a-Launch” site at the Waterworks, East Hanover Township, Lebanon County. In attendance were: Bob Arnold, Dick Blouch, June Blouch, Jineen Boyle, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, Stephanie Harmon, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, and John Worrilow. At the conclusion of the brief meeting and clean-up, members enjoyed watermelon. Business: Administration: The Department of State returned paperwork for a third time to recognize a name and address change. Bordner Cabin: A cable and lock will be purchased to secure the porta-potty to a tree. Conservancy Report: Ann invited everyone to Walk Walmer’s on Distillery Road, Schaefferstown on 9/13 at 9:30AM, to see riparian buffers. Donations and bequests are always welcome to help with SWA projects and to preserve our water. Currently SWA is conducting a Capital Campaign to support both the Bordner Cabin and Union Canal Canoe Rentals. Please be as generous as you can. Thank you.
25 ans Interns and Eagle Scouts are always welcome! None active, but completed projects highlighted at http://swatara.ning.com/forum/topics/eagle-scout-project-highlights . The northern bridges need “signed.” Jonestown Boat Launch: On the Water Trail, some rocks were placed near the water at the new Jonestown Launch. Without the rocks, boats can turn with trailers. It is difficult to back up the ramp. She wondered if the rocks could be removed. Ning.com: Slideshow of activities. Opportunity to comment on issues. Ning; Northern Swatara Watershed and Sweet Arrow Lake Report: Denise shared that to increase capacity, Bob Evanchalks says that Sweet Arrow Lake is targeted by the Army Corps of Engineers for dredging, but they need about $500,000 in matching funds. Tenaska: Today’s mail brought written answers to our 20 questions. Dan Culver asked to meet with residents on September 3 at 8AM. We will meet in the Commissioner’s Conference room 207, 400 S 8th St., Lebanon PA. Tom’s of Main Application: SWA was notified that technical requirements are met. Verification of our non-profit status was submitted. Watershed Specialists Reports: Stephanie asked everyone to mark their calendars for a Watershed Forum on October 31 from 9AM to noon. Further, the Lebanon County Conservation District will celebrate their 60th Anniversary with a dinner on October 15 at the Schaefferstown Fire Company. Finally, Fall bulb orders are due September 10. Wise Property: The PA Fish and Boat contract was reviewed by Attorney Henry, signed by SWA officers, and returned for execution. Lebanon County Commissioners would not approve a $25,000 Comprehensive Plan Implementation Grant to help with local match. SWA was raising a matching $25,000. · September 30 SWA meeting will be a field trip to the American Water Company for a tour—9:30AM. July 29, 2009 Attendance: Dick Blouch; Betty Conner, Secretary; George Conner; George Cradic, American Water; Denise Donmoyer; Jessie Donmoyer; VP Tom Embich; Jo Ellen Litz, John Worrilow. Business: Audit: Hard copies distributed. Bordner Cabin: June & Dick retrieved Bordner’s 1936 Masters Thesis on a countywide Technical School. It is fascinating to get into his mind and learn how he thought. The Thesis was scanned page by page and photo copied for reference. Porta Potty tipped. Here is a link to The National Trust for Historic Preservation Flicker site where they post This Place Matters photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/preservationnation/3657096969/in/photostream/ David Kimmerly Center for Land and Water Report – Conservancy Report: Dick Blouch reported that Betty and George Conner will serve as the 2009 Appeals Chairs. The Heritage Trail, including the Route 419 Scenic Byway, runs 100 miles throughout Lebanon County. Donations and bequests are always welcome to help with SWA projects and to preserve our water. Currently SWA is conducting a Capital Campaign to support both the Bordner Cabin and Union Canal Canoe Rentals. Please be as generous as you can. Thank you.
