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Cheat Canyon Preservation --- Public Announcement Today
by Duane 13 Apr '14

13 Apr '14

Cheat Canyon Preserved for Future Generations, April 13, 2014 By REBECCA OLSAVSKY - Staff Writer , The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register Tucked away in the rocks of north-central West Virginia is the secret to a multi-million dollar conservation effort - a "threetooth" snail that actually has just one tooth. Cheat Canyon, the only place on Earth the Cheat threetooth snail calls home, will be protected for future generations by a conservation partnership that includes The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The snail is federally listed as a threatened species. The groups announced the partnership on Thursday. When the $7 million project is completed, it will conserve most of the canyon not already included in Cooper's Rock State Forest and Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. Article Photos Photo by Rebecca Olsavsky --- Rodney Bartgis, West Virginia director for The Nature Conservancy, overlooks Cheat River from the Allegheny Trail. The canyon, a deep gorge through which the Cheat River flows between Rowlesburg in Preston County to Cheat Lake in Monongalia County, is a popular whitewater rafting destination and home to diverse wildlife such as the endangered Indiana bat. Within the Cheat, the threatened threetooth snail lives in deep, cool rocky habitats often identifiable by their coverage from rhododendrons. WVDNR Wildlife Specialist Craig Stihler said the snail's name can be misleading - it has one tooth on its shell, not three. The tooth keeps snail-eating beetles from pulling the creature out of its protective flat shell. Stihler said the quarter-sized Cheat threetooth snail never ventures more than a meter - a little more than 3 feet - from its habitat. Acquiring a 7-mile stretch of one of West Virginia's most iconic landscapes turned out to be no small feat, as there have been various conservation efforts under way since 1976. This particular effort has been in the works for the past five years. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund acquired 3,800 acres along the Cheat River. The Conservation Fund negotiated the purchase from The Forestland Group, a timber investment firm that currently owns the property. The Nature Conservancy is providing $3 million in private funding and is acquiring 2,300 acres of the property, and will retain 1,300 acres as the new Charlotte Ryde Nature Preserve, funded from a bequest from the estate of Charlotte Ryde. The DNR will acquire the remaining acreage - about 2,500 acres - to complement existing public recreation lands on the lower Cheat River. Additional funding comes from money dedicated for land conservation from the West Virginia Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund, a $1.5 million grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, and $400,000 from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. "Private, state and federal funds used for conservation not only leverage each other; they also reflect the national significance of the state's land, water and wildlife resources, the commitment of West Virginia's citizens through our public investment in our 'Wild and Wonderful' outdoors, and the creativity to bring together various partners to go the distance and reach this milestone," said Reggie Hall, West Virginia state director for The Conservation Fund. Hall thanked Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin for recognizing the value of the landscape to West Virginians. "We are very lucky that a lot of things came together," added Rodney Bartgis, state director of The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia. Bartgis believes without the Cheat threetooth snail's need for protection, gathering the proper funding for the project would have proven near impossible. Curtis Taylor, chief of the WVDNR Wildlife Resources Section, said every management decision the group makes moving forward will center on the question, "Is this good or bad for the snail?" Along with working to protect the snail's habitat, the groups also are considering a plan to re-open a section of the Allegheny Trail that had been turned into a logging road. "It's not a matter of opening a gate," Bartgis said, citing trail uses, safety regulations and funding terms as items to consider beyond maintaining the snail's habitat. In terms of connecting the trail to the Cheat River, the groups are treading carefully on the idea of developing additional put-ins or take-outs for fishermen and whitewater rafters to have increased access to the water. Steve Brown, stream restoration program administrator for the DNR, said there are limited places for such access. One possible spot, located between the rapids of Big Nasty and Even Nastier, already shows the remains of a path to the river. Plus, the access point doesn't feature a prime snail habitat. The river, having dealt with mine drainage over the years, is steadily recovering because of the decades of work and millions of dollars in investments by local people, state agencies, and groups such as Friends of the Cheat. Friends of the Cheat Executive Director Amanda Pitzer believes the true sign of success is when visitors can walk down to the river and catch a fish. As a population of smallmouth bass is growing as a result of investments to improve water quality, Pitzer's vision of success is becoming a reality. "Over 20 years we've worked with many partners. We're seeing the Cheat River come back," Pitzer said about efforts to mitigate the acid mining drainage problem. "The water quality is only going to get better." Although Bartgis emphasized "there's a fair amount of work to go," the Cheat Canyon conservation partnership is ready to progress carefully with projects that will conserve the area for wildlife to live and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy - even if it moves at a snail's pace. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NOTE: CLEAR has been one of the leaders over the past 10 or more years to preserve the Cheat snail and Indiana bat in the Cheat Canyon. And, CLEAR has been an active participant in efforts to bring this Canyon into the public domain, including a routing there for the Allegheny Trail.

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Historic News - Cheat Canyon Preserved!
by Duane 13 Apr '14

13 Apr '14

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7645dc68a8b480ac656568dea&id=ab2af6bc8d… CHEAT CANYON PRESERVED! Some 3,836 acres of the iconic Cheat River Canyon have been purchased by The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy for preservation, and ultimately, public use and enjoyment. Their action will protect a seven-mile stretch of the Cheat River, and most of the Canyon not already included in Cooper’s Rock State Forest and Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area. Finally, after 20 years and a few unsuccessful attempts, the land will now be protected forever! The Canyon has been a target for conservation since 1976. The Nature Conservancy has identified the Cheat River as one of the most ecologically intact rivers in the Central Appalachians. There are no dams in the Cheat River main stem and none of the watershed’s major tributaries are dammed. The river is connected to a well-forested floodplain, and the vast majority of the watershed’s headwaters are part of the Monongahela National Forest complex. Improvements in water quality over the past 20 years have resulted in a recovered fishery and fish can once again be found throughout the entire Cheat Canyon. Hopefully, this is a step towards reviving interest in the Canyon’s world-class whitewater, and re-opening the section of the Allegheny Trail that runs through the Canyon. The Allegheny Trail is 330 mile north-south trail through WV, which connects to the Appalachian Trail at the VA-WV border. When complete, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will manage all 3,800 acres as a component of its Wildlife Management Area system and as a complement to the complex of public recreation lands on the lower Cheat River. This accomplishment is a landmark event for all parties involved over the last two decades. Important staff at The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy include Rodney Bartgis and Beth Wheatley. Press on this historic sale The Charleston Gazette article includes a really neat flyover of the property. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NOTE: It is time to acknowledge the longstanding work of Ken Hotopp, conservation biologist, for his studies and advocacy to protect the Cheat Canyon and its natural habitat in the 1990’s. And, of great importance was the work of Charlie Wallbridge and many others in 2002 to promote public access and public ownership in the Cheat Canyon. The Cheat Lake Environment & Recreation Association (CLEAR) has been one of the leaders over the past 10 or more years to preserve the Cheat snail and Indiana bat in the Cheat Canyon, including the legal action filed on April 6, 2005 shown below. And, CLEAR has been an active participant in efforts to bring this Canyon into the public domain, including a routing there for the Allegheny Trail. PROTECTING NATURAL HABITAT: CLEAR et al. v. Allegheny Wood Products, Inc. Case Number: 1:2005cv00061, April 6, 2005 Court: U.S. Northern WV District Court Presiding Judge: Frederick P. Stamp The Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association, the Friends of Blackwater, and the Sierra Club of WV brought suit against Allegheny Wood Products, a timber company, concerning the company’s logging activities in Cheat River Canyon, West Virginia, which harm the endangered Indiana bat and the threatened flat-spired three toothed-land snail — an extremely rare species known to occur in the Cheat River Canyon — in violation of Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act. The parties entered into a settlement agreement in February 2007, under which AWP agreed to set aside permanent reserve areas as habitat for the snail; to engage in a collaborative scientific process to identify and protect additional snail habitat; and to adopt measures for minimizing impacts on the Indiana bat.

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CHEAT FEST, MAY 3, 2014
by Duane 12 Apr '14

12 Apr '14

From: Amanda Pitzer [mailto:amanda@cheat.org] Sent: Friday, April 11, 2014 To: Cc: Cheat River Festival Subject: Non-profits, agencies, advocacy groups presence at the Cheat River Festival Please share this announcement with partners and colleagues: Friends of the Cheat's 20th Cheat River Festival is set for Saturday, May 3rd. Last year we welcomed over 3,300 music lovers, paddlers, trail users, green thinkers, and community members of all ages (including hundreds of kids!) through our gates. Join us for a very special Cheat Fest and promote your work, group, or cause! Each year, Friends of the Cheat invites non-profit organizations who share FOC’s vision to participate in Cheat Fest as part of our non-profit tent. We wish to inform the public about the progress being made to restore the watershed, and introduce them to other groups working to restore the environment, preserve green space, foster community development, and revitalize the region. Interested in representing your organization at the 20th Annual Cheat Fest? Please complete and return our registration form: 2014 Cheat Fest Non-Profit Tent Registration We ask that participating non-profits donate $10 to Friends of the Cheat to help cover the expense of the tent. Alternatively, we welcome (and encourage!) donations to our silent auction. Each registered non-profit group receives two free festival passes and the privilege of onsite camping. Full details are outlined in the registration form. Questions? Please contact Emma Donovan at cheatfest(a)cheat.org or 304.441.1670. We look forward to having you at the festival! -- Amanda J. Pitzer, Executive Director, Friends of the Cheat, www.cheat.org Working to restore, preserve, and protect the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River watershed since 1994. CLEAR was formed in 1990. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535, www.FrackCheckWV.net

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Hikers Rescued by W.Va. Responders - Firehouse
by Duane 09 Apr '14

09 Apr '14

http://www.firehouse.com/news/11385743/hikers-rescued-by-wva-responders Hikers Rescued by W.Va. Responders Conor Griffith, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, WV, April 8, 2014 Crews used vertical rescue equipment during the operation. April 08--Firefighters rescued three hikers Monday morning in Coopers Rock State Forest. They had been unable to make it out of the forest for 11 hours. Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jason Christopher said five people from Kentucky were visiting the park and three of them decided to hike from the main overlook to Cheat River below. Rescuers were called to help in the search at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday. All the hikers had been rescued by 8 a.m. Monday. "At some point going down, they just got exhausted and couldn't get back up," Christopher said. "It's about a mile down there." One of the group who stayed back flagged down a park ranger and said her friends had been gone for too long, Christopher said, adding the hikers were unfamiliar with the area. Firefighters from Morgantown, Brookhaven and Masontown were called, along with Mon EMS. "In the end, we decided it was easier to take them down to the river than try and go back up. It was really steep," Christopher said. Vertical rescue equipment -- rappel ropes, harnesses and rescue baskets -- was used during the rescue. Masontown and Morgantown fire crews launched rescue boats, which brought the hikers to the marina at Mont Chateau Road. Dan Luzier, chief of the Masontown VFD, said all three were accounted for by 8 a.m., when crews began to clear the scene. "They were a lot farther out than anybody realized," Luzier said. "There were a lot of hazards with the cliffs and rocks rolling down as we worked through the night." Luzier said his department got the call at 9:42 p.m. Sunday. The names of the hikers were not released Monday, but Morgantown Fire Department Chief Mark Caravasos said one of them was a juvenile. "They were definitely not dressed appropriately," he said, adding the juvenile hiker was wearing flip-flops. He said the rescue took so long due to the nature of the task -- getting enough ropes down the steep hill to reach the hikers. They were found between 400 to 600 yards below the overlook. All three were exposed to the cold through the night, but did not say if any suffered hypothermia. Christopher said one of them suffered a shoulder injury as a result of a fall.

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<CLEAR> Recovery of Cheat Lake . .. ...
by Duane330＠aol.com 08 Apr '14

08 Apr '14

Recovery of Cheat Lake By Frank Jernejcic and Dave Wellman A Success Story For most people, their first and only view of Cheat Lake occurs while crossing the Interstate 68 bridge east of Morgantown. Most interstate travelers do not realize that the majority of the picturesque lake’s 1,730 acres lie out of sight north of the bridge. Only four other lakes in the Mountain State are larger. The maximum depth is about 90 feet near the dam, while the depth under the I-68 bridge is eight to 20 feet. Historically, water quality throughout the Cheat River watershed has been negatively impacted by acid mine drainage (AMD) and Cheat Lake has served as a catch basin for highly acidic water. Cheat Lake is recovering from 80 years of AMD impacts, and anglers are experiencing the rebirth of a fishery. Acid mine pollution has reduced the productivity of the lake and its fish populations ever since this man-made impoundment was created. Various fishery surveys in the lake throughout the years revealed a meager fish population characteristic of waters severely impacted by AMD. As a result, biologists did not attempt fishery management activities in the lake until the early 1990s. Concerned citizens formed The Friends of the Cheat (FOC) watershed group in the spring of 1994 in response to a significant AMD blowout from an underground coal mine that had been closed recently. The founders immediately recognized that the scope of the AMD problem in the watershed extended far beyond this single catastrophe, and that all available resources would need to be coordinated to achieve a solution. Consequently, their efforts led to the formation in 1995 of the River of Promise (ROP) task force composed of local, state and federal government agencies, private industry, academia, and conservation organizations. Meeting quarterly and chaired by FOC members, the ROP task force initiates, monitors and coordinates AMD remediation projects throughout the watershed. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< see the main article for the full article here >>>>>>>>>>> Unfortunately, events in May 2009, and to a lesser extent in November 2009, illustrate Cheat Lake’s continued vulnerability to AMD inflows. The pH throughout Cheat Lake fell below 6.0 while Cheat River entering the lake experienced pH values less than 6.0 for almost the entire month of May. The pH depressions indicated that acid sources from mine drainage and/or acid precipitation still negatively impact Cheat Lake. Fortunately, no dead fish were observed during these events, nor was fishing obviously affected. The lake’s large volume of good quality water was able to dilute the lower quality inflow during those events. The continued recovery of Cheat Lake fish populations and the development of a new tailwater fishery are dependent upon the maintenance of good water quality in the lake. The recent water quality improvements are related to a reduction of acid mine drainage entering the lake. The cause of such a reduction has not been documented, so it is not certain if the situation is permanent. Fish populations and water quality will be monitored in the lake and in the Cheat River above and below the lake to determine the future of fishing in these waters. West Virginia’s anglers are optimistic that the future of fishing in Cheat Lake will remain positive. Frank Jernejcic is the District Fisheries Biologist and Dave Wellman is the Assistant District Fisheries Biologist stationed in the WV-DNR Farmington office. SOURCE: http://www.wvdnr.gov/wildlife/magazine/archive/11Spring/Recovery%20of%20Che…

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Improved Debris Management Implemented at Lake Lynn Dam
by Duane 07 Apr '14

