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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 Meeting Minutes May 2, 2012 In attendance: Dick and June Blouch, Betty and George Conner, Tom Embich, Fred Folmer, Jo Ellen Litz, Ben Miller, Jack Stouffer. Business: Karen Light, a long term member of the Board, tendered her resignation. We want to thank Karen for her many years of dedicated service, and wish her all of life’s best moments in the years to come. American Water: A donation was received to sponsor the Sojourn. Award Nomination: On a Stouffer/Folmer motion, a Conservation District award nomination for Dan Landis of Landisdale Farm for his stewardship as an organic farmer whose main crop is hay in East Hanover Township was approved. He rents the Blouch farm. Bordner Cabin: Road is Closed. No response on Labor and Industry permit approval. The cabin continues to remain the same. The final submission to L&I for improvements to Bordner Cabin has not been shared with DCNR as required. Mike Willeham will send a copy as soon as possible. When the time comes, DEP permits must be reviewed by DCNR for approval before submitting to DEP. Bridges: Black’s Bridge Road and Lidley Murray Road Bridges are open. Chesapeake Bay: Conservancy: Dick Blouch Conservation Districts: Stephanie Harmon – Donations and Bequests & Financial: Ø Friendy’s fundraisers: Lebanon 6.18, Ann; and 6.26 Hershey Dick. Ø Audit notice received. Coupons will be distributed at the Sojourn. Ø Financial statements received. On a Folmer/Blouch motion, the $1600 bill will be paid. Eagle Scouts: Will be working on more picnic tables. FIG: FIRE BAN: In effect until May 14, 2012 in Lebanon County. Floods, Droughts: 245 parcels along the Swatara in Lebanon County Intern: Nick Zimmerman Little Swatara: Marcellus: Lebanon County passed a fee ordinance within the required time frame should any wells be tapped. MS4 (storm water): A chart of costs to municipalities has been developed. Northern Swatara Watershed and Sweet Arrow Lake Report: Denise Donmoyer—events posted at www.SweetArrowLakePark.com . Quittie Creek and Park Report: Ann Lasky Swatara Sojourn. Title “The Ultimate Water Park”, Sojourn. Lebanon County and 3 municipal resolutions received to date: North Lebanon, North Londonderry, & South Lebanon
Swatara State Park: Per
Angel, the Swatara
State Park project is moving along very nicely. All three trailheads are taking
form including paving. The Sand Siding pedestrian bridge has all piers and
abutments poured. Along the trails culverts are being replaced and the stone
tread is being laid. One delay has been encountered and the projected
completion date is 7/31/12. Please remind folks that sections of the
park are closed to all recreational users and be respectful of the signs
and/or barricades. These areas are: Old State Road from Waterville/AT Bridge to
Swopes Valley Road;
There were questions concerning the new boat launch just north of the Lickdale Campground. Will the drive be paved? Will the launch be improved? Will there be parking? Swatara Watershed Park: Our ‘mortgage’ stands at $_34,991.57__. FEMA/PEMA asked for one more form, and Carolyn Lutz said our paper work is being forwarded for processing. A call for a site inspection is expected. Ø Tom applied canoe renewal stickers. Ø Dick got trailers rewired and bearings packed at Boyer’s in Cleona. Ø 10 Seasonal Campers Ø Rebuild-It donated a used 17.5 hp Craftsmen tractor/mower with a 42” deck. Signed thank you card. Ø Tot Lot equipment. Questions were asked about liability. Ø United Way Day of Caring: Special thanks to the 20 people from NL Rotary, Hershey Chocolate Workers, Boy Scouts, and SWA members for policing the grounds, retrieving the tractor and mowing, assembling the picnic table, and cleaning the office. The large shed is too wide to get across the small creek, so donation of a smaller