25 ans I-81 Corridor: A representative from this multi-county group may contact us to help bring federal dollars to our area to improve the corridor. Interns and Eagle Scouts are always welcome! None active, but completed projects highlighted at http://swatara.ning.com/forum/topics/eagle-scout-project-highlights . Received inquiry about Scout projects from Cornwall Troop 415. The northern bridges need “signed.” Inwood Bridge: Jonestown Boat Launch: The Ziegler family used the launch, and ended at Dick Blouch’s farm. Lebanon Water Authority: Recently, people were rescued from the low-head dam. SWA will inquire about the “Dam Ahead” sign visibility. Ning.com: Slideshow of activities. Opportunity to comment on issues. Ning; Northern Swatara Watershed and Sweet Arrow Lake Report: Denise Donmoyer reported that on August 12, Sweet Arrow Lake will have a program on Crickets and Katydids. Quittapahilla Audubon Report: Karen Light Quittie Creek and Park Report: Butler Manufacturing is expanding a truck parking lot and turn around area that flows under the railroad next to Hoss’s. Tom raised concern about proper vegetative cover and sinkholes. He was encouraged to contact Annville and North Annville to work out a solution. Rail Trail Report: Sojourn: POWR Check received. State Water Board Report: Betty Conner said that per Act 220, the new Water Plan will be updated every five years. Sustainable Landscapes Conference: No report. Swatara River: No report Swatara State Park: Letter received and reviewed from Park Manager Angel Croll. Tenaska: To date, no response to submitted questions. To The Honorable Jo Ellen Litz, Please know your questions have been received and we will be providing responses. Due to a long planned vacation schedule and national holiday, I am enjoying my grandchildren this week and weekend, but your questions are very important to me and Tenaska. We will endeavor to get back with you soon. Some of the questions involve studies that are also in progress and therefore our answers may provide explanations of process, but rest assured, we will get you full information as it develops. Sincerely, Daniel (Dan) G. Culver Mr. Dan Culver Dear Sir: Thank you for agreeing to open a dialogue concerning Tanaska. As previously stated at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast on June 24, 2009, Lebanon County is flattered that businesses are looking at Lebanon County to do business. That being said, in the interest of due diligence for our citizens, we need to ask some questions: 1. Of the 25 jobs created, how many people will transfer into our community from other Tenaska facilities? 2. Would the location of Tenaska in Lebanon County increase the chances of a proposed electric line locating here as well as the line crossing Lebanon County on its way from West Virginia to New York? We are told that eminent domain proceedings will take place on homes, businesses and farms—anything in the path of the electric line. 3. If Ag Security Areas, to avoid islands of small farms, are required to submit blocks of 500 contiguous acres for protection from complaints, why would a different standard (350 acres) be applied to business or industry, especially when the entity is asking for a zoning change from Agriculture? 4. What are the soils on the farms? 5. We currently have a water deficit area in Bethel Township. Would withdrawal of water by Tenaska increase the size of the water deficit area? 6. The Seigrist Dam holds around 10 million gallons of water. If all of the people living and working in Lebanon County utilize this facility, and Tenaska wants to use 8 million gallons of water per day, how can Lebanon County justify this request? 7. Another proposal talks of withdrawing some water from Seigrist Reservoir and some from wells. What radius would a cone of depression cover from a well drawing millions of gallons of water per day from the ground? Would that radius overlap with the water deficit area in Bethel? 8. Has the Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved a water withdrawal plan? 9. We understand that ground and surface water are interconnected. By way of canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, the Swatara Water Trail (recognized by both the state and nation) provides recreation for residents and visitors to our community. With Tenaska in our community, would the flow of the Swatara be negatively impacted, thus negatively impacting tourism dollars? 10. What is the operational lifetime of the plant? 11. How is the plant decommissioned? 12. Is there any remaining hazardous waste? 13. Is it a duel fuel plant? 14. What happens to the land after the plant is decommissioned? 15. If duel fuel, what is the backup fuel? 16. If fuel oil, how will the oil be stored? 17. Will it be a “demand only” or constantly running plant? 