07 Apr '14

Hydro Review: Improving Debris Management at Lake Lynn Dam, 04/01/2013 Personnel safety, cost, efficiency and effectiveness were all determining factors when the operators of Lake Lynn Dam and its associated 51.2-MW powerhouse sought a solution to improve debris management practices. The new solution has prevented mechanical failures and reduction in spillway capacity. By Stefan Schadinger, Bryce Mochrie, Andrew Datsko and Jacob Vozel Lake Lynn Dam in West Virginia has a history of debris buildup around the spillway gates dating back to initial operation. A particularly telling incident was a 1985 flood, when almost all of the 26 spillway gates were partially blocked by debris. The significant amount of large debris reduced the spillway capacity, raised the reservoir level and flooded the powerhouse. The accumulation of debris during high flows is a potential failure mode for this facility, reducing spillway capacity and leading to higher flood elevations, potentially causing stability problems for the dam. Lake Lynn Dam is a 125-foot-high, 1,000-foot-long concrete structure located on the Cheat River in West Virginia that consists of an integral intake/powerhouse, a gated spillway, and two concrete bulkheads. The dam is presently owned and operated by FirstEnergy Generation Corporation and has been generating hydroelectric power since construction was completed in 1926. As a result of the 1985 flood, Allegheny Energy (now FirstEnergy) determined that improved debris management was required. The existing practice was to let debris buildup behind the dam and pass it after the high water event. This practice resulted in the flood gates being partially plugged during high water and debris flows events. In addition plant personnel had to manually guide large debris through the existing debris gates due to the small size of these gates. Several potential debris management options were studied by the team of PB Power/Allegheny Energy (now FirstEnergy) engineering and Lake Lynn station operating personnel using the Six Sigma format, including installing debris control measures upstream of the project and revising gate operation procedures to redirect debris. This article discusses the results of these studies. The two existing trash gates were replaced by a single larger hydraulically operated hinged crest gate (supplied by SteelFab Inc. of Charlotte, N.C.), with an increased ability to flush trash and increased spillway capacity. A 1,000-foot-long Tuffboom log boom (supplied by Worthington Products Inc. of Canton, Ohio) was installed to direct debris to the new trash gate. The improved trash gate and installation of the log boom will mitigate the potential for upstream flooding due to the accumulation of debris at the spillway. Flood of 1985 The flood of record since the construction of Lake Lynn Dam occurred on Nov. 4-5, 1985, as a result of a significant rainfall event caused by tropical storm Juan passing through the watershed. The maximum headwater elevation associated with that flow was 876 feet, 2 feet above the powerhouse floor at the head gates and about 1 foot below the top of the parapet wall of the east bulkhead. Debris buildup reduced the dam's spillway capacity during this high-water flow period by about 35% from the theoretical flow, and 13 of the 26 tainter gates were almost fully blocked. Even though the dam did not overtop the the forebays, which are at a lower level than the top of the dam and were flooded, the flood still caused significant flood damage to the powerhouse. The entire powerhouse was flooded. Records show that it was out of service for four to six weeks before returning to limited operation, but the debris clean-up effort after the event lasted almost six months. Both the reservoir level and generation from the powerhouse generation were decreased during this time. This flood event at that time triggered Allegheny Energy Supply, now FirstEnergy, to perform a new probable maximum flood (PMF) analysis, which resulted in a higher PMF elevation for the structure. This subsequently required a revised stability analysis of all the structures to ensure that all Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements were met for Lake Lynn Dam, which is classified as a high-hazard-potential project. The 8th Part 12 Safety Inspection Report potential failure mode analysis (PFMA), a dam safety inspection performed every five years that the owners and their independent dam safety consultant submits to FERC, identified failure due to debris reducing spillway capacity as a potential failure mode for the Lake Lynn facility. This potential failure mode is described below: This potential failure mode involves debris, which accumulates during high flows. The debris blocks the gate openings reducing the gate discharges causing a reduced spillway capacity, leading to higher flood elevations (sooner and more severe overtopping), causing stability problems, leading to failure (PFMA report). As a result of the PFMA, it was determined by the Lake Lynn Part 12 review team that the debris management plan at Lake Lynn needed to be improved. Structural stress and damage, mechanical failures, and reduction in spillway capcacity have been avoided at Lake Lynn Dam and the connecting 51.2-MW powerhouse by improving the debris management system. Debris management plan Several debris management options were considered during the Six Sigma evaluation by the review team. The alternatives mostly focused on installing debris control measures upstream of the project and revising gate operation procedures. The proposed debris control measures upstream of the project considered an interceptor boom across the entire width of the reservoir upstream of the dam. The intent of this boom is to capture and retain all debris coming down the river at some upstream location, where it is then removed from the river and properly disposed. The disadvantages to this option were the potential for a concentrated raft of debris to be swept into the dam should a boom failure occur. Also, removing debris trapped upstream of the project at the boom location would be a large maintenance expense (estimated at about $200,000/year). Further, the location of the boom, potential flooding caused by floating debris from the reservoir at upstream locations, state environmental approval needed and public relations issues (since it would impact recreational use of the reservoir) in addition to the location of temporary disposal areas for collected debris were also disadvantages. Continuing to pass trash and debris through Lake Lynn Dam was considered, with alternatives to modify the existing trash gates. These were considered in addition to a wide range of options, including rebuilding the existing trash gates, replacing the trash gates at the present location or relocating the trash gates. The two existing gates are limited in their effectiveness for debris management because debris larger than 12 feet in length (much of the debris and debris rafts being passed is longer than this) which blocks the opening. Furthermore, station personnel cannot pass trash during high water events due to personnel safety hazards (such as being pulled off the work platform into the floating debris and reservoir and carried through the trash gate). Finally, debris often needs assistance to be redirected or guided such that it passes through the gates, and this requires personnel to work just above the water from a walkway on the upstream side of the deck. As you can imagine, this is a significant personnel safety concern. Further, the dam is suffering from the long-term effects of alkali-aggregate reactivity (AAR), meaning the trash gates cannot be lowered for about six months of the year due to binding. This condition, which affects both trash gates, is getting progressively worse with time and is the worst in the warmer summer season. When the trash gates cannot be used as required, plant personnel may have to attempt to pass trash through spillway gates. An extensive AAR evaluation - including available project information, especially recent field observations, measurements, and input from Lake Lynn personnel - was performed by engineering personnel. This evaluation extended to the powerhouse, spillway and abutments. The AAR growth at Lake Lynn results in equipment misalignment problems, including the turbine-generator units and the intake gates and trash gates, as well as significant concrete cracking and movement of the deck/piers and the powerhouse. To remediate some of the trash gate difficulties and inclination of the piers of the spillway, seven expansion joints were re-established by full deck depth slot cutting. Due to the build-up of sediment behind these existing flood gates, the gates became partially clogged during high water and debris flow events. Since this was implemented, significant relaxation (many inches) has been observed at the expansion joints and other monitoring points on the dam and powerhouse. Any new trash gate work was planned to begin at least two years after the expansion joint effort to allow for most of the expected acute relaxation to occur. The location, size and configuration of different trash gate options were considered. Rehabilitating the existing trash gates at the present location was eliminated as an alternative because of the poor condition of the existing gates. Replacing the existing gates with new gates at the present location was a feasible option, with two possibilities for gate configurations. The trash gates could be replaced with the same models, but this would not eliminate issues with the trash gate becoming blocked. This alternative also would not eliminate the personnel safety hazard. A single gate could be used to replace the existing trash gates, which would effectively double the width of the gate. Another option was to relocate the trash gates to the west side of Lake Lynn Dam, which is where the debris is pushed by the prevailing wind. This was the most expensive alternative of those explored. An issue with this alternative was the potential loss of some tainter gate flow-passing capability because two of these gates would be converted to a trash gate. Alternative chosen As a result of the study, the review team determined that the best alternative for debris management at Lake Lynn Dam includes replacing the existing trash gates with a new larger crest gate at the same location and installing a debris boom across the spillway section to help keep the tainter gates free of debris and maximize discharge capacity. The existing gates consist of two leaf slide gates, with the upper portion sliding down behind the lower portion, so at full open only half of the height to the crest allows water to discharge. The crest gate is hinged at the bottom and rotates downstream, allowing water to flow over it. It is operated using a hydraulic power unit that controls one cylinder position at one side of the gate. The gate has the ability to fully open (be positioned horizontally), which maximizes discharge. The construction, which was contracted to the Tarentum, Pennsylvia-based Joseph B. Fay Co., involved removal of the two existing 12-foot-wide trash gates, gate house, 3-foot-wide concrete piers between the gates, and concrete deck spanning between piers one and three. The two trash bays were separated by a center wall running the length of the spillway. An engineering evaluation was performed by the PB Power and the FirstEnergy project team that showed that although its more expensive, it was beneficial to remove the wall over the full length versus a partial removal to ensure that debris did not back up behind it. The two existing trash gates were replaced by a single 27-foot-wide hydraulically operated crest gate fabricated by SteelFab. The wider crest gate has additional capacity to pass trash, can better pass oversized debris than the existing narrower gates, and has additional hydraulic capacity. The new sediment solution included the installation of a single trash gate with an increased ability to flush away debris, resulting in increased spillway capacity. During removal of the existing gates, demolition of the concrete pier, installation of the crest gate, and installation of new stoplogs was required to span the 30-foot center-to-center width between the upstream faces of the piers on either side of the trash bay to dewater the area and provide safe access for construction personnel. In addition, new stoplogs were also required once the crest gate was installed that would span the 27-foot span inside of the piers within the stoplog slot. The stoplogs were designed to be used for both the temporary and permanent conditions and were built to fit within the stop log slots between pier 1 and 3. Temporary stoplog extensions were bolted to the permanent stoplog to seal against the upstream concrete face of the piers. However, the upstream faces of the concrete piers were not aligned, and the concrete bowed upstream by many inches below the crest. This rendered conventional gate seals or compressible rubber problematic due to their inability to contour to the very irregular surface. The project used grout socks, which were installed by divers after the stoplogs were positioned to provide additional sealing surface. This method resulted in stoplogs that sealed well. Steel brackets were installed on the upstream face of the piers on which the stoplogs sit. At the completion of construction, the extensions were removed and the stoplogs stored for permanent use at Lake Lynn Dam. A structural steel storage rack on the deck was designed to support the stoplogs when not in use. A steel structural frame is located on the deck to support two hoists to maneuver the stoplogs from the storage rack into place in the stoplog slots, as well as the storage rack. The storage rack and frame will also support grating to replace the concrete deck that will be removed. The access to the upstream side of the dam will also be revised based on the new structural frame and deck. The frame consists of steel beams beneath columns spanning between the concrete of piers 1 and 3 and steel columns to support the hoists. Because of the known AAR expansion problem at Lake Lynn Dam, the frame was designed with oversized slotted holes at the base plate connection of all beams on the powerhouse side. Thus the frame will be able to accommodate horizontal movement of the concrete piers due to AAR growth. During the demolition effort, the top of pier 1 separated from the powerhouse wall by about ¾ inch as soon as the deck moved due to the relaxation of built-up AAR forces. A 1,000-foot-long Tuffboom trash boom was installed, spanning from the spillway back to the west shoreline. This trash boom was anchored into a massive concrete block supported on a drilled concrete caisson foundation. The trash boom will help deflect debris toward the new trash gate and away from the tainter gates. Based on operating experience learned from the CEATI HPLIG (Hydraulic Plant Life Interest Group), a deflector shield was also included as part of this project, because the trash gate is located directly adjacent to the side wall of the powerhouse, which consists of a brick wall with some windows on the dam spillway side of the new trash gate. The deflector shield protects the powerhouse from the spray of water coming off the trash gate and from the anticipated large trees with limbs that will be passing as part of the debris during high flow events. Similarly, the new upstream walkway, which provides access to the upstream side of the new trash gate, was designed as a debris barrier to protect the deck, stoplogs and hoist frame from large trees and other debris that had previously caused damaged to the former trash gatehouse. Conclusion After a careful study of many options to improve debris management at Lake Lynn Dam, an alternative was chosen based on personnel safety, total life cycle construction and operating cost, effectiveness to pass trash and debris, and licensing and environmental concerns. The chosen alternative reduces the risk of the potential failure mode related to the trash gate and tainter gates becoming blocked by debris and therefore resulting in a reduction in the spillway capacity. The project was completed during the fourth quarter of 2012. Initial operating results have found that all of the objectives of this projects have been achieved. The successful execution of the project required extensive coordination and cooperation among Allegheny Energy Supply (now FirstEnergy), FERC and PB Power. The new gate should reduce the upstream flood potential due to the additional capacity to pass trash and larger debris. The addition of the trash boom also should prevent the tainter gates from becoming blocked. The new trash boom deflects debris towards the trash gate so that it will be passed through the dam. Stefan Schadinger is lead engineer and Bryce Mochrie is senior project engineer at PB Power, which played a role in engineering evaluations. Andrew Datsko is manager and Jacob Vozel is an engineer at FirstEnergy, which owns the 51.2-MW Lake Lynn project.

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11 Amazing Women Who Made Wilderness Conservation History | EcoWatch
by Duane 30 Mar '14

30 Mar '14

http://ecowatch.com/2014/03/26/women-made-wilderness-conservation-history/ 11 Amazing Women Who Made Wilderness Conservation History The Wilderness Society, March 26, 2014 Often working in the shadows of better-known male conservationists, female conservation leaders helped drive the twentieth century conservation movement. In celebration of Women’s History Month, here are 11 of those women who have made a difference to America’s wild lands: 1. Margaret “Mardy” Murie (1902—2003) Mardy Murie worked hand-in-hand with her husband Olaus Murie to accomplish important wilderness victories like the establishment and expansion of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mardy Murie witnessed first-hand the signing of the Wilderness Act fifty years ago. She continued to fight for wilderness until her death at age 101 in 2003. Mardy and Olaus Murie at their home, Grand Tetons, 1953. Photo credit: Wikimedia commons “I hope the United States of America is not so rich that she can afford to let these wildernesses pass by, or so poor she cannot afford to keep them,” Murie once said. 2. Celia Hunter (1910—2001) Celia Hunter fought alongside Mardy and Olaus Murie to safeguard the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and became the first female president of a national conservation organization—The Wilderness Society. She played a major role in the passage of legislation that protected over 100 million acres in Alaska. On her dying day she wrote a letter to Congress urging the protection of the Arctic Refuge from oil drilling. 3. Rachel Carson (1907—1964) Rachel Carson was employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1943, and resigned to continue her writing career in 1952. Her bestselling book Silent Spring remains a environmental classic for it raised public health concerns and highlighted the need for regulation, inspiring grassroots movements that led to the development of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There is a wildlife refuge named for her in Maine. Rachel Carson and Bob Hines conducting research, Atlantic coast, 1952. Photo credit: USFWS “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” 4. Terry Tempest Williams (1955— ) Terry Tempest Williams is a contemporary author who writes about wilderness. She received The Wilderness Society’s Robert Marshall Award in 2006, our highest honor given to citizens. When President Clinton dedicated Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah in 1996, he held up a book she’d edited—Testimony: Writers Speak On Behalf of Utah Wilderness—and said, “This made a difference.” 5. Hallie M. Daggett Hallie Daggett learned how to hunt, fish, ride, trap and shoot early in life, skills which served her well as the first woman employed by the Forest Service. She worked as a lookout for 15 years beginning in 1913 at Eddy’s Gulch Lookout Station atop Klamath Peak in California’s Klamath National Forest. It was almost a hundred years later before the Forest Service appointed their first female chief Abigail R. Kimbell in 2007. Hallie M. Daggett. Photo credit: USFS 6. Marjory Stoneman Douglas (1890—1998) Marjory Douglas worked to protect the Everglades and wrote the iconic book The Everglades: River of Grass in 1947—the year Everglades National Park was established. The park contains a wilderness areas named for her legacy. Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Florida, 1985. Photo credit: Wikimedia commons “It is a woman’s business to be interested in the environment,” said Douglas. “It’s an extended form of housekeeping.” 7. Herma Albertson Baggley (1896—1981) Herma Baggley was the first female naturalist who worked for the National Park Service. She was a pioneer in botany and natural education at Yellowstone National Park starting in 1929. She paved the way for Fran P. Mainella, who became the first woman director of the National Park Service in 2001. 8. Bethine Church (1923—2013) Bethine Church was as politically active as her husband U.S. Senator Frank Church—no small feat. Her husband sponsored the passage of the Wilderness Act 50 years ago, and she also supported the passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act four years later. In their home state of Idaho, they worked for the protection of Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Sawtooth Wilderness, and the now-named Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. 9. Rosalie Barrow Edge (1877—1962) Rosalie Edge was a suffragist and advocate for the preservation of birds. In 1934 she founded the first preserve for birds of prey at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in the Appalachian Mountains and she led campaigns to protect Olympic and Kings Canyon National Parks. Rosalie Barrow Edge. Photo credit: HawkMountain.org “The time to protect a species is while it is still common.” 10. Anne LaBastille (1935—2011) Anne LaBastille was an ecologist who authored scientific papers, popular articles and books like the Woodswoman series and Women of the Wilderness. She led backpacking and canoe trips in the Adirondacks as well as wilderness workshops and lectures. She also photographed the outdoors as part of the EPA’s Documerica project in the 1970s. 11. Mollie H. Beattie (1947—1996) Mollie Beattie was the first female director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In her short term there from 1993 to 1996, she oversaw the reintroduction of the gray wolf into the northern Rocky Mountains and the addition of 15 national wildlife refuges. A wilderness area is named for her in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Mollie Beattie. Photo credit: USFWS “In the long term, the economy and the environment are the same thing. If it’s unenvironmental it is uneconomical. That is the rule of nature.” Also, several federal lands preserve the legacies of American women and their lasting contributions, such as: Adams National Historic Site, MA (Abigail Adams), Clara Barton National Historic Site, Washington, D.C., Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site, NY, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, VA, Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, Washington, D.C., Sewall-Belmont House National Historic Site, Washington, D.C. (Alice Paul), Whitman Mission National Historic Site, WA (Narcissa Prentiss Whitman). ——— Related Content: 10 Wilderness Protection Bills Stalled by Congress 10 National Parks You’ve Never Heard Of Wild Places Destroyed in the Name of Progresss

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Top 10 Ways to Help Birds This Spring | EcoWatch
by Duane 22 Mar '14

22 Mar '14

http://ecowatch.com/2014/03/20/10-ways-to-help-birds-this-spring/ Top 10 Ways to Help Birds This Spring American Bird Conservancy, EcoWatch.com, March 20, 2014 Despite persistent late-occurring snowstorms, average temperatures are starting to climb, soon to be followed by the most deadly period of the year for birds: springtime. Although spring means new life and hope to many people, billions of birds face the tribulations of a perilous migration followed shortly by breeding and the production of scores of newborn birds that will spend several highly vulnerable weeks as they grow and fledge. According to Dr. George Fenwick, president of American Bird Conservancy (ABC), “Spring is a deadly time for birds for three big reasons. Scientists estimate that 300 million to one billion birds die each year from collisions with buildings, many during arduous migrations in unfamiliar environments. Up to 50 million die from encounters with communication towers and up to six million may die each day from attacks by cats left outdoors. These deaths occur year-round, but many occur during spring and fall migration.” Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock “Some studies suggest that perhaps as many as half of all migrating birds do not make it back home,” he said, “succumbing to various threats on either end of the journey.” One in five Americans engage in bird watching, so after months of waiting for migrants to return, many people turn to emails, phone lines and social media to ask ABC a dozen variations on the same question: “How can I help the birds?” Here is our answer to that question, just in time for spring. The top 10 ways to help birds this spring are the following: 1. Keep your cat indoors. This is best for your cat as well as for the birds, as indoor cats live an average of three to seven times longer. Cats are responsible for an estimated 2.4 billion bird deaths each year. In the spring, young birds or nestlings often end up on the ground, attracting the fatal attention of a nearby cat. Ground nesting species that are especially vulnerable include Killdeer and Wood Thrush, but all baby birds—from ducks to warblers—will be on the ground for a critical period of time. 2. Prevent birds from hitting your windows. As many as one billion birds die each year after colliding with glass in buildings. You can reduce this problem at your home by applying a variety of window treatments. For example, ABC BirdTape is a proven solution that is inexpensive and long-lasting. (See a short video here.) Birds most prone to fatal collisions at home windows or glass doors include Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Wood Thrush. 3. Eliminate pesticides from your yard. Even those pesticides that are not directly toxic to birds can pollute waterways and reduce insects that birds rely on for food. For rodent control, seal cracks, remove food sources and use snap and electric traps rather than rodenticides, which can poison raptors such as hawks and owls as well as young children. And be sure not to garden with neonicotinoid-coated seeds, or neonics, which are lethal to songbirds as well as to bees and other invertebrates. Learn more here. 4. Buy organic food and drink Smithsonian-certified Bird Friendly Coffee. Going organic helps to reduce pesticide use on farms and increases the market for produce grown without the use of pesticides, which can be toxic to birds and other animals, and will help to reduce the use of these hazardous chemicals in the U.S. and overseas. Shade coffee farms have been shown to provide far superior habitat for birds than coffee grown in open sun. Buying coffee that is certified Bird Friendly is one of the easiest ways to help migratory birds. 5. Create backyard habitat using native plants. When you garden with plants that evolved in your local habitat, you supply native insects and their larvae with food, which in turn are an irreplaceable food source provided by birds to their nestlings. Yards both large and small can benefit birds and other wildlife. Create a diverse landscape by planting native grasses, flowers and shrubs that attract birds. You will be rewarded by their beauty and song, and will have fewer insect pests as a result. Read more here. 6. Reduce your carbon footprint. While all forms of energy use impact birds, small individual actions can add up and make a difference. Use a hand-pushed or electric lawnmower, carpool and use low-energy bulbs and Energy Star appliances. Less energy used means less habitat destroyed for energy production. 7. Donate old bird-watching equipment. Binoculars or spotting scopes will be appreciated by local bird watching groups—they can get them to schools or biologists in other countries who may not have the resources they need. More people studying birds means more voices for bird conservation! 8. Keep bird feeders and bird baths clean. If you feed the birds, make sure you aren’t accidentally allowing the spread of disease. Disinfect feeders and bird baths, and change water regularly or use a drip system to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. 9. Support bird-friendly legislation. U.S. policy makers frequently make decisions that affect birds. For example, decisions are now being made that will impact the survival of the imperiled Greater Sage-Grouse. By raising your voice, you can help to influence the outcome for birds on this and other important issues. 10. Join two bird conservation groups—a local one and American Bird Conservancy. Your support will provide needed dollars for bird conservation, enabling you to help achieve more than is possible through individual efforts. Membership also enables you to become more informed and involved in the issues you’re concerned about. “Protecting and helping birds is not only the right thing to do,” said Fenwick. “It is also good for the economy and the future of our environment. Birds are invaluable as controllers of insect pests, as pollinators of crops and as dispersers of native plant seeds. They also generate tremendous economic revenues through the pastimes of bird feeding and bird watching.” A federal government study reports that about 20 percent of the U.S. population—47 million people—participates in bird watching. About 30 percent of all people over 55 enjoy this pursuit. About 40 percent of birders (18 million people) actually travel to see birds and spend about $41 billion annually in pursuit of their pastime. The top five birdwatching states by percentage of total population are: Vermont (39 percent), Wisconsin (33 percent), West Virginia (33 percent), Wyoming (31 percent) and Alaska (30 percent). The states with the greatest raw number of birders are: California (4.9 million), New York (3.3 million), Florida (3.0 million), Pennsylvania (2.7 million), and Texas (2.3 million). Visit EcoWatch’s TIPS and BIODIVERSITY pages for more related news on this topic. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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Could This Winter’s Harsh Weather Wipe Out Invasive Insects? | EcoWatch
by Duane 04 Mar '14

