Currents
Winter 2009
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What a Difference a Year Makes!
lthough 2008 was one of highs and lows, the Loyalhanna Watershed Association came out on top once again, with numerous stream rehabilitation projects, community cleanups, project grant support, and increased community involvement. Here are just a few of the many highlights from last year.
$500,000 Grant Received for Upper Latrobe Project LWA welcomed spring with news of a $500,000 Growing Greener II grant awarded for the construction of a passive treatment system as a continuation of the Upper Latrobe Abandoned Mine Drainage Remediation Project that began in 2004. By constructing this system, approximately 500 gallons per minute of abandoned mine drainage (AMD) from the old deep mine workings below the city of Latrobe will be treated, eliminating 300 pounds of iron oxide from entering the Loyalhanna Creek each day. Robert S. Hedin of Iron Oxide Recovery, Inc. was hired as the project designer/consultant. Construction is slated to begin in late summer 2009.
Successful Watershed - Wide Cleanups Once again, volunteers from far and wide joined in the effort to pick up roadside litter from over 60 miles of local highways throughout the Ligonier and Latrobe communities. Over 500 participants collectively donated their Saturday mornings (both rain and shine) in the Third Annual Great Ligonier Valley Cleanup, the Second Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup, and River Sweep 2008. More than 900 bags of litter were accumulated, along with dumpsters filled with larger items, such as gas grills, tires, and car parts. It was another amazing season thanks to the community members, organizations, and businesses who supported and sponsored these events! A quarterly publication by the Loyalhanna Watershed Association, a non-profit member supported organization founded in 1971.
Inside this Issue: •
Winter Birdseed Sale
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Youth Conservation Corps Summer Work Program
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Ligonier Valley Recycling Continues! 110 Andi Lane Ligonier, PA 15658 (724) 238-7560 www.loyalhannawatershed.org
Loyalhanna Creek Trail Project Study Completed Landscape and Community Planning Firm, Pashek Associates, completed a detailed feasibility study for the proposed Loyalhanna Creek Trail, connecting Latrobe to New Alexandria. The plan consisted of a preliminary trail design, along with construction recommendations, costs, and community benefits for a recreational hiking trail along the Loyalhanna Corridor north of Latrobe.
Stream Mitigation Project Restores Banks of the Loyalhanna A once heavily-eroded, sediment laden stretch of the upper Loyalhanna Creek was rehabilitated thanks to a $250,000 mitigation project funded by PennDOT District 12-0. Wallace & Pancher, Inc constructed several natural features to reduce erosion and rebuild the streambank, including sawtooth deflectors, rock barbs, root wads, and log vanes. Students from Connellsville High School and Holy Trinity School put the finishing touch on the project by planting 300 trees.
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- Year in Review Continued Streambank Rehabilitation Projects Abound Last May - November, students, volunteers, and professionals from several environmental organizations including LWA, Trout Unlimited, Western PA Conservancy, and PA Fish & Boat Commission joined forces to combat the significant erosion issues at seven different sites throughout the upper and middle watershed. Students from Greater Latrobe Area High School experienced “real life” environmental work by designing and installing natural fish habitat and erosion control structures along a section of Nine Mile Run below the high school. Five sites along Mill Creek were also restored as part of Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited’s Mill Creek Conservation Plan, with the addition of erosion control structures and trees. Finally, a site along Zimmerman Run was the first of six sites in the Upper Loyalhanna Streambank Erosion Initiative to be repaired. Toelog cribbing and R-7 boulders were installed to alleviate the severe effects of floodwaters on the streambank.
Annual Fundraisers Pay Off! It was another successful fundraising season for LWA, with two successful birdseed sales, a record breaking Fort Ligonier Days Parking weekend, and an incredible Benefit Art Auction. Funds raised from these events directly support the many programs and conservation efforts undertaken by the Association each year. Membership support continues to remain strong, with nearly 600 active memberships. Thank you to everyone who contributes to LWA by giving money, time, or expertise to support our initiatives.
Two Creative Education Programs Launched LWA was pleased to offer new educational opportunities to area students through the “Trout in the Classroom” project developed and implemented in cooperation with Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited. Seventh grade students at Ligonier Valley Middle School began an eight month project to raise Brook Trout from eggs to fry, learning about the importance of cold water conservation before releasing the young fish into Linn Run. In addition, LWA developed a water education program for Idlewild and Soak Zone’s “Outdoor Classroom” education days, where students from across Pennsylvania participate in various outdoor programs while enjoying the natural resources in the park.