shed will be sought for equipment storage. Union Township Farm: Jo Ellen met with Mr. Camp. He said it is not necessary for SWA to sign a Conservation easement for the 300’ buffer around wetland 1. He also said his offer still stands to donate the land. A request was made to be written into the industrial park’s maintenance contract and/or an endowment fund for maintenance. There were questions concerning all of the earth being moved. Water Works: The canal lock will be purchased along with the home per FEMA. Swatara Water Trail: SRBC: . West Lebanon Township: Still cooperating with DEP to research the source of pollution. Other: Next Meeting: June 6, 9:30AM April 4, 2012 The April meeting of the Swatara Watershed Association was a work session held at Swatara Watershed Park, 1929 Black’s Bridge Road, Annville PA. Prior to the cleanup, members discussed an upcoming MS4 storm water educational ‘Drains to Streams’ exercise to release Red Devil Ducks; sharing our vision for the Park with neighbors; and the upcoming Swatara Sojourn. A sympathy card was signed for member Denise Donmoyer. During the Spring Cleanup of the Park, June, Dick, Stephanie and Ann got the well primed; Don and Casey Mock took turns with their mower and brush trimmer to help clear debris in order to retrieve our shed. Tom, Fred, Bob, and Jack were able to ‘walk’ the shed out of the swamp. After the riding mower was rolled from the shed, it was pulled to the parking lot to take for evaluation and hopefully repair. Jo Ellen and two other men cleared a second path of debris. Three picnic tables were retrieved, and Fred was able to screw the one table back together. It was a good day’s work. Near the western border, there is significant debris that remains to be retrieved, another picnic table that needs to be reassembled, loose brush to be piled for kindling, and of course the shed still needs to get back to the parking lot. Scouts and students have volunteered hours to help at the Park, and could assist. Likewise, volunteers from the Northern Lebanon Rotary and Chocolate Workers have signed up to help on United Way Day of Caring. Ed Anspach will be contacted for possible assistance to retrieve the shed. March 8, 2012 Kim McKee spoke about the Appalachian Trail, highlighting the trail through Lebanon County. In attendance: Bob Arnold, Dick Blouch, Betty and George Conner, Denise Donmoyer, Tom Embich, Fred Folmer, Walt Haber, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Pam Tricamo, Nick Zimmerman Business: American Water: George Cradic A grant application was submitted. Award Nominations: of members 55+ for Lifeways SAGE Awards Bordner Cabin: Road is Closed. No response on Labor and Industry permit approval. Bridges: Wilson Consulting has proposed a new design for the Inwood Bridge. The design would preserve features of the existing iron truss bridge placed on top of a new bridge. Chesapeake Bay: Conservancy: Dick Blouch Conservation Districts: Stephanie Harmon – Donations and Bequests & Financial: Friendy’s fundraisers will be set up at Lebanon by Ann, and at Hershey by Dick. Eagle Scouts: FIG: For Munitions Plan information, contact Jo Anderson 717.861.8181 Floods, Droughts: 245 parcels along the Swatara in Lebanon County Grant Writer: Introduction of Pam Tricamo Intern: Nick Zimmerman is going to be a senior at Kutztown University, and must volunteer 400 hours in his major, public policy. He also has an environmental interest. Little Swatara: Fred Folmer – three 911 towers are proposed along the Appalachian Trail. Marcellus: Lebanon County is considering whether or not to pass an ordinance. MS4 (storm water): Joanne Throwe’s presentation on Tuesday, March 13th at 1:30 pm in the auditorium at the Lebanon City/County Municipal Building. Northern Swatara Watershed and Sweet Arrow Lake Report: Denise Donmoyer—events posted at www.SweetArrowLakePark.com . Stocking for the first day of trout on March 31. Stop by the Lake for breakfast between 6AM and 10PM. SAL received a grant to run a Nature Day Camp for fourth graders. Quittie Creek and Park Report: Ann Lasky reports that trout will also be stocked in the Quittie in Cleona. Gingrich is considering a trail easement, and Todd will be approached for an easement too. Cleanups will take place March 24 and 31. Swatara Sojourn. Title “The Ultimate Water Park”, Sojourn. Shore support: Laurie Andrews, Jack Stauffer, Nick Zimmerman. Hitches and moving the canoes: Dick Blouch, Tom Embich, Fred Folmer, Dave Wentling. On a motion by Bob and Fred, SWA will purchase van insurance at a cost of $29/day ($120/van total with a $250 deductible or $370 if there’s a mishap). Food: Dick and June Blouch breakfast, Ann and David Lasky pizza, The Pot Pie from Ono Fire Company. Betty and George Seaman’s Subs for lunch Saturday, George photographer. Nick also volunteered to take some footage. Jo Ellen contacted Weidle’s for a dumpster. Arnold will give a talk on portage safety. Ketterings will get a reprieve this year. GLRA will also help to haul trash. Signed up for Great PA Cleanup. POWR grant submitted. Hershey Highmeadow Campground on board. Check if there’s electricity at the new pavilion. Middletown contacted. Indian Echo Caverns will partner with the pavilion A Dick/Walt motion passed to reimburse Jo Ellen for last year’s mishap. Swatara State Park: Kinsley Construction is doing a fine job. The Sand Siding Trail and bridge area are cleared of trees; excavation and pouring of concrete for the piers are underway. Culverts along the Rail Trail and Old State Road are being replaced and/or cleaned out. Grading at the Lickdale Trailhead will begin soon. Items which impact the operations of the park are: Areas under construction and therefore closed to all users: Rail Trail between Gold Mine Road and Swopes Valley; Old State Road; and Lickdale Trailhead. Water Trail Users: A causeway has been placed across Swatara Creek downstream from “the Steps”/Sand Siding. Signs designating a portage route are in place. Boat access on Old State Road near Swopes Valley Road may not be open based on construction. Please pay attention to barricades and “Road Closed” signs. If they are up, even moved to the side, the road is closed to general public. Friends of Swatara State Park will hold a general membership meeting at 7pm on Monday April 2 at Twin Grove Campground Lodge. It is an opportunity for individuals to learn about projects currently underway to improve the park and educational/recreational opportunities. A Vernal Pool Walk, lead by Richard Light, is scheduled for Saturday March 10, 3pm. Meet at the State Park Lane Trailhead. All welcome at either event. Swatara Watershed Park: Our ‘mortgage’ stands at $_35,543.13__. Still waiting to hear from FEMA/PEMA. Ø Canoe registrations – Tom reviewing Ø Trailer wiring and packing of bearings – Jo Ellen will call Cal Boyer to see if he can work on the trailers. Dick is willing to tow the trailers to Cleona. Ø Camper renewals – Jo Ellen will prepare for mailing. Ø Gate – Tom will look at Tractor Supply. Denise Donmoyer donated 42.5 hours.
Union Township Farm:
SWA is requested to sign a
Conservation easement for a
300 foot buffer around wetland 1 as well as the Conservation Easement Document
that names the Association as the Holder of the Conservation Easement. This
document is the last piece before Camp can start construction of the project.
The Army Corp requires the Easement be recorded prior to the start of
construction and construction should start the beginning of May. I apologize
for the short notice and the fire drill but I am coming into this a little late
and was not aware that everything had not been worked out. Per
Brian W. Reisinger, P.E., the log cabin and barn would be
donated after the development takes place.