18. Will the electric plant supply electricity locally and benefit local citizens with lower electricity bills? 19. Is there a chance of explosion at the plant? If so, what area around the plant is at risk? 20. Will a public hearing take place for both the zoning request and the water withdrawal request? Thank you for your time and willingness to answer each of our preliminary questions. John pointed out that Bethlehem Steel used to withdraw 6 million gallons of water per day. When asked if the reservoir between Annville and Palmyra could be used, he said that the water was too hard, and would be too costly to process Tom’s Of Maine Application As a fund raiser, we will ask for your online votes, probably in September. Winners of this national contest are determined by votes, and the top five vote getters will each receive $20,000, which we can use toward our projects. Trout Unlimited Report: Union Township Farm: No report Watershed Specialist Report: Stephanie Harmon Wise Property: Lebanon County Commissioners have not yet approved final Comprehensive Plan Implementation grant. SWA needs grant approval before settlement can occur, and to have the deed in our name before the Red Horse Unit at FIG can submit paperwork to Washington to assist us with improvements to the boat launch. Ramez Ziadeh will be processing the DEP permit application required for the boat launch. Water Trail:
Other: George explained that when water pressure is increased for added fire protection, and with infrastructure over 100 years old, some leaks develop. Dates to Remember:
June 24, 2009 Attendance: Bob Arnold, Richard Blouch, Norman Brandt, Denise Donmoyer, Susan Eberly, Tom Embich, Walt Haber, Stephanie Harmon, David Kimmerly, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Donna Reside, Brad Rhen, Earl Robert, Fred Rogers, Bruce and Cindy Smalley, Jack Stauffer, Marta Trainer, Ralph and Trudy Trautman, and John Worrilow. Business: Audit: – Completed. Must sign and mail. Hard copies not available for today. Swartara Watershed Association is the winner of a $250 grant from the 10th anniversary Growing Greener Celebration for our entry on the GrowingGreener.com website. Bordner Cabin: SWA will participate in the “This Place Matters” campaign, a project of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. Historic status: Jo Ellen met with Preservation PA representative David Kimmerly, and SWA was encouraged to submit an Historic Resource Survey Form to determine whether or not the Cabin is historically significant. Rustic Style Architecture is defined by the National Park Service as structures built between 1916 - 1942 such as a log cabin that is so highly stylized in its attempt to be non-intrusive that it attracts the immediate attention of those who are accustomed to the simplicity and frequent sterility of contemporary architecture. It may be built of over-sized, rough-hewn logs and stones with its obviously intensive use of hand labor and its clear rejection of the regularity and symmetry of the industrial world, marking it as the work of another age, the product of an attitude far removed from our own. Perhaps for the first time in the history of American architecture, a building became an accessory to nature... Early pioneer and regional building techniques were revived because it was thought that a structure employing native materials blended best with the environment...
Dick and June Blouch will travel to Penn State on July 18 to retrieve Bordner’s Master’s thesis on vocational education. Center for Land and Water – No report. Donations and bequests are always welcome to help with SWA projects and to preserve our water. Interns and Eagle Scouts are always welcome! None active, but completed projects highlighted at http://swatara.ning.com/forum/topics/eagle-scout-project-highlights . Inwood Bridge: No report. Jonestown Boat Launch: No report. Ning.com: Did you sign up on the professional social network for the Swatara Watershed on ning.com ? You can share your photos and video from Swatara Sojourns and other Swatara Watershed events; post flood or pollution pictures; share your memories; comment on forums: floods, conservation tips, pollution, Swatara State Park, Bordner Cabin…. (Ning is a professional site that operates similar to Facebook, which is for individuals.) Northern Swatara Watershed and Sweet Arrow Lake Report: Denise Domonyer Quittapahilla Audubon Report: Karen Light Quittie Creek and Park Report: Ann Lasky
Sojourn: Final narrative and financial reports, and a request for payment are being prepared for submission to Jonathan Meade, Pennsylvania Environmental Council & PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers. Sustainable Landscapes Conference: No report. Swatara River: No report.