04 Mar '14

http://ecowatch.com/2014/03/04/winters-weather-wipe-out-invasive-insects/ Could This Winter’s Harsh Weather Wipe Out Invasive Insects? From Yale Environment 360 | March 4, 2014 As a frigid winter takes a toll on the U.S. and Canada, invasive insect populations are also taking a hit. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that up to 80 percent of emerald ash borers, which have been decimating ash tree populations, were killed by long stretches of bitter cold in the the upper Midwest this year. Damage on ash tree from an emerald ash borer. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons Several other insect pests, many of which have migrated northward because of milder winters in recent years, also are faring poorly this winter, including corn earworms and gypsy moths. Researchers remain skeptical, however, that the die-offs will have lasting effects on pest populations. Emerald ash borers in Chicago, IL, for example, survived the sub-zero weather because Chicago temperatures fell only to -17 degrees Fahrenheit, rather than Minnesota’s -20 degrees Fahrenheit, which seems to be a critical temperature threshold for the pests. The effects of this winter are “more like a reprieve,” one entomologist told the Washington Post, and an opportunity to study whether large numbers of invasive insects can be killed off to make problems more manageable in the long-run. Visit EcoWatch’s BIODIVERSITY page for more related news on this topic. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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FirstEnergy completes sale of Lake Lynn Hydrodam to LS Power
by Duane330＠aol.com 23 Feb '14

23 Feb '14

FirstEnergy Completes Sale of Eleven Hydroelectric Power Stations to Harbor Hydro Holdings, LLCCL AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has completed the sale of 11 hydroelectric power stations to Harbor Hydro Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of LS Power Equity Partners II, LP, for approximately $395 million. The two companies originally announced the sales agreement in September 2013. The hydroelectric power stations included in this sale are owned by FirstEnergy Generation, LLC, Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC and Green Valley Hydro, LLC and have a total capacity of 527 megawatts, which represents less than 3 percent of FirstEnergy's generation fleet output. The sale includes: Seneca Pumped Storage (451 MW) in Warren, Pa.; Allegheny Lock & Dam 5 (6 MW) in Schenley, Pa.; Allegheny Lock & Dam 6 (7 MW) in Ford City, Pa.; Lake Lynn (52 MW) in Lake Lynn, Pa.; Millville (3 MW) in Millville, W. Va.; Dam 4 (2 MW) in Shepherdstown, W. Va.; Dam 5 (1.2 MW) in Falling Waters, W.Va.; Warren (750 kW) in Front Royal, Va.; Luray (1.6 MW) in Luray, Va.; and Shenandoah and Newport (860 kW and 1.4 MW, respectively) in Shenandoah, Va. The 35 current employees at these power stations are being retained by the new owner. FirstEnergy subsidiary Allegheny Generating Company continues to own 1,200 MW of the 3,000 MW Bath County Pumped-Storage Hydro facility in Warm Springs, Va. In addition, FirstEnergy subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) continues to own 200 MW of the 400 MW Yards Creek Pumped-Storage Hydro facility in Blairstown, N.J. FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Its generation subsidiaries currently control more than 17,500 megawatts of capacity from a diversified mix of scrubbed coal, non-emitting nuclear, natural gas, hydro, pumped-storage hydro and other renewables. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter _@FirstEnergyCorp_ (http://www.twitter.com/@FirstEnergyCorp) . LS Power, an employee-owned, independent power company with offices in New York, New Jersey, Missouri and California, is a developer, owner, operator and investor in power generation and electric transmission infrastructure throughout the United States. Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1735012#ixzz2uCpOORn9

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Birthplace of Rivers, Monday at 10 PM
by Duane 15 Feb '14

15 Feb '14

‘Birthplace of Rivers’ will air as part of PBS series02/15/2014 3:22 PM The focus for most southern West Virginians lately has been on snow. But the cameras turn to the state’s rivers, with West Virginia’s PBS 2 set to air “Birthplace of Rivers” Monday at 10 p.m. as part of the “This American Land” series. The episode focuses on the Birthplace of Rivers, an area in the Monongahela National Forest that contains the headwaters of six rivers that are a source of drinking water, recreation and tourism for downstream communities. The six rivers are the Cranberry, Cherry, Gauley, Williams, Greenbrier and Elk. The Birthplace of Rivers area has long been prized by hunters, anglers, hikers, birders and wildlife watchers for its pristine waters, rugged forests and natural beauty. The area is so important to the region’s recreation and tourism industries that a collection of businesses, sportsmen and conservationists joined together to have the Birthplace of Rivers receive special designation as a “national monument.” Since the Elk River chemical spill, interest in the monument ideas has increased. “Now, more than ever, people in West Virginia are thinking about the importance of clean water to their health, well-being, and economic security,” said Angie Rosser, executive director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition. “The Birthplace of Rivers represents a recovery for our state on many levels. Protecting our drinking water at the headwaters is an important step toward restoring our confidence now and giving us hope for the future. “The monument,” Rosser said, “would show the world that we are proud of our rivers and our heritage — it would provide a spark to help us be the West Virginia we know in our hearts we can be.” The “Birthplace of Rivers” segment of “This American Land” features stunning footage of waterfalls, trout streams, bogs and forests in and around the Cranberry Wilderness Area, plus generations-old music from a local fiddler and interviews with monument proponents, including a small business owner explaining how a national monument would boost tourism. Share Story

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Re: [CLEAR] Sheepskin Trail: Construction+Up+Ahead.pdf
by Reger-Nash, Bill 14 Feb '14

14 Feb '14

Outstanding Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S®4 -------- Original message -------- From: Duane Date:02/14/2014 3:38 PM (GMT-05:00) To: CLEAR Subject: [CLEAR] Sheepskin Trail: Construction+Up+Ahead.pdf http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1106683796118-5… Construction Up Ahead -- Sheepskin Trail connection to Morgantown Civic and municipal officials in the River Town of Point Marion, Fayette County could not be happier as it appears construction will begin this spring on the 1 1?4 mile Sheepskin Trail connection to Morgantown, West Virginia. Over twenty years has passed since some leading citizens approached Borough officials about connecting to Morgantown with a hike/bike trail. Even back then, Morgantown, the home of West Virginia University, was a growing community, and civic leaders were aware of the possible economic boon to Point Marion if a recreation and commuter trail connection were made to Morgantown. The Point Marion section will connect with the Mon River and Caperton trail and continue a distance of 48 miles to Fairmont, West Virginia. The trail property is owned by Fayette County. In 2012 the County Commissioners by resolution, named the National Road Heritage Corridor with offices in Uniontown, PA. as its development and project manager to work to complete the 34 mile trail and be the liaison with community officials. For the last three years, Executive Director, Donna Holdorf has aggressively sought the funds to complete the trail segment; joined by River Town Program staff, Point Marion residents, civic leaders, business owners and municipal officials. This unified approach has proven successful as a combination of private foundation funding, and grant funds from the Commonwealth's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) were matched with resources allocated for trailhead amenities, parking lot upgrades, and improvements to the contiguous Point Marion Community Park (details of this project can be found in this newsletter as well). Construction on this 1 1?4 mile connection is expected begin late spring /early summer of this year and should be completed by fall, 2014. Stay tuned for a spectacular opening ceremony! Private donations are still being sought to support the Sheepskin Trail / Point Marion construction project. Send your tax deductible contribution check made payable to the NRHC with note in the memo line "For the Point Marion segment" 65 West Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401 Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Keep Our Drinking Water Safe in West Virginia!
by Duane 06 Feb '14

06 Feb '14

Hi, As West Virginians, we all support clean and safe drinking water and these strong recommendations will help make sure that we have it! Read the recommendations here: http://www.wvrivers.org/news/wvriverscoalitionreleaseswaterprotectionrecomm… That's why I signed a petition to The West Virginia State House, The West Virginia State Senate, and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, which says: "I want my delegates and senators to know I support real protections for clean water, and that I want them to implement the recommendations of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and the Chemical Safety Board. " Will you sign this petition? Click here: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/keep-our-drinking-water?source=s.em.mt&r_b… Thanks! Duane

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Observed vs Forecast Flows for the Monongahela River
by Duane 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

Monongahela River at the Pt. Marion Lock and Dam. The current river level is at 15 feet with flood stage at 26 feet. The prediction is for a peak level at 19.5 feet at about 50,000 cfs. Source: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=pbz&gage=pmrp1

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The Cheat River at Albright in Preston County
by Duane 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

Here is the flow in the Cheat River as measured at Albright, near Kingwood, In Preston County. Albright can be considered to be at the mouth of the Cheat Canyon. At 7:45 am today, the flow was 10,400 cubic feet per second. Source: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03070260

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The Cheat River
by Duane 04 Feb '14

04 Feb '14

See the Cheat River flow at Parsons in Tucker County. There is lots more water to come as we get rain and melting snow today! This is called a "log - linear" plot because one axis, the discharge in this case, has been calibrated as a logarithm scale. While convenient for displaying large numbers, a log scale does not visually represent the true magnitude of the numerical values.

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Fwd: Can't Make It to the Public Hearing? Send your comments by email and tune in this evening....
by Duane 03 Feb '14

03 Feb '14

> From: "Chuck Wyrostok" <wyro(a)appalight.com> > Date: February 3, 2014 1:58:24 PM EST > To: "Chuck Wyrostok" <wyro(a)appalight.com> > Subject: Can't Make It to the Public Hearing? Send your comments by email and tune in this evening.... > > Please relay to your membership lists…thanks. > > If you can’t make it to the Public Hearing on Water at the Capitol today, here’s four ways you can participate > > 1. You can send your comments by email to members of the House Health Committee (see attachment for email addresses) > > 2. You can send your comments by email before 3:30pm today to either Julie Archer (julie(a)wvcag.org) or Chuck Wyro (outreach(a)marcellus-wv.com) and we will print them and hand deliver them at the hearing. > Please do not send to both of us. > > 3. WV Public Broadcasting will be covering the hearing live. You can tune in by radio, internet or TV. http://wvpublic.org/post/water-crisis-public-hearing-air-live-west-virginia… > > 4. Go to http://www.legis.state.wv.us/live.cfm , scroll down to the 5:30pm box and listen on online. > > > TAKE ACTION ~ PUBLIC HEARING ON WATER AT THE CAPITOL ~ THIS MONDAY FEB. 3RD, 5:30PM > What: Public Hearing on SB 373 related to water resources protection > When: Monday, February 3rd, 5:30pm > Where: House Chambers, State Capitol Building > Who: Joint Committee on Health & Finance > Why: For legislators to hear citizen input > > > WV House of Delegates to Host Public Hearing on Ongoing Water Crisis > Here’s your chance to speak to your legislators and fellow citizens, from a podium with a P.A. system, about how this chemical spill crisis has affected you. > This public hearing will take place in the House Chambers. House Speaker Tim Miley, D-Harrison said "The House leadership would like to give everyone who wants input in this important legislation to have the opportunity to participate. Legislation of this magnitude should be addressed very methodically and with great care. We want to ensure that the final product takes meaningful steps to truly protect our state's water supply and the health of the public." > > Pat McGinley, an environmental law professor at West Virginia University, said, "The events of the last few weeks have severely damaged West Virginians' confidence in leadership provided by the Legislature, governor, and DEP.” > > Sen. Chris Walters, R-Putnam said, "This should be a deliberate, slow study process. This doesn't need to be a knee-jerk reaction. I have a pregnant wife and a three-year-old daughter -- I'm not consuming the water. I'm not cooking with it. I'm worried about my unborn child. I can't get answers." > > The spill revealed once again that porous legislation and murky assumptions about industry self-policing hinder oversight of dangerous chemicals. U.S. Chemical Safety Board investigators have found that chemical storage tanks at the Elk River site were "very old" and "designed to a very old standard, without leak detection or secondary containment." > > Downstream Strategies consultant Evan Hansen said, “"This is not just about Charleston. This is not just an issue about above-ground storage tanks. This issue affects us all." > > After attempting to take contaminated water from his father's tap to decision-makers in Charleston last Thursday, Dustin White, of Boone County, was told by Capitol police to leave the Statehouse for carrying the "unidentified liquid." Bring your bad water to the Capitol steps for the hearing on Monday—they need to know what we deal with everyday. Then come inside for the Public Hearing. > Our legislators need to face the truth. > Let’s hear what you have to say about this travesty. We urge as many of you as possible to come out as a show of support for stringent water protection law and no-nonsense enforcement. > > After the Public Hearing there will be a Town Hall meeting at First Baptist Church on Shrewsbury St. 7-9pm. > Logistics: > > Easy Parking: Perry Bryant of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care tells us: > > I have confirmed with the Capital Security folks that we can park in the state employees parking lot after 5:00 pm on Monday. So if you get off the Greenbrier exit (Exit 99), go down the hill towards the Capitol building. Turn left at the light on Washington Street, Take an immediate left at the guard shack. There is metered parking (probably don’t have to pay after 5 pm) slightly to the right, and unmetered parking for state employees further to the right. The state employee parking is behind a wrought iron gate. This gate will be closed (and you won’t be able to get out) ½ hour after the end of the public hearing. If you park behind the wrought iron gate, do not dally after the public hearing. > While this parking has some limitations, it is significantly better than parking at the Laidley Field public parking areas on Elizabeth Street. See you Monday evening. > Attached is an information and talking points document, courtesy of Maya Nye and Angie Rosser. Here are some tips. > · Arrive ten minutes (or earlier) to sign up to speak. > > · Each speaker can expect only to have 1-2 minutes to speak. > > · Written comments can be submitted for the record. > > · Below are some suggested talking points as a guide. Citizens are encouraged to give their own perspective, in their words, of how the government needs to better protect drinking water supplies and public health. > > Citizen messaging framework: > · We deserve thorough protection from all contamination threats to our water supplies. > > · The government is failing us and needs to do a better job in regulating and enforcing protections. > > · We deserve to have all available government resources applied to understand and responsibly advise the public on risks and solutions to this health crisis. > > Needed technical improvements to SB 373: > · Close loopholes – there are many exclusions to tanks that are regulated under the new program, these need carefully analyzed. All tanks and all additional sources of potential contamination need adequately regulated. > > · Require individual permits and regular inspections for all potential significant contaminant sources within zones of critical concern for public drinking water systems. > > · Require and fund development of source water protection plans that address all significant contamination threats and include full stakeholder and community involvement. > > Assure that all pollution sources can be enforced via the Clean Water Act with provisions for citizen involvement. > Additional actions needed: > · Implementation of Chemical Safety Board Recommendations. > > · Continuation of bottled water distribution to all affected communities. > > · An environmentally sound and safe mechanism to flush the chemical from the water treatment plant, distribution lines, sewage systems, residences etc. > > · Immediate institution of a medical surveillance program. > > · Immediate studies on the short and long term effects of MCHM and its breakdown chemicals on human health. > > Chuck Wyrostok > Outreach Organizer > Sierra Club, WV Chapter > T: 877 252 0257 > E. outreach(a)marcellus-wv.com > www.marcellus-wv.com > > Water is Life...Keep It Clean > > Whenever there is a huge spill of solar energy, it's just called a nice day..... >

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Riverkeepers & Clearwater Leaders Remember Pete Seeger (1919 - 2014)
by Duane 29 Jan '14

29 Jan '14

http://rye.dailyvoice.com/news/riverkeepers-clearwater-leaders-remember-fri… Riverkeepers & Clearwater Leaders Remember Pete Seeger (1919 - 2014) From Danny LoPriore, Rye Daily Voice, January 28, 2014 Beacon, N.Y. -- A true friend of the Hudson River and its valley where he lived for 70 years, legendary folk singer/songwriter and political and social activist Pete Seeger is being remembered for his many contributions to his nation after passing away at age 94. Seeger and his wife Toshi, who died in July 2013, founded Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., and the Great Hudson River Revival, the annual music and environmental festival that takes place at Croton Point Park in Croton. The Seegers lived in Beacon, New York, on the Hudson River for 40 years. The Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, the Beacon-based environmental group that shares its name with its sailing vessel, took a leading role in passage of the Clean Water Act, the fight to make General Electric Co. remove PCBs from the river mud and a number of other key chapters in the Hudson’s history. Clearwater Communications Director Julia Church said "Pete planted the seed that started Hudson River SloopClearwater with the belief that a majestic replica of the sloops that sailed the Hudson in the 18th and 19th centuries would bring people to the river where they could experience its beauty and be moved to preserve it." "The sloop Clearwater has become recognized for its role in the environmental movement," Church wrote. "And thanks to Pete Seeger, the over 12,000 school kids who sail each year will never see the river in the same way that they did before their voyage. Perhaps more importantly, they will be moved to protect the river every time they look at it." Leaders of the river’s other influential organizations — the state’s Hudson River Estuary Program, Ossining-based Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson — got their start on board the Clearwater. Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay said the conservation organization is pledged to "carry on his work and make the most of the gifts he left us." "Pete Seeger was unique in that he was a musical genius, and courageous in his beliefs and a generous man with a heart as big as anyone's," Gallay said. "Pete will go on inspiring those who endeavor to heal us humans and our one lonely planet, long after we say our final goodbyes to the man himself." The Riverkeeper group conducts water quality studies aboard the "Riverkeeper" patrol boat. The primary goal of this ongoing project is to characterize and report on the highly variable conditions of the Hudson River Estuary through testing for sewage indicating microorganisms, oxygen and turbidity levels, and other indicators of water quality. - - - > See more at: http://www.riverkeeper.org/water-quality/hudson/#sthash.UTOYZJqo.dpuf "River Of My People" By Pete Seeger There's a river of my people And its flow is swift and strong, Flowing to some mighty ocean, Though its course is deep and long. Flowing to some mighty ocean, Though its course is deep and long. Many rocks and reefs and mountains Seek to bar it from its way. But relentlessly this river Seeks its brothers in the sea. But relentlessly this river Seeks its brothers in the sea. You will find us in the mainstream, Steering surely through the foam, Far beyond the raging waters We can see our certain home. Far beyond the raging waters We can see our certain home. For we have mapped this river And we know its mighty force And the courage that this gives us Will hold us to our course. And the courage that this gives us Will hold us to our course. Oh, river of my people, Together we must go, Hasten onward to that meeting Where my brothers wait I know. Hasten onward to that meeting Where my sisters wait I know.