Ligonier Valley Recycling Program Saved! Thanks to the efforts of LWA, the Ligonier Valley Recycling Program remained in operation, despite the threat of closing on December 15, 2008. The facility’s previous hauler, Green Star - Pittsburgh, announced that it would no longer be able to handle the recyclables unless they would be compensated for hauling the materials. A new hauler, J.M.S. Recycling of Somerset, was found just in time before the facility had to close, although recyclers were asked to begin sorting their items. J.M.S. Recycling will continue to be the hauler for the Ligonier program, as long as it is feasible for them to do so.
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Winter Birdseed Fundraiser
t is time to re-stock your supply of birdseed for the remaining winter months! LWA is pleased to offer a wide variety of premium seed for sale at our winter fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2009 at the LWA Office from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Enclosed with this newsletter, please find an order form containing seed information and prices. As a result of the significant increase in the price of grain/feed, some varieties of seed will reflect this cost increase. In addition, the amount of seed we will be receiving is limited, so all pre-orders must be placed by February 11th. To pre-order your birdseed, please complete and return the enclosed form, stop by the office, or call (724) 238-7560.
Order Your Commemorative Series Print!
Become A Part of LWA!
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s 2009 begins, now is a great time to join or renew your membership with LWA! The Loyalhanna Watershed Association, founded in 1971, is one of the oldest watershed protection organizations in Pennsylvania. It seeks to protect and improve the Loyalhanna Creek, its tributaries and surrounding land from the headwaters on Laurel Ridge to the point where it meets the Conemaugh River in Saltsburg, thanks to the support from members like you!
“Falls at Flatrock” Rita Kambic Haldeman
Membership levels for 2009 are:
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WA is pleased to offer “Falls at Flatrock” as the inaugural print in the “Scenes of the Watershed” commemorative print series. This scene, painted by award winning local artist, Rita Kambic Haldeman, captures the summertime beauty of the Flatrock area in Linn Rock State Park. The Giclée image of the original 18” x 24” oil on canvas landscape will be available for purchase as a signed and numbered limited edition print for $100 for members and $125 for non-members, which includes an individual LWA membership.
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$20 - $29 $30 - $50 $51 - $99 $100 - $249 $250 - $499 $500 - $999 $1,000 +
-- Individual -- Family -- Donor -- Patron -- Sponsor -- Steward -- Benefactor
Contact LWA at (724) 238-7560 or check the address mailing label on this newsletter to determine your membership status. Membership contributions to the Loyalhanna Watershed Association are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
Youth Conservation Corps Applications Available February 1st
f you or someone you know are between the ages of 16-18 and are interested in contributing to the preservation and restoration of the land and waters within the Loyalhanna Creek Watershed as a summer job, then the Youth Conservation Corps is for you! The 2009 YCC Program runs from June 22 - August 14, with an opportunity to work 37.5 hours per week completing projects throughout Forbes State Forest, Linn Run State Park, and the Laurel Highlands region. Crewmembers are also given the opportunity to experience several environmental education outings, including an end of summer kayak trip.
The 2008 YCC Crew participated in numerous educational experiences, including electrofishing with the Western PA Conservancy.
YCC accomplishes needed conservation work in the State Forest and other recreational sites, natural areas, and outdoor public facilities and trails. Throughout the program, individuals involved will develop a unique understanding and appreciation of our local natural resources. Funding for the program is provided by the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, and is under the direction of Bill Repko, veteran YCC crew leader of more than 25 years. Applications will be available in the guidance offices at Ligonier Valley, Laurel Valley, Greater Latrobe, and Derry Area High Schools, the LWA Office, and on the LWA Website, www.loyalhannawatershed.org. Completed applications must be received by LWA no later than March 30, 2009.