After a lengthy discussion, it was moved by Fred and Tom to ask George Gress if
he had or would complete an assessment of the current condition of the wetland,
including the state of any invasive species; ask Attorney Henry’s office to
review the easement agreement to determine if SWA would be a watchdog to
annually report problems to the owner, DEP and the Army Corps of Engineers; ask
the Conservancy if they’d like to partner on this project. 1. Emily L. Tilley owns the property and any decision about it is up to her. The $16,000 appraisal of the land with the lock on it is an independent appraisal done by Frank Tomecek Real Estate Services August 2010 and is not an asking price. 2. It is understood that a survey of the land and appraisals of the property must be done eventually but the facts are clear enough without these formalities to use for preliminary planning. Please note the following: a. Tracts 1 through 5 from Emily’s deed are marked with numbers. i. Tract 4 is where the house (H) is located and does not contain any part of the lock. ii. Tracts 3 and 5 are the two on which the lock is located. iii. Tracts 1 and 2 are located along the Swatara north of the lock and its towpath. b. The Garage (G) burned about two years ago and is no longer present on Tract 5 (It burned before Mr. Tomecek’s assessment). c. Any sale of land would involve all parts of the lock (tracts 3 & 5). Steve Swatara Water Trail: SRBC: . West Lebanon Township: Still cooperating with DEP to research the source of pollution. Other: Next Meeting: April 4, 9:30AM work day at Swatara Watershed Park March 9, 10AM, Congressman Gerlach will be at the Ag Center, 2120 Cornwall Rd., Lebanon A special meeting may also be called to discuss and vote upon the wetlands at Logistics Park. February 1, 2012 Attendance: Bob Arnold, Richard Blouch, June Blouch, Fred Folmer, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz and Jack Stauffer. Business : American Water-George Cradic: SWA received a grant application. Border Cabin-You cannot drive into the cabin from the north, but can walk or ride a bicycle. Park your car at the Appalachian Trail Bridge. Marking on Interstate 81 is 95.1 going South. Can park your car, and walk down the hill. Conservancy- Dick Blouch reported that they had a stand at the Balogna Fest where they sold coffee. Blouch’s thought it might be good publicity for SWA to get a stand next year. Jo Ellen met with Stephanie DiVitorre on purchase of a Union Canal lock. Conservation District-Stephanie Harmon- Hopes to present at a future meeting. Her child was ill. Donations /Bequests/Financial Floods/Droughts: EMA conducted a TSLee debriefing. Made application for disaster assistance to Fema and Pema for the Swatara Watershed Park. We received an estimate from Woodland Contractors for $14,800 to repair the Boat ramp. Little Swatara-Fred Folmer-Collecting addresses of people who live along the Little Swatara, and getting ready to form the Little Swatara Watershed Association. They can use the Bethel twp. Building for meetings; might need and issue to grab the interest of the people along the Creek. MS4-Matt Royer is re-starting the “Land and Water resources “ group. Through Penn State, interns are being offered, and an application was submitted for the Swatara Watershed Association. Northern Swatara/Denise Donmoyer. Quittie Creek Nature Park- Ann Lasky. Reported that the Quittie Park heard from DCNR, and they are to receive their grant for 31,000 (approx.) They have much clean up to do on the land, and would like to make and access opening to Route 422 across from Hoss’s restaurant. Swatara Sojourn. Title “The Ultimate Water Park”, Sojourn. Shore support: Laurie Andrews, Jack Stauffer. Hitches and moving the canoes: Dick Blouch, Fred Folmer, Dave Wentling. Food: Dick and June Bouch breakfast, Ann and David Lasky pizza, The Pot Pie from Ono Fire Company. Jo Ellen will contact Betty and George to see if they want to do Seaman’s Subs for lunch Saturday, and if George wants to be the photographer again. Jo Ellen will contact Weidle’s trash pickup for a dumpster. Arnold will give a talk on portage safety. A tire run may have to be to Ketterings on Saturday. Jack and Jo Ellen work on taking remaining tires for recycling on Monday, return the van to Mease Motors and trailer to UHaul. Swatara State Park- Article in the Lebanon Daily News that construction is taking place in the park. Swatara Watershed Park. Mortgage is presently: $35,811.92. SWA is working with Harry Fox for a possible Car show in 2012. West Lebanon-Source of well pollution being verified. Other: SWA unsuccessfully applied for an advertizing ZIP grant from the Lebanon Daily News. Next meeting: Thursday, March 8. The normal meeting date is the Women’s Hall of Fame luncheon. The April meeting will be the 4th and we will clean up Swatara Watershed Park. Dates: Day of Caring : April 28 Minutes submitted by Ann Lasky Swatara Watershed Association January 4, 2012 In