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Geese can be trouble; how to deal with them? By Dave Milne
by Duane 27 Jan '14

27 Jan '14

Publication: Page Number:8-C The Dominion Post; Date:Jan 26, 2014; Section:Mountain State Outdoors; Geese can be trouble; how to deal with them? WHEN YOU MENTION Canada geese to someone, you’ll usually get one of two reactions: People either love them or hate them. We haven’t always had the huge numbers of geese we do now. In the early 1940s, the Canada goose was nearing extinction due to overhunting. Sound familiar? Remember the buffalo? Hunting is the best wildlife management tool we have, but if it gets out of hand, the wildlife numbers will suffer. It wasn’t until the early ’50s that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) began to trap and distribute the geese to states that wanted them. This began as an accident. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was playing golf and stepped in goose dung while wearing his white golf shoes. He asked one of his aids what could be done about this. After a few meetings, the trapping and moving began. The rest is history. There are basically three problems with the Canada goose: The defecation, their feeding habits, and their attitude. The good things are that they are pretty, and it’s nice to see them flying over in a V and honking. I watch them from my office window flying over the Monongahela River. Anyone who plays golf or swims in a lake that has geese living there knows the amount of defecation there is. It’s horrible. Contrary to what some people think, goose dung does not spread any disease that the experts have been able to find. A former director of the Wildlife Research Center Water Fowl Disease USFWS said, “On occasion, we have been wading in that stuff and dead birds up to our elbows and there is not a single documented case of us coming down with any kind of disease problem. We do not have a human health situation in the urban geese, the wild geese, nor the captive geese that we have worked with.” On the other hand, there are those who say that when captive geese are force-fed and slaughtered for their livers, the pate de foie gras made from the liver can cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob Syndrome, or mad cow disease, in humans. Goose poop in lakes is a large contributing factor to algal blooms and excessive plant growth. One goose will add a half pound of phosphorous to a lake every year. Geese will clip off new grass right down to the root. They love a newly planted field of oats, wheat or rye. When they move in by the hundreds, the crop will suffer. Geese may look pretty, but they can be mean. They’ll hiss and charge you if you invade their territory. Three ways you can get rid of geese are using a repellant, scaring them, or capturing and euthanizing them. I only know of one repellant you can use: Methyl anthranilate. It’s found in Concord grapes and is used to flavor grape chewing gum, but geese hate the taste and won’t eat anything treated with it. It’s available in spray form. Chasing or scaring them can be entertaining both for you and a dog. Border collies or any other herding dog will do. Geese don’t like to be herded and will leave. If you would not mind another type of bird around, get a pair or two of swans. A few geese will stay, but most will leave. Plastic swans will also work. Killing the geese is often very controversial with the public. Capture and euthanasia will get rid of the geese for a while, but more will take their place. This method can be expensive. It’s usually done in the early summer, when the birds molt or lose their flight feathers. They are rounded up and then asphyxiated. Where laws and public sentiment will permit, the geese can be hunted. Keep in mind that geese are federally protected. Only resident geese can be killed when the migratory birds are not present. DAVE MILNE serves on the state Natural Resources Commission.

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FERC approved sale of Cheat Lake Hydrodam in November 2013. (aka Lake Lynn Hydrodam)
by Duane 20 Jan '14

20 Jan '14

FirstEnergy Subsidiaries Apply for Authorization to Sell Eleven Hydroelectric Power Stations to Harbor Hydro Holdings, LLC AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2013 -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiaries have applied for authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to sell 11 hydroelectric power stations in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia to Harbor Hydro Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of LS Power Equity Partners II, LP. A sales agreement was reached on August 23, and if approved, the proposed transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013. The agreement is subject to customary and other closing conditions, including FERC, the Commonwealth of Virginia's State Corporation Commission and various other approvals. The hydroelectric power stations included in this proposed sale are owned by FirstEnergy Generation, LLC, Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC and Green Valley Hydro, LLC and have a total capacity of 527 megawatts, which represents less than 3 percent of FirstEnergy's generation fleet output. The sale includes: Seneca Pumped Storage (451 MW) in Warren, Pa.; Allegheny Lock & Dam 5 (6 MW) in Schenley, Pa.; Allegheny Lock & Dam 6 (7 MW) in Ford City, Pa.; Lake Lynn (52 MW) in Lake Lynn, Pa.; Millville (3 MW) in Millville, W. Va.; Dam 4 (2 MW) in Shepherdstown, W. Va.; Dam 5 (1.2 MW) in Falling Waters, W.Va.; Warren (750 kW) in Front Royal, Va.; Luray (1.6 MW) in Luray, Va.; and Shenandoah and Newport (860 kW and 1.4 MW, respectively) in Shenandoah, Va. Resolution of a potential competing license application and other claims related to the Seneca facility also is a condition to closing the proposed transaction. The 35 current employees at these power stations are expected to be retained by the new owner. FirstEnergy subsidiary Allegheny Generating Company will continue to own 1,200 MW of the 3,000 MW Bath County Pumped-Storage Hydro facility in Warm Springs, Va. In addition, FirstEnergy subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) will continue to own 200 MW of the 400 MW Yards Creek Pumped-Storage Hydro facility in Blairstown, N.J. FirstEnergy operates one of the nation's largest, cleanest and most diverse generating fleets, with 60 percent coal, 20 percent nuclear, 11 percent hydro and other renewables, and 9 percent gas/oil. FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Its generation subsidiaries currently control more than 20,000 megawatts of capacity from a diversified mix of scrubbed coal, non-emitting nuclear, natural gas, hydro, pumped-storage hydro and other renewables. LS Power, an employee-owned, independent power company with offices in New York, New Jersey, Missouri and California, is a developer, owner, operator and investor in power generation and electric transmission infrastructure throughout the United States. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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Preserving an Appalachian Treasure: American Ginseng | EcoWatch
by Duane 18 Jan '14

18 Jan '14

http://ecowatch.com/2014/01/16/appalachian-treasure-american-ginseng/ Preserving an Appalachian Treasure: American Ginseng Dr. Randi Pokladnik | January 16, 2014 [Note: This article has been going viral on EcoWatch for days and has been very popular over the last many months. The article is from the 2009 August issue of EcoWatch Journal.] American Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolius, is a long-lived understory herb found in the mesophytic forests of Appalachia. Ginseng was once native to China but over-harvesting of its species, Panax Ginseng, extirpated the populations. The Chinese have used the roots of the plants in medicinal preparations for thousands of years. Soon after the species was discovered in North America in the 1700s, the Chinese relied heavily on exports of American Ginseng. In the late 1700s, residents established a significant trade chain with the Orient and exported tremendous amounts of ginseng roots. More than 750,000 pounds of wild ginseng roots were exported in 1822 and ginseng sold for 42 cents a pound. It still remains an important component of the informal economy in Appalachia and prices of ginseng today range from $200 to a high of $1,500 a dried pound for the wild roots. American Ginseng is still in need of protection in order to prevent over-harvesting and continue the economic value it has for the Appalachian region. In the early 1900s, the ginseng community recognized the need to protect wild populations and enlisted two practices: laws and cultivation. Ginseng can be cultivated under shade cloth or wooded canopies. Northeastern Ohio had several ginseng farms in the early 1900s. The plant was so popular that a national and several state ginseng organizations were created to assist growers. Ohio passed House Bill 9 in 1915 that levied a penalty for the destruction or theft of ginseng. Today, wild ginseng is listed under Appendix II of the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species and ginseng trade is monitored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Legislation and cultivation have not been totally effective in protecting wild populations. Poaching has become very problematic for both ginseng growers and public land managers trying to secure wild ginseng. Harvesters are urged to abide by sustainable harvesting practices such as taking only mature plants (5 years or older), replanting the ripe berries in the forest, and abiding by harvest seasons. In an effort to protect cultivated ginseng, growers in Ohio have recently begun to seek state certification for Ohio growers. Currently two states have certification—Wisconsin and West Virginia. Certification means that cultivated plants could be distinguished from wild plants and would become exempt from regulations. It may also provide legal means for growers to access crop insurance for roots that are destroyed or stolen. Ultimately, the long-term survival of this economically important and culturally significant Appalachian species and the future of ginseng trade is dependent on teaching harvesters sustainable practices and encouraging continued cultivation of the roots. Certification of growers is an important step. For more information about sustainable harvesting techniques or certification efforts, contact Roots of Appalachia Growers Association.

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PUBLIC NOTICE. PN 13-47 Cheat Canyon.pdf
by Duane 18 Nov '13

18 Nov '13

http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Portals/72/docs/regulatory/Public%20Notices-2… U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District Notice No. 13-47 In Reply Refer to Notice No. below US Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District 1000 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4186 Public Notice Application No. 2013-1793 Date: October 29, 2013 Closing Date: November 29, 2013 1. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY 1. 1. CONCERN: The following Cheat Canyon stream preservation project has been submitted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) for approval under the West Virginia In-Lieu Fee Program (WVILFP). APPLICANT: Glenn McLernon WV In-Lieu Fee Coordinator (Stream and Wetland Mitigation) West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection 601 57th Street, SE Charleston, WV 25304 LOCATION: The Cheat Canyon stream preservation project is located within the 8-digit Cheat River HUC (05020004), located in Albright, Preston County, West Virginia. 4. PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION OF WORK: The WVDEP proposes to purchase and permanently protect 228.5 acres of riparian buffer along the Cheat River as an ILF stream preservation project. The West Virginia Stream and Wetland Valuation Metric was not used for this project because the impacts were previously expressed in acres of stream impact, not stream credit. Therefore, the project will generate 46.8 acres of preserved stream (not including the riparian buffer), which is intended to off-set 3.78 acres of stream impact; therefore, the impact is being mitigated at a 12:1 ratio. Please see attached mitigation site plan. http://www.lrp.usace.army.mil/Portals/72/docs/regulatory/Public%20Notices-2… Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Fwd: Holiday Happenings: FOC Gift Ideas, Fundraising Dinner at Madeleine's, and Craft Fair this Saturday
by Duane 15 Nov '13

15 Nov '13

> From: Friends of the Cheat <amanda(a)cheat.org> > Date: November 15, 2013 > > Subject: Holiday Happenings: FOC Gift Ideas, Fundraising Dinner at Madeleine's, and Craft Fair this Saturday > > > Don't forget to include Friends of the Cheat on your holiday gift list! We have been very good this year...DONATE TODAY! > View this email in your browser > > Holiday Happenings > Make your dollar go further--give two gifts at once > When you purchase merchandise from Friends of the Cheat we turn sale proceeds into grant dollars. In 2013, FOC brought in $850,000 in grant dollars geared towards river restoration--twenty times the amount of our fundraising contributions! Where else can you score a unique gift for someone special AND contribute to the ongoing restoration of the mighty Cheat River (not any big box store!). > We have new t-shirt styles and colors, and this will be the last batch of our classic map shirt ever as we are planning a new design in celebration of FOC's 20th anniversary in 2014. FOC koozies, hillbilly wineglasses, long sleeve tees, and hats are also available. All 2013 festival tees are $5 off. > > FOC was the grateful recipient of a donation of watercolor prints by the late Hoyt Reel. We have a limited supply of a variety of prints (average size 22"X18") available for $30 each. > > To purchase FOC swag, visit our office at 119 South Price Street in Kingwood any weekday between the hours of 9am and 4pm (we do recommend calling first 304-329-3621). You can also visit our table at this Saturday's Holiday Craft Fair at the Preston Community Arts Center at 123 South Price Street in Kingwood from 9am-4pm. Over 20 vendors will be participating selling everything from locally-made treenware and pottery to music CDs and apparel. Local authors will also be on hand signing books and homemade food available for purchase. > > Watershed=Foodshed Dinner Tickets Going Fast > We have less than 25 seats remaining for the Watershed=Foodshed benefit dinner at Madeleine's Restaurant in Morgantown on Thursday, December 5th. The meal will feature food grown in the Preston County watershed by farmers depending on its healthy land and water. All proceeds from the dinner benefit the CAPABLE monitoring program. For more information and to buy tickets visit: http://www.cheat.org/events/watershed-foodshed-benefit-dinner/ > > > Select FOC swag, including the new Upper Cheat River Water Trail tees. > > One of several watercolor prints by the late Hoyt Reel--only $30 each. > Copyright © 2013 Friends of the Cheat, All rights reserved. > You are a friend of the Cheat! > > Our mailing address is: > Friends of the Cheat > 119 South Price St. Suite #206 > Kingwood WV, WV 26537-1478 > > Add us to your address book > > > unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences > >

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Bats Dying in Unprecedented Numbers | EcoWatch
by Duane 01 Nov '13

01 Nov '13

http://ecowatch.com/2013/10/31/bats-dying-in-unprecedented-numbers/ Bats Dying in Unprecedented Numbers (.. We have this problem in the Cheat Canyon and elsewhere ..) Article by Beyond Pesticides, EcoWatch.org, October 31, 2013 Bats get a bad rap on Halloween with their image synonymous with blood-sucking vampires; however, the real scary thing about bats is that they are disappearing due to a myriad of threats, including pesticides, habitat destruction and the horrible white-nose syndrome (WNS)—a disease caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces) destructans. Researchers are reporting an even bleaker picture, finding very little evidence of what might stop the disease from spreading further and persisting indefinitely in bat caves. The new study, from researchers at the Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois, found that the fungus can make a meal out of just about any carbon source likely to be found in caves, said graduate student Daniel Raudabaugh, who led the research under the direction of survey mycologist Andrew Miller, Ph.D. The study, “Nutritional Capability of and Substrate Suitability for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the Causal Agent of Bat White-Nose Syndrome” is published in PLOS One. “It can basically live on any complex carbon source, which encompasses insects, undigested insect parts in guano, wood, dead fungi and cave fish,” Raudabaugh said. “We looked at all the different nitrogen sources and found that basically it can grow on all of them. It can grow over a very wide range of pH; it doesn’t have trouble in any pH unless it’s extremely acidic.” In 2006, around the same time that honey bees started disappearing from their hives, a hibernating bat in a New York cave was discovered with a strange white fungus growing on its muzzle and wings. Since that first detection, WNS has spread across the U.S. Like colony collapse disorder in honeybees, the direct cause of WNS is poorly understood. There has not been much research on role of pesticides in WNS, however there has been much research linking pesticides to immunosuppression in bats, which may make them more susceptible to WNS. An extensive article by William Quarles, Ph.D., was published this summer by The IPM Practitioner, which lays out much of the research that has been done on bats, pesticides and white nose syndrome. Another study, “Bats at risk? Bat activity and insecticide residue analysis of food items in an apple orchard,” published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, shows that bats, due to their long life span and tendency to only have one offspring at a time, are particularly sensitive to reproductive effects from pesticides. The study details the health effects of bats foraging on insects in an apple orchard after it was sprayed with the insecticides fenoxycarb and chlorpyrifos. Researchers conclude that bats should be given greater consideration in risk-assessments for pesticide products. Not only can bats be exposed through their diet, but they can also encounter pesticides through drift and inhalation, as farmers often spray their fields at night to avoid harming honey bees. Bats are a crucial indicator species, interacting with many elements of the ecosystem. They are one of the only nocturnal pollinators and the only nocturnal insect predator in the U.S., playing a key role both for plants and for farmers. Organic farmers in particular, are reliant on bat pollinators as a pest management tool: one brown bat can kill between 3,000 and 7,000 insects per night. A study published in 2011 in the journal Science estimated that bats provide $3.7 billion to $53 billion per year worth of pest control services to agricultural operations, and that number does not include pollination services. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P. destructans has killed more than 5.5 million bats in the U.S. and Canada. The fungus thrives at low temperatures, and spreads to bats whose body temperature drops below 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) when they are hibernating in infected caves. Previous research has shown that the fungus persists in caves even after the bats are gone. “…(We) found that P. destructans can live perfectly happily off the remains of most organisms that co-inhabit the caves with the bats,” Dr. Miller said. “This means that whether the bats are there or not, it’s going to be in the caves for a very long time.” Beyond Pesticides called on Congress back in 2011 to stop the spread of WNS, which has killed more than 5.7 to 6.7 million bats in North America. Bats with WNS exhibit uncharacteristic behavior during cold winter months, including flying outside in the day and clustering near the entrances of hibernacula. Bats have been found sick and dying in unprecedented numbers in and around caves and mines. In some caves 90 to 100 percent of hibernating bats succumb to the virus. Visit EcoWatch’s BIODIVERSITY page for more related news on this topic. ——— Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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Cheat Lake Summer Pool Height End at Midnight October 31st
by Duane 23 Oct '13