May PA Angler features Memorial Lake and mentions Swatara State Park. Denise, Spencer, Jo Ellen and other Lebanon County residents rallied on the capital steps to keep Swatara, Memorial Lake, and other State Parks open. View pictures at http://swatara.ning.com/ Denise also attended a Penn Future Press conference: http://paenvirodigestvideo.blogspot.com/2009/06/legislators-groups-push-natural-gas.html Union Township Farm: No report Wise Property: Lebanon County Commissioners will discuss Comprehensive Plan Implementation grants on Thursday. SWA needs grant approval before settlement can occur. Water Trail:
Dates to Remember:
May 27, 2009 Business: Audit: – provided letters to document committed funds. Bordner Cabin: SWA will participate in the “This Place Matters” campaign, a project of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.
The Bordner Cabin
is our Falling Water. With all of the regulations, you couldn't build it today.
Would you be willing to help with repairs to the Bordner cabin, which turns 70
years old in 2009? For general maintenance and to obtain a Labor and Industry
Occupancy Permit, some of the items that need repaired include:
* craft two doors,
one to the basement and one with lexan to block off the bedroom overlooking the
living room (ceilings are not 7' high, but lexan panels will allow the public to
look inside the room); Historic status: Karen Light or Francis Ditzler—no report
If you value the
Bordner cabin as much as the Swatara Watershed does, but you can't help with the
physical repairs, perhaps you'd consider a donation of cash or materials like
lexan or cement to our 501C3 organization. If you don't have the money now,
maybe you'd like to leave us something in your will. Whatever you can do, we
would be most grateful. PS T-shirts are available for a free will offering. Make
checks payable to SWA, and mail to 2302 Guilford St., Lebanon PA 17046. Thank
you again. Center for Land and Water – Next "water" meeting, 10AM at Milton Hershey on June 2. Donations and bequests are highly encouraged to help with SWA conservation projects and to preserve our water. SWA is a 501c3 non-profit. Interns and Eagle Scouts are always welcome! We've got a project for you. Inwood Bridge: Received an invitation to provide input. Waiting on a notice for a meeting. Jonestown Boat Launch: Mayor Kaufman dedicated the new Swatara boat launch at Jonestown http://www.jonestownpa.org/Swatara_Creek_Trail/sct.htm Lebanon County Conservation District –SWA awards nominations:
Ning.com: (NEW) You are invited to join a professional social network for the Swatara Watershed on ning.com. You will have to register. Then, you can share your photos and video from Swatara Sojourns and other Swatara Watershed events; post flood or pollution pictures; share your memories; comment on forums: floods, conservation tips, pollution, Swatara State Park, Bordner Cabin…. (Ning is a professional site that operates similar to Facebook, which is for individuals.) Over 150 photos from the sojourn are currently posted. A slide show plays on the opening page. More will follow. Rail Trail: A map was received. Sojourn:
Sustainable Landscapes Conference: As a result of the SLC, Dick is installing wild (native) grass on his farm. Swatara River: Representative RoseMarie Swanger wrote a follow-up letter of support to USGS. Swatara State Park: Public meeting requested. During public meetings to design the Park, our email and street addresses were collected with the promise that we would be notified directly of any future Park meetings as well as to keep us informed of Park progress. For decades promises have been forgotten or ignored, and our beloved Swatara State Park is not completed. So, we are persistent in requesting a public meeting now. We want to be helpful, and make sure that Swatara State Park keeps on track. We don’t want to be scolded for being lax in following the details. We’d also like to know: 1. What changes are planned for the Park that were not shared at the original Park meetings? 2. Is funding flowing to meet Swatara State Park construction goals? 3. Have all of the municipalities signed off on turning over Old State Road? 4. Are the DEP and other permits completed? 5. When will the contracts go out for bid? 6. When will Old State Road close for construction? 7. How long will Old State Road be closed? 8. Has someone looked at coordinating underground electricity needs for water pumps on Old State Road and our needs for security and lighting at the Bordner Cabin? 9. Similar to signs indicating surveillance around Memorial Lake State Park, to cut down on vandalism, is DCNR on board with surveillance on Old State Road?
Union Township Farm: No report Wise Property: Features 3,341' of fishable banks, a small boat launch, picnic pavilion, trails, and a few camp sites along the Swatara.