attendance: Dick & June Blouch, Tom Embich, Fred Folmer, Ann Lasky, Jo Ellen Litz, Jack Stouffer. Business: American Water: George Cradic per Embich—In 2012, chlorine will be added to drinking water. Bordner Cabin: Road is Closed. Chesapeake Bay: From PA DEP on PA’s Draft Phase 2 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan. Please take advantage of the 12/17–1/30 comment period. http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/chesapeake_bay_program/10513 Conservancy: Dick Blouch – Experiencing a transition with a new administrative assistant and treasurer as well as three new board members. Conservation Districts: Stephanie Harmon – Donations and Bequests & Financial: Donations from S&S Wildlife Control; Ann Lasky; and dues from Sharon Grumbein, Trexlertown. On a motion by Embich/Lasky, Fred Folmer was elected as secretary. Eagle Scouts: FIG: Floods, Droughts: 245 parcels along the Swatara in Lebanon County. Little Swatara: Fred Folmer -- Marcellus: Science is looking at a correlation to fracking with 4.0 earthquakes in Ohio. MS4 (storm water): Next meeting on January 24 at South Lebanon Township. Northern Swatara Watershed and Sweet Arrow Lake Report: Denise Donmoyer—events posted at www.SweetArrowLakePark.com . Quittie Creek and Park Report: Ann Lasky reported that they were successful at acquiring a DCNR grant for the Smith property. Swatara State Park: Angel Croll The project was awarded and work has commenced. Anticipated completion date is July 2012 barring any unforeseen issues. Ø Scope of work: 3 parking areas- Waterville bridge, Lickdale, Trout Run, and Swopes Valley (no restrooms) 2 pedestrian bridges- Rail Trail over Mill Creek and Sand Siding (downstream) over Swatara Creek Trail work- rail trail between Gold Mine Rd and Swopes Valley Rd and Old State Road (Bear Hole Trail) between Waterville Bridge and Swopes Valley Road Ø Work trailers and staging area is located off Swopes Valley Road near Old State Road. Old State Road remains accessible to the public by vehicle from Swopes Valley to the fossil site; by foot or bicycle between fossil site and Waterville bridge. If you or a designee would like access to the cabin, please let me know and I will make arrangements. Ø Encourage folks to check Swatara State Park’s web page for advisories regarding accessibility to park trails. This is important to boaters as the Sand Siding bridge will impact the water trail. Aids to Navigation signs will direct boaters around the causeway which will block normal passage along the Swatara. When safety requires, areas of the park will be closed to visitors. Ø PA Fish & Boat Commission passed regulations for small watercraft. Any person in a canoe, kayak, or boat 16 feet or less are required to wear a personal floatation device between Nov. 1 and April 30. They hope to decrease the number of deaths caused by hypothermia. Swatara Watershed Park: Our ‘mortgage’ stands at $_36,079.42__. Ø Embich has a few months off from teaching, and has offered to coordinate cleanup of the Park. Volunteers can help to clean up litter; elevate the shed to keep it from freezing into the ground; reassemble a picnic table that broken in the flood; retrieve a few other tables that have been inaccessible due to swamp like conditions; letter canoes with registration numbers. Ø Campers were asked to cooperate to remove flood debris from their sites. Ø As a follow-up to a meeting with FEMA/PEMA on December 16 at 10AM, on a Stouffer/Lasky motion, a resolution appointing Litz as SWAs designated agent to execute for and in behalf of SWA, a public entity established under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all required forms and documents for the purpose of obtaining financial assistance under the Robert T Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, passed unanimously. Members present signed as witnesses. Ø On December 27, Field Inspector Lynn Steincamp LV visited Swatara Watershed Park to inspect TS Lee damage. Water Works: Union Canal Lock property cards and a GIS aerial map were reviewed. The property owner was asked if two lots are being offered to encompass the entire lock. Blouch will further engage the Conservancy as possible partners if the project moves forward. Swatara Water Trail: SRBC: . West Lebanon Township: Still cooperating with DEP to research the source of pollution. Other: Ø Since a fire, John Worrilow has moved to 158 Hearthstone Lane, Lebanon 17042. He is also trying to get his home treated from flooding so that he can move back into it. Ø Lebanon County’s Long Term Disaster Recover Group is helping people affect by TS Lee flooding. Mary Ann LeVan is leading a team to call people on FEMAs registration list to inquire about any unmet needs. If you or someone you know has unmet needs, call 717 376 0128 and leave your name, phone and case numbers assigned by FEMA. Next Meeting: February 1, 9:30AM; Guest Speaker Steph Harmon
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