23 Oct '13

FROM Andy Datsko, Lake Lynn HydroStation (Cheat Lake Dam) Can you please remind your members and friends on Cheat Lake that November 1 is fast approaching and our minimum lake level will be 857'. At this time we are NOT planning a draw down but if the current dry weather continues the lake level could fall to those levels with normal operations of the hydro plant. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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THE CHEAT RIVER
by Duane 16 Oct '13

16 Oct '13

Geography The Cheat is formed at Parsons, West Virginia, by the confluence of theShavers Fork and Black Fork. The Black Fork is fed by the Blackwater Riverand by the Dry, Glady, and Laurel forks — these are traditionally referred to as the five Forks of Cheat. From Parsons the Cheat River flows generally northward through Tucker and Preston counties, past the towns of Rowlesburgand Albright. It then flows through an impressive gorge — Cheat Canyon — northeastwardly from Albright, collecting Big Sandy Creek before enteringMonongalia County, where a hydro-electric dam just south of the Pennsylvania border causes it to widen as the Cheat Lake reservoir. It then flows for a short distance through southwestern Fayette County, Pennsylvania, before joining the Monongahela River at Point Marion, Pennsylvania. Upstream of its dam, the Cheat is one of the largest undammed watersheds in the eastern United States. Cheat Mountain, a high and rugged ridge, runs about 50 miles (80 km) southward from its northernmost tip, just a few miles west of the confluence at Parsons. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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: Tomorrow/ Rally in Wheeling, WV
by Duane 14 Sep '13

14 Sep '13

> From: Erin Bowers <erinbowers40(a)gmail.com> > Date: September 14, 2013 9:17:22 AM EDT > To: Chuck Wyrostok <wyro(a)appalight.com>, Duane Nichols <duane330(a)aol.com>, "Christine, (fracking)" <benebonfili(a)gmail.com>, Mark Eddy <mark(a)exogenynetwork.com>, Craig Thoburn <c_thoburn(a)yahoo.com>, Mick Luber <bluebirdorganicfarm(a)gmail.com>, Michael Mcnamara <bamsdad2001(a)yahoo.com>, Michaela lally <mslally1(a)comcast.net>, Nate ebert appalachia resist <drivingsbad(a)yahoo.com>, Lela Covey <Lela(a)takeonyourhealth.com>, Leatra Harper <wewantcleanwater(a)gmail.com>, "Patty gorcheff, (frack free america)" <tpgorcheff(a)yahoo.com>, Ed and Gina hashbarger <ohiopatriots4truth(a)yahoo.com>, Sherry Becker-gorby <beckergorby(a)frontier.com>, Yuri Gorby <ygorby(a)gmail.com>, Ben Stout <bens(a)wju.edu> > Subject: Tomorrow/ Rally > > Reminder- > > Tomorrow - Sunday, 9/15/13 > > People are meeting at 11am at North 28th Street in the Warwood section of Wheeling by the walking trail (Greenhunter Frack Waste Facility). Prayers will be offered there. > > We will be meeting relayers from Pittsburgh from the Great Ohio River Relay there. Www.greatohioriverrelay.com. Relayers will be passing a baton the entire length of the Ohio River starting today in Pittsburgh and finishing in Cairo, IL within weeks. The relay is being held to draw attention to the need for safe and clean drinking water for all and protection from fracking and fracking wastes. > > Drummers will lead everyone down to Garden Park in Warwood for the main rally. Dr. Ben Stout, Dr. Yuri Gorby, and Doug Shields (of Gasland) will be speaking at the rally which will start at approximately noon at Garden Park. > > There will be free music by KR 3 and children's activities. > > Hope to see you there!!! > Thanks!! Erin

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FirstEnergy Subsidiaries Apply for Authorization to Sell Eleven Hydroelectric Power Stations to Harbor Hydro Holdings, LLC
by Duane 05 Sep '13

05 Sep '13

https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/fecorp/newsroom/news_releases/first… FirstEnergy Subsidiaries Apply for Authorization to Sell Eleven Hydroelectric Power Stations to Harbor Hydro Holdings, LLC AKRON, Ohio, Sept. 4, 2013 -- FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiaries have applied for authorization from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to sell 11 hydroelectric power stations in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia to Harbor Hydro Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of LS Power Equity Partners II, LP. A sales agreement was reached on August 23, and if approved, the proposed transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2013. The agreement is subject to customary and other closing conditions, including FERC, the Commonwealth of Virginia's State Corporation Commission and various other approvals. The hydroelectric power stations included in this proposed sale are owned by FirstEnergy Generation, LLC, Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC and Green Valley Hydro, LLC and have a total capacity of 527 megawatts, which represents less than 3 percent of FirstEnergy's generation fleet output. The sale includes: Seneca Pumped Storage (451 MW) in Warren, Pa.; Allegheny Lock & Dam 5 (6 MW) in Schenley, Pa.; Allegheny Lock & Dam 6 (7 MW) in Ford City, Pa.; Lake Lynn (52 MW) in Lake Lynn, Pa.; Millville (3 MW) in Millville, W. Va.; Dam 4 (2 MW) in Shepherdstown, W. Va.; Dam 5 (1.2 MW) in Falling Waters, W.Va.; Warren (750 kW) in Front Royal, Va.; Luray (1.6 MW) in Luray, Va.; and Shenandoah and Newport (860 kW and 1.4 MW, respectively) in Shenandoah, Va. Resolution of a potential competing license application and other claims related to the Seneca facility also is a condition to closing the proposed transaction. The 35 current employees at these power stations are expected to be retained by the new owner. FirstEnergy subsidiary Allegheny Generating Company will continue to own 1,200 MW of the 3,000 MW Bath County Pumped-Storage Hydro facility in Warm Springs, Va. In addition, FirstEnergy subsidiary Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) will continue to own 200 MW of the 400 MW Yards Creek Pumped-Storage Hydro facility in Blairstown, N.J. FirstEnergy operates one of the nation's largest, cleanest and most diverse generating fleets, with 60 percent coal, 20 percent nuclear, 11 percent hydro and other renewables, and 9 percent gas/oil. FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. Its generation subsidiaries currently control more than 20,000 megawatts of capacity from a diversified mix of scrubbed coal, non-emitting nuclear, natural gas, hydro, pumped-storage hydro and other renewables. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp. LS Power, an employee-owned, independent power company with offices in New York, New Jersey, Missouri and California, is a developer, owner, operator and investor in power generation and electric transmission infrastructure throughout the United States. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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USGS Current Conditions for USGS 03069500 CHEAT RIVER NEAR PARSONS, WV
by Duane 29 Aug '13

29 Aug '13

USGS DATA AT PARSONS, WV: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?03069500 NOTICE. The Cheat River Is running full as a result of strong storms and rain in Preston and Tucker County yesterday. At the Lake Lynn Dam some 40 gates are open to take the flow, and more may be opened up to 60 or more. There are 166 gates in total. See also: www.cheatlaketoday.com Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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Restoring Mussels in Dunkard Creek. -- Charleston Gazette
by Duane 26 Jul '13

26 Jul '13

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- To help restore mussel populations wiped out by two major chemical spills, West Virginia fisheries biologists have sought assistance from a few finny friends. "Most mussel species require a fish host to reproduce successfully," said Janet Clayton, the Division of Natural Resources biologist in charge of the agency's mussel-restoration efforts. "So, to make sure the mussels we want to restore get the fish hosts they need, we take larvae from [recently spawned] mussels and we put them in the gills of the fish." The process sounds simple, but it's anything but. Clayton and her colleagues first must spend untold hours snorkeling and scuba diving, probing creek and river bottoms to find mussels that have bred. Once they've captured their brood stock, they gently pry the mussels' shells open and flush the larvae out with water from a hypodermic syringe. They then inoculate the fish hosts by allowing the fish to swim through a tank teeming with salt grain-sized larvae, or by using a syringe to inject larvae-rich water into the fishes' gills. When the larvae mature, they drop off the fish and sink to the bottom of the holding tank. Biologists collect the mature larvae and distribute them along the river bottom. "While the larvae are living in the gills of the fish, they're essentially parasites," Clayton said. "But they don't harm the fish at all." The propagation process is expensive and labor-intense, but Clayton said it's necessary if natural resources officials ever hope to correct the damage wrought by a 1999 chemical spill on the Ohio River near Parkersburg and a 2009 spill on Dunkard Creek north of Morgantown. "We could try to restore damaged populations by relocating them from places where they're plentiful to places where they were wiped out, but that's just robbing Peter to pay Paul," she said. "Ideally, we'd prefer to restore populations through propagation." It will take quite a bit of propagation to restore the mussel beds wiped out by the 1999 Ohio River spill. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, chemicals from the Eramet Marietta metals plant in Marietta, Ohio, killed 990,000 mussels along 30 miles of river. Resource agencies eventually reached a settlement with the company and its affiliates that earmarked $2.04 million for mussel restoration efforts. Biologists began the restoration work in 2007. The Dunkard Creek kill, while not as far-reaching as the Ohio spill, was no less devastating. It killed everything -- fish, mussels, crustaceans and even insects. Inspectors officially placed the blame on a bloom of golden algae, most likely created by salt-laden water escaping from a large underground coal mine. "There was no [mussel] brood stock left on Dunkard Creek," Clayton said. "Left to its own, it would never have recovered." Clayton and her colleagues devised a way to restore the creek's mussels and fish populations at the same time. "Rather than spend a lot of time in [mussel] propagation, we collect our brood stock, extract the larvae, inoculate fish with them, and then stock the fish into the creek," she said. "We're also relocating some adults into the creek. We did our first inoculation and release last year, and we did one again this year." Some mussel species can use a variety of fish species as hosts, while others require specific hosts. "The species-specific ones definitely complicate the process," Clayton explained. "When a host fish is commercially available -- bluegills, for example -- we just raise them in one of the state's hatcheries or go out and buy what we need. "For other species, such as creek chubs and stonerollers, we go out and seine them from creeks. One mussel species, the pink heelsplitter, requires us to go out and capture freshwater drum. So even getting the fish hosts involves a lot of work." Restoration efforts on the Ohio have centered on nine mussel species: three-ridge, Ohio pigtoe, pimpleback, maple leaf, washboard, black sandshell, sheepnose, pocketbook and fat mucket. "So far we've had limited success with five of those species," Clayton said. Four species -- the creeper, giant floater, fluted shell and fatmucket -- are being reintroduced to Dunkard Creek. Collecting larvae from breeding mussels can involve some pretty precise timing. "There are two basic types of mussels -- long-term brooders and short-term brooders," Clayton said. "Long-term brooders hold their larvae for several months, so they're pretty easy to collect from. Short-term brooders aren't as easy. "We know the general time frame when their larvae become mature, so we collect some adults, put them in containers and wait for them to release their larvae. When we see lots of mature larvae, we go out and collect more adults and continue the propagation process from there." Sometimes, though, knowing the right time isn't enough. "Last year, [streams'] water warmed so quickly that the mussels spawned early and we just about missed our first species," Clayton said. "This year was the opposite. We got very few larvae off our first species, and the water since then has been too high to collect more brood stock." So why go to all this trouble to restore creatures many people are unaware even exist? In a word, ecology -- the way creatures interact with their environment. Clayton said mussels are important to streams' ecosystems because they filter impurities from the water. "A bed containing 200,000 mussels can filter a million gallons of water a day," she said. Imagine how much money we could save in water-treatment costs if our native mussel communities were restored." Reach John McCoy at johnmc...(a)wvgazette.com or 304-348-1231. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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Cheat River Comeback Story
by Duane 25 Jul '13

25 Jul '13

Message ----- From: Amanda Pitzer Sent: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 11:48 AM Subject: Cheat River Comeback story on NPR Dear Friends, In case you missed it: http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=… Thanks to Frank Jernejcic, Ralph Teter, Jim Snyder, and the FOC crew for participating in the story and kudos to Emily Corio for reaching out to FOC and pulling it all together! Nearly 20 years after the T&T blowouts, 26.5 miles of the Cheat River main stem, from Pringle Run to Cheat Lake, are slated to be removed from the state's list of impaired waters for pH impairments. What an accomplishment! AMD restoration work in the Cheat watershed was also highlighted in the June episode of WVDEP's Environmental Matters program. You can watch this excellent video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLszcNwCpAg&feature=share&list=PLLyTaD88wM7g… Thanks to Michael Huff and the Non-Point Source Program for coordinating the tour and video production. I've also attached a photo to remind everyone how this all began...Muddy Creek, 1994. Here's to another 20 years of hope and hard work! Sincerely, Amanda J. Pitzer, Executive Director, Friends of the Cheat Working to restore, preserve, and protect the outstanding natural qualities of the Cheat River watershed since 1994. www.cheat.org

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Emailing CLEARobservationdeckEmail.pdf
by Duane 24 Jun '13

24 Jun '13

Attached please find a conceptual diagram showing a proposed CLEAR Observation Deck off the Cheat Lake Trail, above the CLEAR Dock near the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail. This Deck is 12 feet wide with a 10 foot long section on land and three 10 foot sections extending out above the Lake. Initially, we may only be able to build two of these three. Now is the time to ask questions, make suggestions, and/or give your approval. Next, we will review the plan with a couple builders, to get a price and possible schedule. (Thanks go to Peter Butler in Landscape Architecture at WVU for these diagrams.) Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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CLEAR: Spring Meeting. Tuesday, May 14, Cheat Lake Fire Hall
by Duane 12 May '13

12 May '13

Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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<CLEAR> Spring Meeting, Tue., May 14th <Mark Your Calendar>
by Duane330＠aol.com 01 May '13

01 May '13

SPRING MEETING, TUESDAY, MAY 14TH CHEAT LAKE ENVIRONMENT AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION Location: Cheat Lake Fire Hall, WV Route 857 North Time: Social Period 6:30 pm. Meeting: 7 pm AGENDA: Review of Current Projects Committee Reports Budget Election of Officers Special Interest Discussion

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FirstEnergy to reduce debt by $1.5 billion; sell competitive hydro fleet
by Duane 19 Apr '13

19 Apr '13

http://www.ohio.com/news/firstenergy-to-reduce-debt-by-1-5-billion-sell-com… FirstEnergy to reduce debt by $1.5 billion; sell competitive hydro fleet By Betty Lin-Fisher, Beacon Journal business writer Published: February 25, 2013 | Updated: February 26, 2013 As part of its quarterly and 2012 annual financial report issued in February, Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. said it plans to reduce debt in 2013 by $1.5 billion. To do that, the company wants to speed up the sale of some assets it acquired in a merger with western Pennsylvania-based Allegheny Energy. Allegheny plants powered by water, known as the company’s “hydro fleet,” were being studied for sale in 2015, FirstEnergy said. James F. Pearson, senior vice president and chief financial officer, said the moves are aimed to “improve the balance sheet, enhance liquidity and maintain investment grade credit metrics.” The debt reduction will take place at subsidiaries called FirstEnergy Solutions and Allegheny Supply, the company said. “The assets we intend to sell are primarily our competitive hydro fleet, which includes nearly 1,180 megawatts that were initially in our plans to be sold in 2015,’’ he said. The plants, powered by water, were picked up during the company’s merger with Allegheny Energy and are located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. The utility company and parent company of Ohio Edison also said it would: • Retire a combination of both tax-exempt bonds and taxable debt to achieve the debt reductions. • Work to refinance short-term borrowings with long-term debt. • Work with banks to extend the maturity of existing credit facilities totaling $5.5 billion for an additional year to 2018. • Consider another program valued at $300 million to further strengthen its balance sheet. These steps would help with growth initiatives the company has, including transmission expansion plans, company President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony J. Alexander said. He cited several plans to increase the capacity at some of its nuclear plants through new turbines, including upgrades this year at both Perry and Beaver Valley 2 or Beaver Valley 1. FirstEnergy said its net income for the full 2012 year was down 11.3 percent to $771 million, or $1.84 per share, compared with $869 million and $2.21 per share in 2011. The company reported a net loss of $148 million, or a loss of 35 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2012. That compares with a net income of $99 million, or 23 cents per share, the same period a year ago. The company said it had an annual adjustment for what it called “pension and other post-employment benefits actuarial assumptions,” which reduced fourth quarter 2012 earnings by 91 cents per share, resulting in the loss for the quarter. Spokeswoman Tricia Ingraham said the company changed an accounting method in early 2012 to “recognize gains and losses in those plans in the year they incurred instead of amortizing them over time.” This was the second time the company took the charge, which it will take annually, she said. In 2011, the 74 cents-per-share adjustment “was more than offset by a one-time gain from the sale of non-core assets.” The company also reaffirmed its 2013 earnings guidance of $2.85 to $3.15 per share. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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EPA Region III 2013 Volunteer Monitoring Conference
by Duane 16 Apr '13

16 Apr '13

http://www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/getinvolved/sos/stories/Pages/EPAVolMonConf.aspx Volunteer Monitoring Conference, June 7 and 8, Shepherdstown, WV Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535. www.FrackCheckWV.net

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UN Marks 1st Internat'l Day of Happiness March 20
by Duane 20 Mar '13

20 Mar '13

http://www.opednews.com/populum/ UN Marks 1st Internat'l Day of Happiness March 20th . . . Happy Days are here again, the skies above are CLEAR again, Let us sing a song of cheer again, Springtime is here again! d.g.n. Don't worry, be happy by Meryl Ann Butler The United Nations has proclaimed March 20, 2013, the First International Day of Happiness. The initiative to declare a day of happiness came from the Kingdom of Bhutan -- a country with a Gross National Happiness Index. Bhutan promotes the concept that sustainable development should take a holistic approach towards progress and give equal importance to non-economic aspects of well-being. It's a big idea from a tiny, landlocked country in the Himalayas. The term "Gross National Happiness" was coined in 1972 by Bhutan's fourth Dragon King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, according to the wiki. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon notes, On this first International Day of Happiness, let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want. The U.S. Constitution acknowledges the right to the pursuit of happiness. Positive News website reports: A raft of events and activities will take place on 20 March 2013 to mark the day itself. There is the Happy Lunch event in Brussels, for example, or the thought-provoking Economics of Happiness conference in Australia. Those in Washington DC can expect a flood of happiness when the free hugs flashmob takes over, and passers-by at London's Liverpool Street train station will be inspired by groups of people holding up boards and banners with positive messages written on them. One of the most ambitious events is the launch of Happathon, a 12-month effort to crowdsource a new definition of wellbeing and what makes people happy. The project will then create the digital tools to use this information to drive global contentment and build a new economy based on a more holistic sense of value. Action for Happiness notes that it is a movement for positive social change. We're bringing together people from all walks of life who want to play a part in creating a happier society for everyone and offers 10 Keys to Happier Living. Flowchart for Happiness by Meryl Ann Butler Studies show that happier people are healthier, live longer, and are better at solving problems. click here Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey by Chopra Center Deepak Chropra and Oprah Winfrey are currently offering a free, online, 21-day meditation event, that offers an oasis of peace and wellbeing. The event started on Monday, March 11, but participants may sign up for free at any time during the 21 days. The 16-minute meditations are available for free for 10 days after they are posted. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Re: [CLEAR] Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association WEB-PAGE proposed
by Reger-Nash, Bill 15 Mar '13

15 Mar '13

I concur Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint! ----- Reply message ----- From: "Duane330(a)aol.com" <Duane330(a)aol.com> Date: Thu, Mar 14, 2013 6:46 pm Subject: [CLEAR] Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association WEB-PAGE proposed To: "clear(a)osenergy.org" <clear(a)osenergy.org> To: CLEAR members and friends: MESSAGE FROM DONNA WEEMS: I vote that we vote to pay Jonathan Rosenbaum $300 to develop a CLEAR website, train Peggy Pings, Donna Weems and any other board member on how to use it., and set up a CLEAR facebook page. I also vote that we pay him an additional $60 a year to host the website on his server and pay him $25 / hr for additional work. Thank you Peggy for organizing. Donna Weems, March 14, 2013. PLEASE REPLY TO THIS EMAIL BY VOTING: Yes, I agree with Donna. No, let's save our money. P.S. We currently have more than adequate funds in our bank account to pay these fees.