Water Trail:
Other:
Dates to Remember: July 14, Green Roof Symposium, 10AM @ LVC April 29, 2009
Business: Bordner Cabin:
Swatara State Park:
Center for Land and Water:
Sojourn: o Administration (Jo Ellen) o POWR grant $1800 awarded to help with expenses. o Theme: The Cabin, the Swatara, a Canoe, and You; 70th Anniversary of the Bordner cabin. o T-shirts with the Bordner Cabin on the front have arrived. Get your shirts for a free-will offering. Please be as generous as you can. Your donations will help with renovations and upkeep. o Fish and Boat float plan filed by John Meade at POWR. o Weidle will provide dumpsters for refuse removal. Also, GLRA will provide a container for tires at the ending point, then haul to Kettering’s for us. o GLRA will accept waste o Lickdale Campgrounds will provide accommodations again this year. o Toilets were ordered from Associated Products for Route 645, Swope’s Valley Road, Jonestown Boat launch, and Water Works launch..
o Saturday Breakfast –at Route 645 coordinated by June Blouch who will pick up doughnuts from Jonestown Foodtown. o Saturday Lunch – at Bordner cabin sponsored by Isaac Walton League. Seaman’s subs picked up by Norm Brandt. Bob Arnold will pick up drinks from Wengert’s Dairy/Swiss Premium Dairy. o Saturday Dinner – at Lickdale Campgrounds coordinated by owners, Tammy Blouch o Sunday Breakfast – at new Jonestown launch coordinated by June Blouch o Sunday Lunch – at Water Works launch –pizza coordinated by Ann Lasky
Swatara River:
Union Township Farm: No report. Water Trail: Documents provided to DCNR for review. Wise property:
Kudos were shared for DCNR’s Sustainable Landscapes Conference at Milton Hershey School. Tenaska Studies Lebanon County for Natural Gas-fueled Power Plant – 4-23, 2009 Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, could receive a major addition to its local tax base by hosting a project designed to help meet the continuing need for clean electric power generation. More ... Questions:
Other: Summer Programs that will take us on the road include the Water Works litter cleanup in July; a tour of Swatara Falls in Schuylkill County; and a tour of American Water Company in Hershey. If you’d like to join us, let us know. We will car pool. John Worrilow discussed the trees that came down at Coleman’s Park. Ann Lasky reported on United Way Day of Caring at the Quittie Creek Nature Park. Guest Speaker: None this month. Calendar:
March 25, 2009 Welcome and Introductions: June and Dick Blouch, Denise Donmoyer, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer, John Worrilow Business:
Bordner Cabin:
Swatara State Park:
Center for Land and Water:
Sojourn: o Administration (Jo Ellen) o POWR grant application submitted to John Meade (PA Environmental Council). o Theme: The Cabin, the Swatara, a Canoe, and You; 70th Anniversary of the Bordner cabin. o Pricing t-shirts with cabin on front. Asking for a donation based on a person’s ability to pay. It is hoped that with a free-will offering, people who can be generous will donate larger sums to help with renovations. View t-shirt design at http://www.mbcomp.com/swatara/State%20Park/bordner_cabin.htm o Sponsor requests designed, printed, mailed, and posted to the web site canoe/21st sojourn/Sponsor Request Upper Swatara.pdf o Registration designed and posted to the SWA web site. canoe/21st sojourn/2009 Sojourn Registration.pdf 100 color copies printed for distribution at Sustainable Landscapes Conference. o Fish and Boat float plan filed by John Meade at POWR. o Weidle will provide dumpsters for refuse removal. Also, GLRA will provide a container for tires at the ending point, then haul to Kettering’s for us. o GLRA will accept waste o Lickdale Campgrounds will provide accommodations again this year. o Toilets were ordered from Associated Products for Route 645, Swope’s Valley Road, Jonestown Boat launch, and Water Works launch..