Volunteers Matter in ‘08
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hat a great year for LWA volunteerism! From the time our annual events began in mid-February, to when the last electronics recycling load of the year was picked up on December 29th, individuals, groups and businesses from around the watershed pitched in to support LWA sponsored events and programs. Community and education initiatives included: Macroinvertebrate collections, The Third Annual Great Ligonier Valley Cleanup, The Second Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup, River Sweep 2008, Electronics Recycling, Fort Ligonier Days Parking, Ligonier Valley Community Recycling, Winter/Fall Birdseed Fundraisers, Annual Art Auction, and several other projects. LWA volunteers are truly on-of-a-kind, and the annual events offered by LWA would not be possible without their efforts. THANK YOU! If you would like to become a volunteer, Bobbie Off & Chris Adams Mary Ellen Haines complete and return the formbelow, or call (724) 238-7560. Paul Tom & Christine Omiatek Adelphoi Village Jim Hamm
A volunteer from Heritage United Methodist Church Youth Group helps clean up litter from a shopping plaza in the Second Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup.
Students from Holy Trinity School add the finishing touches to the Loyalhanna Creek Mitigation Project by planting over 100 trees.
Macroinvertebrate sampling of 10 sites in the upper watershed is conducted each spring and fall, thanks to help from eager volunteers.
Darlene & Bruce Anthony Henry Armstrong Jeanne Ashley Corliss Aukerman Gregg Bakich John & Susan Bainbridge Sam & Barbara Banales Doris Banas David Benner Imre Bertalan The Bertilino Family Russell Bickerstaff Gary Black The Boyd Family Hugh & Nancy Brallier Jonathan Bretch Roger Brown David & April Buckwalter Mike Bulebosh The Campbell Family Coleen Cardy Don Carey Jessica Checca Cody Clements Tammy Colt Hank Croft Jeff Croushore Jim & Jeannie Cunkelman Bill & Cindy Danchuk Cynthia DeFlavio Derry Area High School Matt & Katie Duffus Tom Duran Hode Eiseman Ted Erickson The Fish Family Daniel Finger Skip Flack Rich & Roxy Flickinger Jacob Fox Gene & Mary Giesey Brieann Gohn Cathy Graham Greater Latrobe Area High School Philip Grenda Gretchen Griffith Pat Gross Herb Gundy Craig Guzzy
Ben & Julie Helman Rick & Belinda Henry Robert Hepler Heritage U.M. Church Youth Rowena Himler Daryl Hlavsa Steve Huba Emma Hutchinson The Johnston Family Jennifer Jones Michael Kent Dave Kilgore Daneen Kinsey Jeff Kish Wink Knowles Bob Komoroski John Kozusko Kayln Kramer The Krinock Family Joann & Jerry Kuhn Tom Kuhns Mike Kuzemchak Patty Kunkle The Lanzone Family Linda LaRue Latrobe Specialty Steel Scott Leib The Lenhart Family Brandon Leonatti Scott Lettie Ligonier Agway Ligonier Township Employees Ligonier Valley High School NHS Cokie Lindsay Bobbi Loncharich Bobbi Loveridge Fran Lynch Kathy & Jim Maestrole Andy Mack Ed Maher Michael Marinchak David Marr The McKlveen Family The McKnight Family M/M Jim Meade Scott Minster Paula Morrow Monty & Marlene Murty Ron Neiderheiser Lindsay Newill
Joanne Orengia Outside In Beverly Palmer Bill Palmer Doug Palmer Pat Piper The Piper Family The Pletcher Family The Poerschke Family Ryan Podlucky Lara Provance Rhiannon Radacosky The Repko Family Jim & Rachel Roehrig Janice Ross The Sarnese Family The Schmucker Family Beth Schultheis Kristin Sesser Jenny Shawley Pat Slack Dave & Nikki Smith Jane Spencer Jim & Louise Sprowls Micki Stile Andy Stofan Tom & Dee Sylvester Elana Tarzian Joy Trainer Melissa Trainer Valley School of Ligonier Tara Vittone Dave Wagus Kim Dickert-Wallace Rae Ann Weaver Josh Whetzel The Whitsel Family Kristen Wilkens Janet Winters Shelli Wolfe Bill Woodhouse Carole Wright
We apologize for any errors or omissions.
YES! I Am Interested in Becoming an LWA Volunteer for The Following Events... Please check as many options as you would like.
Birdseed Fundraiser Roadside Cleanups Ligonier Valley Recycling Area Fort Ligonier Days Parking Nature Trail / Garden Maintenance
Macroinvertebrate Collection / ID River Sweep Electronics Recycling Art Auction Benefit Office Assistance (mailings, cleaning, etc.)