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Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association WEB-PAGE proposed
by Duane330＠aol.com 14 Mar '13

14 Mar '13

To: CLEAR members and friends: MESSAGE FROM DONNA WEEMS: I vote that we vote to pay Jonathan Rosenbaum $300 to develop a CLEAR website, train Peggy Pings, Donna Weems and any other board member on how to use it., and set up a CLEAR facebook page. I also vote that we pay him an additional $60 a year to host the website on his server and pay him $25 / hr for additional work. Thank you Peggy for organizing. Donna Weems, March 14, 2013. PLEASE REPLY TO THIS EMAIL BY VOTING: Yes, I agree with Donna. No, let's save our money. P.S. We currently have more than adequate funds in our bank account to pay these fees.

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Message From the Point Marion River Town Action Team
by Duane 13 Mar '13

13 Mar '13

A belated thanks to all who came out for our community celebration last Thursday. Following a short trail walk and photo opportunity, over 80 people gathered at the Jordan Building on Penn Street to celebrate the receipt of a $120,000 grant that will allow design and remediation work to begin on the Sheepskin Trail from the West Virginia state line to the Cheat River Bridge in Point Marion. Fayette County and the National Road Heritage Corridor have partnered with elected officials and other organizations to secure the grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation. Fayette County Commission Chairman Al Ambrosini said that the county is now poised to earmark $30,000 from its portion of the hotel tax fund toward the additional $150,000 needed to construct the trail. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2014. Local residents and trail supporters can contribute to trail construction by sending donations to the National Road Heritage Corridor, 65 West Main Street – Suite 103, Uniontown, PA 15401. Make your tax deductible donation payable to NRHC and in the memo area write Sheepskin Trail. Community support is essential. This money can be used to secure matching grants from government and private organizations. Please help bring the Sheepskin Trail to Point Marion. After 20 years of work from many dedicated volunteers, the wait is almost over! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 23, and KEEP PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN. Come to the Point Marion Community Park anytime from 9AM to 1 PM to pick up trash bags and gloves. Then spread out through the borough to pick up trash on public streets and along the old rail corridor (or the new Sheepskin Trail!). Refreshments will be served at the park at 1:00. For more information contact victoriaevans109(a)gmail.com Let’s get the town looking good for Spring! From the Point Marion River Town Action Team

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Happy Trails to You
by Duane 11 Mar '13

11 Mar '13

DOMINION POST Sunday 10 March 2013: GUEST COMMENTARY Rail-trail has changed life in our town BY STEVE SELIN I appreciated the recent Goodwill City (DP-Feb. 7) article about the formation of the Monongahela River Trails Conservancy (MRTC) and the 48 mile rail-trail we enjoy here in our backyard. Twenty years later, the goodwill continues. In many ways, the trail has transformed life here in Morgantown, turning the Monongahela River into a recreational and economic asset after years of neglect and abuse. The trail has also encouraged healthy, active lifestyles as commuters, families, and lovers have rediscovered their bikes, running shoes, and rollerblades, leaving their cars behind. The trail has also emerged as a catalyst for riverfront revitalization in the downtown area, Wharf District and Star City. Not that managing a 48-mile linear park is easy! Landslides, downed trees and vandalism are a constant challenge to the unique partnership between MRTC, the city of Morgantown (BOPARC), and the Monongalia County Commission charged with maintaining and enhancing the trail. Hats off to Ella Belling, the executive director of MRTC, who has provided sustained leadership and vision for the trail. Through Belling’s prolific grant-writing efforts, MRTC and BOPARC recently were awarded more than $200,000 of federal dollars to resurface sections of the Deckers Creek Trail and stabilize part of the trail being undercut by Deckers Creek. Mark Wise, Director of BOPARC, and the city of Morgantown, also deserves much praise for their stalwart support of the trail. The BOPARC maintenance crew is constantly trimming back the encroaching brush, clearing out culverts, and replacing gates and benches damaged by vandals. Our daily enjoyment of the trail depends heavily on this maintenance crew. Eldon Callen and the Monongalia County Commission are to be commended on their long-term support of the trail. Callen’s legal advice for the trail and the commission’s annual support has been invaluable to maintain the trail at a high standard, particularly outside the city limits of Morgantown. Finally, Mayor Allen Sharp and the community of Star City have demonstrated remarkable vision in realizing the potential of the trail by revitalizing their Riverfront Park and developing the recreational potential of the old Quality Glass site. Now, you can see that it takes everyone working together to manage a first-class trail system! None of this would be possible without the hundreds of volunteers who turn out to help maintain and enhance the trail. For example, an Eagle Scout project recently added a new weather shelter near Little Fall on the Mon River Trail that now offers trail users a place to rest and shelter from storms. The future looks bright for the Mon River Trails. Perhaps the most exciting new connection will be the completion of the northern extension of the trail into Pennsylvania. Anyone who’s ridden to Apple Annies for breakfast or their famous cakes and pies knows what I’m talking about! So, let’s work together to realize the great potential of the Mon River Trails. Become a Mon River Trails Conservancy member and help the rail-trail. Learn more at our website: montrails.org. Our future success rests squarely on the goodwill of all of us. STEVE SELIN is an avid trail user and a MRTC board member. This commentary should be considered another point of view and not necessarily the opinion or editorial policy of The Dominion Post

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PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY. Wonder Falls, Big Sandy River, CHEAT Watershed
by Duane 07 Mar '13

07 Mar '13

Kayak full face maneuver on Big Sandy in Preston County northern WV. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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-- We Should All Celebrate Aldo Leopold
by Duane 03 Mar '13

03 Mar '13

http://www.poncacitynews.com/Shribman2013-03-03T01-58-16 "We Should All Celebrate Aldo Leopold" David M. Shribman, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 3-3-2013 Maybe nothing much is going on right now in your hometown, but that’s not the case in Batesland, S.D. (population 108), and in the Wisconsin towns of La Crosse, Fond du Lac and New London. They’re all marking Aldo Leopold Weekend, and we should, too. Aldo Leopold Weekend — officially so designated in Wisconsin but informally marked elsewhere — comes only once a year, and it is a time for reflection and action, all in honor of one of the poets laureate of the conservation movement, a man much forgotten by the general public but much revered among those who believe, as he did, that there are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm — that you might think breakfast comes from the store and that you might believe heat comes from the furnace. Pick up your copy of his classic “A Sand County Almanac” — all libraries have one, several schools do, and those who love nature writing own at least one volume — and pause for a moment on his foreword, written precisely 65 years ago Monday. There is more wisdom in those 13 paragraphs than in a dozen 300-page works that have won the National Book Award. Pause for a moment on the second paragraph: Like winds and sunsets, wild things were taken for granted until progress began to do away with them. Now we face the question whether a still higher “standard of living” is worth its cost in things natural, wild and free. Leopold’s book is a meditation on wild things and on the cost of civilization. Long before the word “ecology” moved from the natural-history and zoology faculty in the late 19th century to the front pages of newspapers in the late 1960s, this U.S. Forest Service supervisor, University of Wisconsin professor of game management and long-selling author (2 million copies in print) preached the precepts and values of this discipline, which he viewed in moral as much as in scientific terms: That land is a community is the basic concept of ecology, but that land is to be loved and respected is an extension of ethics … Our bigger-and-better society is now like a hypochondriac, so obsessed with its own economic health as to have lost the capacity to remain healthy. Can it be a coincidence that his masterwork was completed in the same year (1948) as “Northern Farm,” Henry Beston’s chronicle of a year in Maine, written from Chimney Farm in Nobleboro, where he lived with his wife, the equally sagacious Elizabeth Coatsworth, a Buffalo girl who won the Newbery Medal in 1931 for “The Cat Who Went to Heaven” but is best remembered in our house for her musings about rural New England? Henry Beston may be better known for “The Outermost House,” written in 1928 from Cape Cod, but I have always been drawn to “Northern Farm,” which he concludes by observing that “(w)hat has come over our age is an alienation from Nature unexampled in human history. It has cost us our sense of reality and all but cost us our humanity.” That is the Leopold insight as well. Leopold and Rachel Carson (who once said Beston was the only writer who influenced her) are almost always cited as the founding father and mother of the modern environmental movement. Open Beston’s book at random and you’ll encounter reflections like this, on page 24 of my well-loved paperback edition, now 39 years old: If there is one thing clear about the centuries dominated by the factory and the wheel, it is that although the machine can make everything from a spoon to a landing-craft, a natural joy in earthly living is something it never has and never will be able to manufacture. Like Beston, Leopold was a great observer. He contemplated field sparrows, wrens, even the beautifully named prothonotary warbler, the latter very much at home in a hole carved by a woodpecker. He made friends with the wahoo, red dogwood, hazel and bittersweet, dismissed by the less discerning as mere brush. He noticed how the wild blackberries glowed along boggy streams like red lanterns. He found that the winds of November were in a hurry. In all, the farm woodlands provided him with what he called “a liberal education,” for he concluded that “(t)his crop of wisdom never fails.” Here’s some of that wisdom, beautifully captured in a new edition published this month by the Library of America: If you are thriftily inclined, you will find pines congenial company, for, unlike the hand-to-mouth hardwoods, they never pay current bills out of current earnings; they live solely on their savings of the year before. In this month of March the “small-talk and neighborhood gossip among pines” told Leopold that a well-fed deer is too lazy to reach up beyond 4 feet for his feast of branches but a really famished one will reach as high as 8 feet. “Thus,” he wrote, “I learn the gastronomic status of the deer without seeing them, and I learn, without visiting his field, whether my neighbor has hauled in his cornshocks.” (Lest you think this sort of wisdom, rare in any age, has no equal in our time, let me recommend “Reading the Forested Landscape” by Tom Wessels, perhaps the best nature book of our century.) Some 65 years later, Leopold tells us that a “March morning is only as drab as he who walks in it without a glance skyward, ear cocked for geese.” The other day I was in the country and looked skyward and saw snow-laden clouds at war with the sun. The snow won. All was right with the world, softened by the white. Leopold, who prided himself on knowing how a mountain thinks, saw man as merely the newest animal on the prairie he came to love, intervening by depriving the land of its onetime ally, fire. He reminds us that the great John Muir felt the same thing. “Had there been no fires,” wrote Muir, “these fine prairies, so marked a feature of the country, would have been covered by the heaviest forest.” This led Leopold to tell us that he who owns a bur oak, so prominent in southern Wisconsin, “owns a historical library, and a reserved seat in the theater of evolution.” The amazing thing is that he saved a seat for us in that theater. Sit back and watch the action. It’s Aldo Leopold Weekend. David M. Shribman is executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette

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SHEEPSKIN TRAIL COMMUNITY KICK-OFF -- March 7th
by Duane 22 Feb '13

22 Feb '13

Please join in the Sheepskin Trail Community Kick-Off in Point Marion, PA on March 7th at 4:30PM. The more the merrier! The Sheepskin Trail, which will connect Point Marion to Morgantown and eventually to the Great Allegheny Passage, is one step closer. For many years trail advocates and organizations in both WV and PA have been working to move rail-trail boundaries past the WV State Line, where the Mon River Trail currently ends. Please join us and our friends in Point Marion, PA for a community gathering to hear more about this effort and to celebrate some good news. 4:30PM Gather for walking tour- Penn and Railroad Street 5-6PM Refreshments and Speakers-Jordan Building- corner of Main and Penn Street 6PM Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant Please RSVP 724.437.9877 I hope to see you there! Spread the word, Ella Directions from Morgantown Follow US 119 North approximately 10 miles After you enter Point Marion 119N will curve to the left One block down on left is parking lot across from United Bank and adjacent to post office. Ella Belling Executive Director Mon River Trails Conservancy P.O. Box 282 Morgantown, WV 26507 www.montrails.org 304-692-6782

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Death by Chocolate.pdf
by Duane 08 Feb '13

08 Feb '13

http://www.dep.wv.gov/pio/Documents/Settlements%20and%20Orders/Death%20by%2… Citation and Fine for sediment pollution to Whites Run and Cheat Lake. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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<CLEAR> New Bridge, New Access Point on Cheat Lake
by Duane330＠aol.com 10 Dec '12

10 Dec '12

NOTICE: During the next few weeks, please examine the new Bridge Over Cheat Lake, and on the East Upstream side please notice a gap in the Guard Rail for pulling off into a small area freshly graveled and decorated with large stone pieces from the old bridge piers. This new area is intended for use of car top carry down boats, not for swimming. We owe a big thank you to Frank Jernejcic, Fish Biologist, WV-DNR and Brayman Construction for the work done thus far on this pull-off, parking, site seeing, car-top boat access location. ASSIGNMENTS: 1. What would you name the new bridge? I hope that the new name is The Ice's Ferry Bridge. That was the name for the old bridge, and the location was the site of the ferry crossing in the earliest days for pioneers when the Ice family settled in that vicinity and gave birth to the first non native child west of these mountains. The Ice Family monument has been preserved and is now located on the East Downstream side of the new bridge, another reason that the Ice family name would be right for the new bridge. What would you name the new bridge? 2. Stop by the East Upstream access location and look around. We might work with the WV Division of Natural Resources to improve this carry-down boat access location over the coming months and years. What ideas would you have. In some locations, some fill dirt and grass might be feasible. Safety features may be needed along the access ramp, which is rather steep. Your ideas would be appreciated. NOTE: If you are walking on or near the new bridge and decide to cross to the other side, you will be in danger of the automobile traffic because cars and trucks are going much faster on this new bridge than was the case with the old one and no crossing points have been allowed for. Safety first, please take great care.