o Saturday Breakfast –at Route 645 coordinated by June Blouch o Saturday Lunch – at Bordner cabin by Isaac Walton League o Saturday Dinner – at Lickdale Campgrounds coordinated by owners, Tammy Blouch o Sunday Breakfast – at new Jonestown launch coordinated by June Blouch o Sunday Lunch – at Water Works launch –pizza coordinated by Ann Lasky
Swatara River:
Union Township Farm:
Water Trail
Wise property:
Other:
Guest Speaker: None this month. Members present requested a field trip to see Swatara Falls in Schuylkill County. Calendar:
February 25, 2009 Welcome and Introductions: Bob Arnold; Dick & June Blouch; Betty & George Conner; George Cradic, the new supervisor for the PA American Water treatment plant in Hershey; Denise Donmoyer; Stephanie Harmon; Ann Lasky; Walter Lehman, Schuylkill County Watershed Specialist; Karen Light; Jo Ellen Litz; Jack Stouffer; Megan Williams, Americorps Vista. Business:
Bordner Cabin:
Center for Land and Water:
Sojourn Administration (Jo Ellen)
Food
Advance Team—Ask Dave Ravegum or Larry Taylor if prior to the sojourn, they will be able to scout the Swatara for obstacles, mark and/or remove fallen trees as needed. Land Logistics/Shore Support--Jack Stouffer and Laurie Andrews Programs--Denise Donmoyer
Safety--Liz and Andy Ramsey; Lisa and Austin Carter; Jo Ellen safety briefings Lead--Jo Ellen Litz and Denise Donmoyer Transportation—rent van and coordinate drivers , Tom Embich and Dick Blouch
Swatara River:
Union Township Farm:
Water Trail
Wise property:
Other:
Calendar:
January 28, 2009 Attendance: Bob Arnold, Jo Ellen Litz, and John Worrilow. Even a snow storm couldn't keep former marine John Worrilow from a scheduled meeting. John used a COLT bus, which dropped him off a block from his destination. Using his two canes, he arrived for the meeting on time. To obtain a quorum, Business conducted electronically:
Bordner Cabin:
Historic status: Karen Light talked to Francis Ditzler. The State was contacted to locate the forms on the Internet. Forms can be found at www.PHMC.state.pa.us . Go to Preservation Programs, PA & National Registration Programs, Reviewers, Recording Resources, Historical Resource Survey Form. Francis will pencil in the forms, and we will enter the data into the computer. Because DCNR holds the property that SWA rents, DCNR will review the application prior to submission to the Historical commission. Swatara River: Matt Leonard in Senator Casey’s office said that due to the presidential transition, the USGS is pretty empty right now. He is trying to contact a deputy secretary to learn the outcome of our request for designation. Sojourn: John Meade, POWR, called to say that funding is available for the 2009 sojourn in the same capacity as in previous years. Volunteer coordinators, please confirm your participation in this year’s event, which is held the first weekend in May. Wise Property: No news from PA Fish and Boat on our current application. We are also waiting on a reply from the Comprehensive Plan and Penn DOT applications. Water Trail: On the last leg of the sojourn, we should be able to view the work of Eagle Scout Eddy Kosik. The bridge signs are up. Union Township Farm: SWA visited the facility in December with Griffith Jones, who represented John Camp, and Pam Shellenberger of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Also in attendance were Bob Arnold, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, George Gress, and Jo Ellen Litz. SWA was asked to design a management plan for the property and additional wetlands, for which a deed restriction and conservation easement will be established. Members present agreed to the concept. No date for settlement on the farm has been established. CCR Registration: For finalization, Tom Embich will complete a section on the web site. Dates to Remember: o April 1 Sustainable Landscapes Conference at Founder’s Hall, Milton Hershey (For more information, call DCNR at 787-3212.) o April 18 United Way Day of Caring work session at Bordner cabin o April 22 Earth Day o May 2-3 Swatara Sojourn |
Rail
Trail: Dedication from Wilhelm Avenue Bridge to both South Lebanon and
the City of Lebanon took place. For an updated map and data, visit
Swatara
State Park: 