Name _________________________________________ Email ____________________________________ Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________________ Mail Completed Form To: Phone Number __________________________________ LWA, 110 Andi Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658
Recycling Continues - With Changes!
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he new year began with a positive outlook for the Ligonier Valley Recycling Area, as it was announced on December 23rd that the recycling program will continue for area recyclers, under the condition that items be sorted into the appropriate categories. What once was a “singlestream” recycling process through Green - Star Pittsburgh Recycling (all items could be recycled together in one container) has gone back to a process where recyclables must be sorted, as the new hauler for the facility, J.M.S. Recycling of Somerset, PA, does not have the equipment to undertake a single-stream operation. It has been a month since recyclers using the Ligonier Valley Recycling Area were asked to begin sorting their recyclable items, and although things seem to be going better than expected, the new temporary recycling hauler for the program has pointed out several areas where “we need to do better.” The Loyalhanna Watershed Association would like to remind recyclers that this program could be eliminated if the following procedures are not followed:
• Aluminum cans and plastic bottles and containers should be rinsed and crushed to allow for more space in the bins • All bags and boxes MUST be emptied before adding them to the bin – even if they contain all of the same type of recyclables • Green glass is no longer accepted – only clear and brown glass jars and bottles should be recycled in the appropriate bin • Collapse all cardboard boxes • Beer drinkers – do not leave empty bottles or cans in the cardboard case. Empty them into the appropriate bin and crush boxes to be recycled in the paper only bin.
In addition, electronic items and household trash are not to be placed in the bins or left at the facility– this is considered illegal dumping. In just a few days, LWA staff pulled out several computer monitors, coffee pots, and power tools from the bins and picked up many bags of recyclables left unsorted by irresponsible recyclers. If the containers are full, please take your items back with you and return at a later date.
Items Should be Sorted in the Following Manner: ITEMS SHOULD BE CLEAN AND LOOSE - NOT IN BAGS OR BOXES #1 and #2 Plastics Only Bin: Water bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, soda bottles, shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars. CHECK BOTTOM OF CONTAINER FOR NUMBER. Paper Only Bin: Newspaper, pressed cardboard, paper bags, telephone books, junk mail, catalogs, magazines, office/computer paper, corrugated cardboard, shoe boxes, cereal boxes, paper and hard back books. COLLAPSE ALL CARDBOARD! Five Compartment Bin (Middle): #3 - #7 Plastics and Plastic Bags - Blister packs, container lids, squeezable bottles, takeout containers, medicine bottles, bottle caps. CHECK BOTTOM OF CONTAINER FOR NUMBER. Clear and Brown Glass - Soda bottles, beer bottles, liquor and wine bottles, jelly, salsa and mayo jars, any other clear or brown glass containers. NO GREEN GLASS! Aluminum & Bi-metal Cans - Soda and beer cans, aluminum foil, foil pie pans, soup cans, fruit and juice cans, pet food cans, tuna cans, vegetable cans.
Help keep the Ligonier Valley Recycling Area running successfully! Be responsible when you recycle and encourage others using the facility to do the same! We are looking for a recycling supporter to casually monitor the Ligonier Valley Recycling Area on weekends. If you or your group would be interested in helping out each weekend or only ocassionally, contact LWA at (724) 238-7560.
Save The Date February 21
Winter Birdseed Sale
March 30
YCC Applications Due
April - May
Spring Macro Collection
April 18
Third Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup; Westmoreland Earth Day
May 2
Fourth Annual Great Ligonier Valley Cleanup
May 15
Annual Dinner Meeting
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Birdseed Order Form Enclosed Loyalhanna Watershed Association Board of Directors
LWA Staff Drew Banas, Executive Director dbanas5@verizon.net Susan Huba, Program Manager slhuba@verizon.net Cathy Johnston, Office Manager lwa1@verizon.net Contact Us Phone: (724) 238-7560 Fax: (724) 238-7681 www.loyalhannawatershed.org
President: Dr. Daryle Fish Vice-President: Dr. Hugh Brallier Treasurer: Tara Vittone Secretary: Patricia Slack Henry Armstrong Ormand Bellas Dr. Henry Croft William Danchuk Floyd Eiseman Christopher Elkus Herb Gundy William Knowles Todd Simonds Stanley Stein Josh Whetzel