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Stop the noise and air pollution at MFIP!
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

Remember Northeastern Natural Energy at the Morgantown Industrial Park and the public outcry? Same County (Cheat Lake Area) Same type of location: Industrial Park Same type of Industry Health, Safety and Welfare of citizens threatened Visit http://stopthenoise.lwvwv.org for a better reading experience and to view the videos documenting the noise pollution. Stop the Noise! <http://www.lwvwv.org/2012/11/20/stop-the-noise/> <http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/P1010334.jpg><http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/P1010336.jpg> Stop the noise! <http://stopthenoise.lwvwv.org/> Sounds simple, doesn't it? But it is not. At the Natural Resources committee meeting ofLWV of Morgantown-Monongalia <http://www.lwvwv.org/category/league-of-women-votes-of-wv/morgantown/>on November 19th, 2012, the brutal reality of what happens when citizens have no recourse when their welfare is threatened became painfully apparent to us all in a loud way. In the videos below Cassandra Harvey records the almost constant 24/7 noise her family had to experience in the vicinity of the Mon Fayette Industrial Park (MFIP). "Had to" because after several month of grating, constant, maddening, unrelenting, drive a person insane noise, she and her family had to move. Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Manager Edward Limas ofInspection Oilfield Services (IOS) <http://www.iospci.com/> states in a noise survey conducted on 8/27/2012 that the noise level ranged from 86.3-105.8 dB. According to the OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Standards concerning Occupational noise exposure <http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_i…> ("Paragraphs (c) through (n) <http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/oilgaswelldrilling/index.html#standards>of this section shall not apply to employers engaged in oil and gas well drilling and servicing operations."), sound protection is required for workers spending over 2 hours at the 100 dB range. Table G-16 below provides a detailed dB/hr explanation. TABLE G-16 - PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES (1) ______________________________________________________________ | Duration per day, hours | Sound level dBA slow response ____________________________|_________________________________ | 8...........................| 90 6...........................| 92 4...........................| 95 3...........................| 97 2...........................| 100 1 1/2 ......................| 102 1...........................| 105 1/2 ........................| 110 1/4 or less................| 115 ____________________________|________________________________ This video speaks for itself. IOS workers are not protected from potential injury from loud sound! If they were working for short periods of time, perhaps, but the residents beside the Industrial Park have been observing the same workers over an extended time period. The residents have been experiencing air pollution from the rust and chemicals being removed from the pipes. Sometimes there is a chemical odor in the air, and they have observed a film from the particulates depositing on surfaces. Ruth Stone explained how the chemistry of her swimming pool water has been altered. Photos were shown of a bird bath filled with a rust color substance. Observe in the video above how workers are not wearing any respiratory protection either! Another known violation. I asked Bill Myers, one of over 10 residents who attended the meeting, whether the pipes are cleaned on location at the drilling site, or whether they come in dirty with drilling mud. Although he was not completely sure whether they are being delivered with toxic mud, he said, they are cleaned at the Industrial Park, and the dirty water, drains into a tributary that empties into Cheat Lake. It would be interesting to find out the results from a chemistry test of the effluents being dumped from the site. IOS is only 1 of several companies with a lease at the Park. According to MFIP leasing specs, there are nowmore than 20 tenants <http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/16835952/1100-Heavy-Haul-Road-Morgantown-WV/>mainly focused on the oil and gas industry. <http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Mon-Fayette-Industrial-Park…> Resident's home in relation to the Industrial Park site. View Larger Map <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Clark+Road,+M…> When the Industrial Park was being constructed beside the residents homes, a 15 foot high vertical drop was built right along their property lines. No attempt was made by the operators to put a protective fence along this wall to protect residents, in particular, their children. Both of Cassandra's children were adversely affected by the noise in the nighttime and suffered from the inability to sleep. Cassandra observed behavioral changes in both children resulting from the extreme fatigue. There were specific instances when her 6 year old was screaming and crying due to an incredibly high-pitched squeal. Both she and her husband, Wade, a physician, have developed tinnitus. The video below provides good insight into why they had to move. But, many of the residents cannot move from the location. Some have been there for 40+ years. This is the place they have loved and enjoyed, but now their faces bare deep frowns. I could sense the heaviness and despair in the air. These folk do not oppose good jobs, and IOS promised them they would be a good neighbor. But that has not happened, instead it has become a waking nightmare that they cannot fall asleep from. <http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-0829-15.33-4.jpg> Burning behind the IOS facility. There are many other violations the residents have been observing at the Industrial Park. One repeated violation involves burning without a permit on an industrial site which is illegal in West Virginia. <http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/blasting11.jpg><http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/blasting111.jpg><http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/blasting1111.jpg> Blasting is being performed by Mountaineer Drilling & Blasting from Clarksburg. Some resident's homes have sustained structural damage. The response from the Industrial Park's insurer, Chartis (Mountaineer Drilling sent Smith Adjusting) is that the blasting has not been strong enough to cause damage. The residents were made aware that seismographs were used after they complained; however, they have never been granted access to the data collected. What is worst is that no offer for pre-appraisals were initially offered, and there was never a notice about the blasting being performed. Sirens were occasionally used, but not according to blasting regulations or with any regularity. Complete violations. Paul Panson, incorporator and President (owner) of LPG Land & Development Corp., the corporation operating the Mon Fayette Industrial Park, allowed more blasting to occur on November 8 and 12 despite complaints from the residents. Bonnie Hughes (the resident who originally contacted me on this website) says that an unknown company was performing blasting on those two dates, and speculates that LPG Land & Development may have been performing the work themselves without an outside contractors help. Why hasn't anything been done? Apparently, the regulations that pertain to permanent sites do not apply to the transient Oil & Gas industry's temporary sites. But temporary is a relative term, it could be an indefinite amount of years, as long as drilling continues up the road in Pennsylvania, the Industrial Park is conveniently located right near the end of the Mon-Fayette expressway. As for the noise, the worst complaint of all, Bonnie explains it in this way, "The buck keeps getting passed around from EPA to DEP to County Commission back to EPA". While deeply concerned, the Monongalia County Health Department <http://www.monchd.org/>andHUD <http://hud.gov/>have not been able to help. <http://www.lwvwv.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/mckinley-noise.jpg> WV Congressman David McKinley's response On October 19, 2012, WV Congressman David McKinley responded to Bonnie's complaint regarding the excessive noise level at the MFIP. He explains, "TheNoise Control Act of 1972 <http://www.epa.gov/air/noise/noise_control_act_of_1972.pdf>andQuiet Communities Act of 1978 <http://www.epa.gov/air/noise.html>were not rescinded, and remain in effect today." However, McKinley says, "In 1981, the Administration concluded that noise issues were best handled at the state or local governmental level." McKinley copied this information in his letter verbatim from EPA's website <http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/history/topics/noise/index.html>. Neither does he believe that current Federal regulations enforced by the EPA or a designated agency would apply to her complaint. Then he offers to forward a very detailed written statement of her concerns to the EPA to determine if help is available, and ask the County Commission, and WV DEP to contact her personally. Bonnie sent this statement to McKinley on October 22, 2012, and has not heard back. But, the residents have already been through this circuit with the EPA, DEP and County Commission over and over again. He says, "I am hopeful these officials will be successful in convincing the drilling company to commit to being a "good neighbor" and offer a suitable resolution which will be aimed at reducing the noise levels associated with their drilling activities." What the residents desperately want now is relief. They cannot wait for County Planning to implement a sound ordinance, or the state legislature to implement a law that the County Commission would have to obey. They hope that theNoise Control Act of 1972 <http://www.epa.gov/air/noise/noise_control_act_of_1972.pdf>will come to their rescue and will preempt, or perhaps their new neighbor will pay close attention to the part in the Constitution that promotes the general Welfare of all her people. One more video to whet your whistle. In this video, a fire whistle competes with the background sound. Yes, sirens are still used in our region in this modern age of pagers, radios and telephones!

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: "How's My Waterway" Webcast
by Duane 26 Nov '12

26 Nov '12

> From: "Thompson, Jami" <JThompson(a)wvca.us> > Date: November 26, 2012 12:25:48 PM EST > Subject: "How's My Waterway" Webcast > > > Many of you have probably already seen the new EPA "How's my Waterway" tool, where you can search local water bodies and learn about their water quality. This Wednesday there is a free webcast to learn more about this app, and others related to water quality. I thought y'all may be interested! Here is the link to register http://water.epa.gov/learn/training/wacademy/webcasts_index.cfm You can also search and download past webcasts, and subscribe to the podcast! > > I found out about this webcast because I'm subscribe to the EPA's Watershed News. It's a monthly electronic newsletter with all kinds of great watershed-related news! I would highly suggest subscribing. Here's a link to the November newsletter, and instructions on how to subscribe can be found at the very bottom http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/1112.cfm > > > dgn

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National Water Quality Monitoring Council online newsletter
by Duane 21 Nov '12

21 Nov '12

To our Water Monitoring Colleagues around the Nation: As Co-Chairs of the National Water Quality Monitoring Council (or "Council"), we are pleased to release the sixth edition of our online newsletter National Water Monitoring News :http://acwi.gov/monitoring/newsletter/national-monitoring-news_fall2012.pdf This newsletter provides a forum of communication among water practitioners across the Nation. In support of the national Council’s mission, this newsletter is geared to foster partnerships and collaboration; advance water science; improve monitoring strategies; and enhance data integration, comparability, and reporting. This edition highlights many events, activities, and new products and we hope the information is useful for your water needs. Among the topics included: Highlights from the Council’s 8th National Monitoring Conference (April 30 – May 4, 2012, Portland, OR) New Council Resource – Water Quality Data Portal Tools and Technology Electronic field forms for the 2012 National Lakes Assessment New How's My Waterway? mobile website Updates on monitoring including: U.S. Geological Survey’s Cooperative Water Program U.S. EPA’s National Aquatic Resource Surveys U.S. Forest Service’s Inventory, Monitoring, and Assessment Program Chesapeake Bay Program monitoring of 2011 storm effects Wildfire effects on source water quality Spotlight on the State monitoring programs from California, Vermont and Florida Volunteers monitoring and the coastal Phytoplankton Monitoring Network Updates on National Monitoring Networks including: National Ground Water Monitoring Network Albemarle Sound’s study as part of the National Monitoring Network for U.S. Coastal Waters and Their Tributaries Lake Michigan water quality near Chicago Many thanks to the editorial board: Cathy Tate, Dan Sullivan, Wendy Norton, Alice Mayio, and John Hummer; Kim Martz for the layout, and to all contributors nationwide. On behalf of the entire Council, we hope you enjoy this newsletter and we encourage your feedback and input in future editions! Respectfully yours, Mike Yurewicz, USGS Co-Chair and Susan Holdsworth, EPA Co-Chair To learn more about the National Water Quality Monitoring Council please visit:http://acwi.gov/monitoring/

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New Cheat Lake Bridge Schedule
by Duane 15 Nov '12

15 Nov '12

Jason Nelson of the WV division of highways said today on WAJR radio that the work on the new bridge is behind schedule. He said two to three more weeks of work remains, depending upon the weather. The main bridge deck is now finished, in concrete. But, more work remains with the asphalt on the approach ramps. Other finishing work also remains to be done. So, we cannot expect the new bridge to open until at least December 7th. He also said that there is some subsidence on one of the ramps, over Bowers Lane, in the interchange of the Mon Valley Expressway. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Cheat Lake drawdown
by Duane 15 Nov '12

15 Nov '12

> From: Andy Datsko > Date: November 15, 2012 12:48:55 PM EST > To: Duane <duane330(a)aol.com > Subject: Cheat Lake 10 foot drawdown > > Duane- > > Just wanted to let you know that due to construction at the dam we will be pulling the lake down gradually over the next week or so to about 860' for the week of November 27th and will hold it at that level for about 7-10 days weather permitting. > > We are in process of installing a 2nd debris boom at the dam and will need the reservoir down to construct the attachment hardware to the face of the dam for the new debris boom that will stretch from the dam to the west shore line. Once the work is down we will return to our normal winter operating schedule. > > Since we are within our FERC permitted limits for the winter and seasonal docks have been removed from the reservoir we will not be putting a public notice out on this but we just wanted to give you advanced information if CLEAR receives any questions on why the lake is down. > > Andy

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DID YOU HEAR IT, THE OLD BRIDGE IS DOWN
by Duane 26 Sep '12

26 Sep '12

At exactly 10 am today, the final portion of the old Ices Ferry Bridge was blown into the water. Did you hear it? We can look to YouTube for video coverage, hopefully! Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Ices Ferry Bridge Comes Down. BUILT BEFORE DAM, IN 1922, 90 YEARS AGO
by Duane 21 Sep '12

21 Sep '12

http://www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm?func=displayfullstory&storyid=55115&ty… Ices Ferry Bridge Comes Down With just one blast, 90 years worth of history fell into Cheat Lake Thursday. Contractors working for the state Division of Highways began the demolition process of the Ices Ferry Bridge Thursday. The boom shook the Cheat Lake area at about 10:02 a.m. Thursday as the first portion of the bridge came down. The rest of the bridge will be demolished next Wednesday. The bridge carried motorists across Cheat Lake from 1922 until its closing in May 2011. It will give way to a new bridge scheduled to be completed before the end of the year. Danny Johnson of Johnson Brothers Trucking says he drove over the old iron bridge dozens of times. Now, Johnson's company is hauling the steel from the bridge to be recycled. "I used to haul a lot of coal across this old bridge. I can't believe I'll haul it out of here now," Johnson said. A crane will be used to lift the steel out of the water onto a boat that will then move the steel to the lake's banks. The steel will be cut up and placed on trucks headed toward the Pittsburgh area for recycling. "They're going to cut it up and do it all; we're just going to haul it all away," Johnson said. Johnson said it will likely take three weeks before all the steel is removed from the lake. Workers established a large radius for the explosion that echoed throughout the Cheat Lake area. Brayman Construction Corp. of Saxonburg, Pa., took down the bridge and building the new one. The new bridge is expected to open by the end of the year. The replacement cost is about $12.5 million. Dozens of residents lined the banks of the lake, hiked up to the top of hills and even went out on boats to get the best view of the demolition. Joshua Clopeck brought his family to watch. He said he drove on the bridge in 2011 and a new structure was needed. "It's weird when you cross it. You look down and can see the water and it was old and rickety," he said. "I understand it needed to be improved ... especially with the boats needing to get through at some point." Justin Burns also attended the demolition. He said the bridge was a landmark, but it's time was up. "It's been 15 years since I crossed it, but out with the old and in with the new," Burns said. SEE VIDEO ON WEB SITE ABOVE . . . Video of Collapse - Uploaded by IcesFerryBridge

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"Thar she blows" on Cheat Lake
by Duane 20 Sep '12

20 Sep '12

The new bridge deck is on the right, scheduled to open the first part of November 2012. The Cheat Lake dam construction was started in 1912, some one hundred years ago, finished in 1926. The old bridge shown here was built not that long thereafter, around 1936. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Ices Ferry Bridge 3/4 blown in Morgantown, WV
by Duane 20 Sep '12

20 Sep '12

Check out this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGIOcetK6k0&feature=youtube_gdata_player Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Ices Ferry Bridge blown up this morning
by Duane 20 Sep '12

20 Sep '12

Check out this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnzkH-Umy88&feature=youtube_gdata_player Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Waterkeepers Paddle for 40th Anniversary of Clean Water Act « EcoWatch:
by Duane 19 Sep '12

19 Sep '12

http://ecowatch.org/2012/anniversary-clean-water-act-2/ Waterkeepers Paddle for 40th Anniversary of Clean Water Act Potomac Riverkeeper Waterkeepers from around the country joined more than a hundred paddlers on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. to rally for clean water on Sept. 15. Paddlers, including more than 30 Waterkeeper organizations from Shenandoah Riverkeeper in Virginia to Klamath Riverkeeper in California, brought their boats, kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards and congregated under Key Bridge. They demonstrated solidarity for the Clean Water Act by paddling together towards the Georgetown waterfront. It was the largest gathering of Waterkeepers on the Potomac ever. It was an amazing sight. Marc Yaggi, Waterkeeper Alliance executive director, opened the rally, addressing both the spectators at Georgetown Waterfront Park and paddlers in the water. He was followed by speakers, Jeff Corbin senior advisor for the Environmental Protection Agency for Chesapeake Bay, David Baron managing attorney for Earthjustice and local Waterkeepers, all in agreement that the Clean Water Act works. The Clean Water Act works for our economy, our health and our communities. Clean water creates jobs and it’s more cost effective to invest in clean water than it is to clean polluted water. Clean water is essential for healthy families and communities. As Potomac Riverkeeper Ed Merrifield reminded the audience, the human body is about two-thirds water and those living in the DC area “are mostly Potomac River.” “We have a right to clean water! Let’s uphold the Clean Water Act!” Baron said passionately. “[It] was a ray of hope 40 years ago.” But now polluters and many in Congress are rolling back commonsense environmental protections. Waterkeepers all around the nation use the Clean Water Act every day to protect local waterways. But is that enough? “Seventy percent of the Earth’s surface is water. Shouldn’t 70 percent of the world work on protecting that resource?” Corbin said. The rally to celebrate the Clean Water Act’s 40th Anniversary was a call to everyone to participate in the protection of clean water and to fight for the health of their families and communities. “I want to say thank you to the 1972 Congress,” Merrifield said. Let’s ensure that 40 years from now, we can say thank you to ourselves for upholding what the 1972 Congress intended for future generations—drinkable, fishable, swimmable waters. Visit EcoWatch’s CLEAN WATER ACT page for more related news on this topic. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Test. Share. Protect. World Water Monitoring Day 2012! | Healthy Waters for EPA's Mid-Atlantic Region
by Duane 12 Sep '12

12 Sep '12

http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/2012/09/test-share-protect-world-water-mo… Test. Share. Protect. World Water Monitoring Day 2012! By Trey Cody, Student at Penn State & EPA Intern Did you ever wonder how information is gathered on the condition of our streams, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters? Or how we know whether it is safe to use these waters for drinking or recreational activities like fishing, swimming, and boating? September 18th is your day to not only ask these questions, but to get out and be involved in the data collection yourself… because September 18th is World Water Monitoring Day! You don’t have to consider yourself a scientist to help keep tabs on the health of your local watershed. As part of World Water Monitoring Day, you can do your own monitoring tests and enter your results into an international database. Simple monitoring kits are available for purchase by anyone interested in participating. The health of our water bodies is important more than just one day per year, which is why the World Water Monitoring Day Challenge runs annually from March 22nd (the United Nations’ World Water Day) until December 31st. Events are held, and tests can be conducted and results submitted at any time. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage people everywhere to TEST the quality of their waterways, SHARE their findings, and PROTECT our most precious resource. Watch this video for background on the event and to learn how to test for the four indicators (Turbidity, pH, Temperature, and Dissolved Oxygen) of the World Water Monitoring Day Challenge. By just testing these four parameters – and it’s easy to do – we can learn a lot about the health of our waterways. There are lots of materials out there to help you learn more about the importance of water monitoring. EPA’s Monitoring and Assessing Water Quality page and other outreach materials can help get people excited about water quality. So get out and assess your waters! Tell us about your water monitoring experiences and what you found in your data collection. About the Author: Trey Cody has been an intern with EPA’s Water Protection Division since graduation from high school in 2010. He is currently attending the Pennsylvania State University. 2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the nation’s law for protecting our most irreplaceable resource. Throughout the year, EPA will be highlighting different aspects of the history and successes of the Clean Water Act in reducing pollution in the past 40 years. The month of September will focus on Action and Education. Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Boat Passage Under Cheat Lake Bridges
by Duane330＠aol.com 28 Aug '12

28 Aug '12

Duane, RE: New Bridge Construction on WV 857 Over Cheat Lake Date: August 28, 2012 The boating access (under the bridges) has not been cut off. It has been and will continue to be open to the public for the remainder of the project. Demolishment has begun on the existing bridge and access is still provided. The only exception to this will be the days that the spans on the existing bridge will be blasted. This will occur around the middle of September. Even then, access will only be temporarily restricted at the time of blasting. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks, Brett Fellers | Project Engineer, Brayman Construction Corporation >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> NOTE: It would appear that the new Bridge should be completed and open to traffic by mid-November, or shortly thereafter (before snow flies, if snow flies this winter). DGN

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Go Jump in the Lake! « EcoWatch
by Duane 24 Aug '12

24 Aug '12

http://ecowatch.org/2012/go-jump-in-a-lake-2/ Go Jump in the Lake! Marc Yaggi This summer, grab your family and make the time to get out and enjoy your local waterway! Whether it’s swimming, surfing, paddling, snorkeling or just laying on the beach and enjoying the sound of surf breaking, take the time to enjoy YOUR right to clean, swimmable waters. Today, we are celebrating Swimmable Action Day—a day to advocate for our right to clean, swimmable waters for all. Why? Because the more we use our waterways, the more we will understand, and value, the importance of clean water to our communities. Access to clean swimmable waters gives us a day of recreation without fear of harmful pollutants, provides a sense of place and inspires us to act as stewards of our waterways. And that is exactly what we need today—an army of informed citizen advocates who understand that everyone has a right to clean water for swimming, drinking and fishing. An informed, active public is the best defense to preventing industrial polluters and corrupt politicians from privatizing our waters. Usually, all it takes to instill this is a meaningful connection—a positive experience—with one’s local waterway. Take a minute and listen to participants in the recently held Buzzards Bay Swim (a Waterkeeper Alliance Splash Series event presented by Toyota and KEEN) talk about their connection to their local waterway. Organized by Buzzards Baykeeper, the swim drew more than 300 people, who swam 1.2 miles across the bay to join hundreds of supporters in raising money and awareness for a clean bay. We interviewed dozens of swimmers and attendees. The most common reply to the question “what does clean water mean to you?” was “life.” Most of the participants couldn’t imagine a world where it wasn’t safe for them to jump in a local waterway and go for a swim. And swimming is good for you. According to the Centers for Disease Control, swimming is the second most popular sport in the United States and an excellent way to get regular aerobic activity. As an exercise, swimming can lead to improved health for those with diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic illnesses. Those who swim regularly have stronger hearts and good muscle stamina. Swimming also is easier on joints and muscles than most exercise and can improve mental health. But of course, we need clean water for other water-based recreation, such as kayaking, canoeing, surfing, sailing, waterskiing, fishing, and paddle boarding. A 2006 Study by the Outdoor Industry Association estimates that outdoor recreation contributes $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Apart from the significant economic impacts, the benefits of water-based recreation include increased physical fitness, meeting people, growing self-confidence, learning new skills and more. Added benefits include community pride, environmental awareness and cultural appreciation. Further, the America’s Great Outdoors report notes that “play and relaxation in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, promote learning and personal growth…” It is also a powerful antidote to the skyrocketing obesity rates across the nation, which have tripled among our children over the past 30 years. The report goes on to observe that “Americans’ increasing disconnection from the outdoors…also weakens the commitment to stewardship of our shared natural legacy.” If you have a memorable experience recreating on a waterway, aren’t you more likely to step up and fight for that waterway if someone abuses it? Of course. That is why, with the generous support of Toyota and KEEN, we are continuing to expand our National Splash Event Series. At Splash events, local supporters across the country swim, boat, paddle or fish in celebration of everyone’s right to clean water. To date in 2012, we’ve hosted Splash events in Biscayne Bay, FL; Potomac River in DC; Russian River in Healdsburg, CA; Mobile Bay in AL, and Buzzards Bay in MA. Looking ahead, we plan to get people splashing in Lake Erie, OH; New York Harbor; Hackensack River, NJ; Charleston, SC, and on the Kentucky River. Additionally, we are working to expand the new Waterkeeper Swim Guide (download it at the App Store or www.theswimguide.org) across the country. The Waterkeeper Swim Guide is a revolutionary smartphone app and website that tells you where your closest beaches are, which ones are open for swimming and which have unreliable monitoring data. The Waterkeeper Swim Guide goes further by describing the laws and policies and sampling procedures that apply to your beaches and also gives citizens a pollution reporting tool. This summer, we have launched the Swim Guide in Florida; California; New York, Connecticut; Mobile, Ala.; the Chesapeake region; the Great Lakes; Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Quebec. Let’s all celebrate Swimmable Action Day today. Please lend your support and go ‘jump in a lake’, or pond, river, bay, or stream! And post a photo of yourself, your kids or your dog enjoying your right to clean, swimmable water to our Facebook page. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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IMPORTANT: Domain change implemented
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 17 Aug '12

17 Aug '12

The domain change has been implemented for this email list. To send email to the CLEAR email list, you must now send it to clear(a)osenergy.org . -Jonathan

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(no subject)
by Dee Fulton 16 Aug '12

16 Aug '12

http://www.mightybuda.com/twinponds/wp-content/plugins/zhuatvfpffc/0vx6qx56… 8/16/2012 4:34:52 PM

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IMPORTANT: Domain change CLEAR list
by Jonathan Rosenbaum 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

Hello CLEAR list, This weekend, the Friends of Cheat will be moving their email services to Google for nonprofits. What this means is that the clear(a)cheat.org list will become clear(a)osenergy.org. This change will occur early Friday morning between 12:00 a.m - 6:00 a.m. I will send another message to this list alerting people after the change is complete. Until Friday morning you may continue to send emails to clear(a)cheat.org, but after the change you will need to send emails to clear(a)osenergy.org . Again, clear(a)cheat.org is changing to clear(a)osenergy.org! Also, I am phasing out my freesource(a)cheat.org address. Please reach me at Jonathan Rosenbaum <jr(a)wvcompletestreets.org> . Thanks! -Jonathan

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CLEAR has been heavily involved with this SNAIL and BAT in the CANYON
by Duane 15 Aug '12

15 Aug '12

$1.3 million in grants will support land acquisition and conservation planning for endangered species in W.Va. and Penn. Contact: Meagan Racey, 413-253-8558, meagan_racey(a)fws.gov The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today two grants to support conservation planning in Pennsylvania and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered animals in West Virginia. In Preston County, West Virginia, $700,000 will help acquire habitat for the threatened flat-spired three-toothed land snail and the endangered Indiana bat. In Pennsylvania, $600,000 will support state agencies’ efforts to address forest land management activities on state lands to benefit the Indiana bats and other bats. Awarded through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund, the grants are part of $33 million to fund projects in 21 states benefiting numerous species, from the Peninsular bighorn sheep to Kirtland’s warbler. “Our strong partnerships with states, landowners and local communities are the key to the successful protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species, and these grants will fund important conservation work,” said Secretary Salazar. “While dozens of imperiled species will benefit from these efforts, improving the health of our land and water will also help the people, communities and economies that depend on these resources.” Authorized by Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, these competitive grants enable states to work with private landowners, conservation groups and other government agencies to initiate conservation planning efforts and acquire and protect habitat to support the conservation of threatened and endangered species. “Ensuring the survival of imperiled species depends on long-term partnerships and voluntary landowner participation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “The vital funding provided by these grants is matched by the states and leveraged to great advantage in helping conserve and recover some of the most imperiled wildlife in the country.” $700,000 grant will support land acquisition for W.Va. endangered species In Preston County, West Virginia, funds will go to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources to help acquire habitat for the threatened flat-spired three-toothed land snail and the endangered Indiana bat. WVDNR has partnered with The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, and other non-governmental organizations to acquire land that expands an existing protected block of forest along the Cheat River Gorge. This property provides about 33 percent of the global range of the threatened snail and includes hibernacula for the endangered Indiana bat. $600,000 grant will support conservation planning for Penn. state agencies The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will use this funding to develop a habitat conservation plan addressing forest land management activities on state lands to benefit bat species across the state. The draft plan is a requirement for an application for a federal endangered species permit, called an incidental take permit, addressing impacts to the endangered Indiana bat. The plan will cover impacts to the Indiana bat on the 1.4 million acres of state game lands, the 2.2 million acres of state forests, and the 295,000 acres of state parks. The total 3.8 million acres of largely forested land provides potential foraging, roosting, maternity colony and fall swarming habitat for all bat species that occur in Pennsylvania. The conservation plan and related environmental analysis will evaluate the impacts of forest management practices on Indiana bats and use that information to develop a strategy to minimize and mitigate those impacts. The evaluation may also include other bats, such as the little brown bat, eastern small-footed bat, northern long-eared bat and the tri-colored bat, that have experienced rapid declines due to white-nose syndrome. The Endangered Species Act provides a critical safety net for America’s native fish, wildlife, and plants. The Service is working to actively engage conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species. To learn more about the Endangered Species Program, visithttp://www.fws.gov/endangered/. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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WV DEP Water Quality Standards Program public meeting Aug. 30
by Duane330＠aol.com 09 Aug '12

09 Aug '12

Thursday, August 9, 2012 @ 5:05 PM =========================================================== The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Quality Standards Program will conduct a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Coopers Rock Conference Room of DEP headquarters, located at 601 57th St., S.E, Charleston, W.Va. Staff from the DEP will update the public on relevant Water Quality Standards Program information and upcoming program projects. A meeting agenda will be posted on the Water Quality Standards Program Web site: http://www.dep.wv.gov/WWE/Programs/wqs/Pages/default.aspx For more information, please contact Kevin Coyne at (304) 926-0499 or via email at Kevin.R.Coyne(a)wv.gov

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Update on PRESTON (COUNTY) CARES
by Duane 08 Aug '12

08 Aug '12

RE: Preston CARES (Citizens' Alliance for Resources and Environmental Safety). Preston CARES formed in Spring 2011 with the initial intent of preventing a landfill from being located on Benson Road which would receive waste from the hydraulic fracturing process. It has been quiet on this front lately. There were reports that the community's negative response to this issue surprised the company. The full acreage of the Benson Road parcel of land has gone back on the real estate market, so we are cautiously optimistic that this "development" has been suspended, if not halted altogether. When Preston CARES selected our name, it was because we had a shared concern for numerous environmental issues in Preston County. In addition to fighting the landfill, we have engaged in three other efforts in the past year. At the Buckwheat Festival, we hosted a booth which informed people about our work, and we coordinated the first-ever recycling effort on the Fairgrounds. In late fall we coordinated two different day-long tours of gas drilling sites in Wetzel County, led by the Wetzel County Citizens' Action Group. We invited our County Commissioners and our Assessor to attend one of these tours with us, and they did. As a result of those tours we met with the County Health Officer, the Office of Emergency Management (911), and the Superintendent of Schools to discuss our concerns about increased drilling in our county and what various organizations may need to be aware of. Finally, in March we helped Friends of the Cheat, Friends of Deckers' Creek, and the WV Surface Owners' Rights Organization host a community symposium in Bruceton about gas drilling and landowners' rights. It was well-attended, and you can see the news clip on our Facebook page.) Preston CARES is continuing to engage in work related to environmental issues in our county. This year we are revamping the Buckwheat Festival Recycling Project, and we have received a grant to host a film festival in October. We hope that you too are concerned about the beautiful place in which we live, The folks at Preston CARES

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One in five streams damaged by mine pollution in southern West Virginia: study
by Duane 06 Aug '12

06 Aug '12

http://phys.org/news/2012-07-streams-pollution-southern-west-virginia.html One in five streams damaged by mine pollution in southern West Virginia: study The study, published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Science & Technology, documents substantial losses in aquatic insect biodiversity and increases in salinity linked to sulfates and other pollutants in runoff from mines often located miles upstream. "Our findings offer concrete evidence of the cumulative impacts surface mining is having on a regional scale," said Emily S. Bernhardt, associate professor of biogeochemistry at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment. "The relationship is clear and direct. The more mining you have upstream, the higher the biological loss and salinity levels will be downstream, and the farther they will extend." Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the water-quality problems caused at or near the site of individual surface coal mines, Bernhardt noted. She and her team "set out to understand how the large and growing number of surface mines is affecting water quality throughout Appalachia." They used NASA satellite images and computer data to map the extent of surface mining taking place across a 12,000-square-mile area of the southern West Virginia coalfields between 1976 and 2005. They found that companies had converted more than five percent of the land into mine sites and buried 480 miles of streams beneath adjacent valley fills during this period. Chemical and biological data from 223 streams sampled by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection between 1997 and 2007 were combined with mapping to help the researchers determine that pollution runoff from the mines could substantially degrade more than 1,400 miles of streams in the region. That's four times the length of streams buried by the valley fills. "It's important to recognize that surface coal mining pollution doesn't stop at mine-permit boundaries," said Brian D. Lutz, a postdoctoral associate in Bernhardt's lab. "Our analysis suggests that mining only five percent of the land surface is degrading between 22 percent and 32 percent of the region's rivers," he said. Substantial declines in insect diversity began to occur when companies had mined as little as one percent of upstream land, the analysis showed. In areas where companies had converted about five percent of the land into mines, sensitive species such as mayflies and stoneflies had vanished or declined to an extent that the streams would qualify as biologically impaired under criteria set by the state of West Virginia. The designation means the streams could be placed on a list of waterways that the state must take steps to rehabilitate. "What is so compelling is that we found many different types of organisms are lost downstream of surface coal mines, and most of them begin to disappear at similar levels of mining," said Ryan S. King, associate professor of biology at Baylor. "Our analysis shows that coal mining is leading to widespread declines in aquatic biodiversity in Appalachian streams." Journal reference: Environmental Science & Technology Provided by Duke University

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Stop the Frack Attack
by Duane 31 Jul '12

31 Jul '12

Water is Life . .. ... .... ..... KEEP IT CLEAN. stop the frack attack 7-28-12 Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Illness is sometimes due to polluted water . . .
by Duane 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

September 8: Wellness and Water: Health Impacts of Fossil Fuel Extraction Join us at the Morgantown (W.Va.) First Presbyterian Church for this conference sponsored by the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition (OVEC) and the WV Chapter of the Sierra Club. Our keynote speaker is chemist Wilma Subra, whom you may have seen in Gasland. We'll have workshops and panels with impacted residents, and experts including Dr. Ben Stout, whom you may have seen in The Last Mountain and Burning the Future, andDr. Michael Hendryx, whose research is shining a much-needed light on the extreme human health impacts of mountaintop removal coal mining. Registration begins at 8 a.m. (We will have an online registration page up soon.) Keynote at 9 a.m. Closing reception at 1 p.m. $10 suggested donation. Contact Robin Blakeman at robin(a)ohvec.org or304-522-0246 for more information

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New Research Greenhouse in Morgantown
by Duane330＠aol.com 30 Jul '12

30 Jul '12

Shared research greenhouse complete. WVU and US Forest Service (USDA) Station scientists studying the ecology and management of invasive species and forest ecosystem in Morgantown, W.Va., are moving into a new research greenhouse designed and built in cooperation with the West Virginia University. The greenhouse will accommodate work on invasive species, particularly plants, as well as research related to the natural regeneration of oak forests following disturbance. There will be a state-of-the-art computer-based controls system that allows users to program temperature controls, lights, and, optionally, irrigation systems.

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Egyptian geese visit Cheat Lake
by Duane330＠aol.com 26 Jul '12

26 Jul '12

Egyptian geese visit Cheat Lake............................ .............. see page 1-D of today's Morgantown Dominion Post.......................

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Farewell to the Ices Ferry Bridge
by Duane 21 Jul '12

21 Jul '12

Ices Ferry farewell: Old bridge’s dismantling starts Monday By EVELYN RYAN, The Morgantown Dominion Post, July 21, 2012 Piece by piece, starting Monday, the old Ices Ferry Bridge over Cheat Lake will be taken apart and removed. The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) said Friday construction crews will start by removing portions of the old bridge’s rusted steel deck grid. The bridge was closed to traffic in May 2011, when Brayman Construction began work on the new structure, located next to the old one. The $12.5 million new bridge is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, weather permitting. People on foot and bikers have continued to use the old bridge, built in 1922, to cross the lake. That won’t be possible starting Monday, noted Jason Nelson, DOH District 4 construction engineer. “They are going to being cutting off and removing non-structural components of the old bridge the first of next week,” he said. Work will continue on the new bridge, he said. Plans are to begin putting in the deck sometime in the next 10 days or so. Once the demolition starts, and the contractor determines what shape the old bridge is in, plans for the rest of the demolition will be developed. “They will use explosives to break the bridge apart, into usable sections,” Nelson said. It won’t be as spectacular as the Star City Bridge demolition. “They are basically going to blast, drop it into the water (about 10 feet). That’s it.” Workers will cut the steel at the abutments and other key areas so it can drop quickly. The sections will be further cut into pieces so they can quickly be removed from the lake, he added, “so as to not block the lake more than they have to.” Although the contract calls for the bridge to be completed by Oct. 31, First Energy begins lowering the lake to its winter level during October. DOH officials said the water level on Cheat Lake will be too low in the fall to support the barges used during construction. The dry, hot weather has affected the lake level, however. “We have enough water depth right now,” Nelson said, “but it is low, according to our guys, as low as it can go for summer pool.” The lake is created by the Lake Lynn Power Plant, owned by First Energy. Todd Meyers, a First Energy spokesman, said the plant manager reported that because of the dry months, the level has been hovering at 868 feet above sea level. That’s the minimum requirement for recreation on the lake. “It’s a balancing act because we are also trying to generate power there as well,” Meyers said, to meet “the power demand in the northeast from the hot weather.” At 868 feet, there shouldn’t be any trouble with the barges. The lake itself is deepest in front of the dam, 75-90 feet. At the bridge construction site, it is 20-25 feet deep, he noted.

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Artists Celebrate The Lives Of Aquatic Life That Perished In Dunkard Creek | Essential Public Radio
by Duane 20 Jul '12

20 Jul '12

http://www.essentialpublicradio.org/story/2012-07-18/artists-celebrate-live… Artists Celebrate The Lives Of Aquatic Life That Perished In Dunkard Creek (Photo: Mountain Institute.) Mimic Shiners by Pittsburgh artist Connie Merriman is one of 90 images in the Dunkard Creek exhibition. Ann Payne and Wendy Henry exchange anxious glances as they walk. They are heading down a path to the bank of Dunkard Creek in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania. The two haven't been to this spot since Henry asked her friend Payne, a Morgantown artist, to look at an unfolding disaster on the creek near her home. “Remember we walked down this way toward the creek and off to the left there was a bunch of birds and I thought good grief- there’s a bunch of green herons. We got closer and they were eating bodies of dead fish” says Payne. Ann and Wendy recall the scene as the “ perfect storm” for a massive kill of aquatic life. It was September and the creek was low. Scientists later surmised that discharge from a coal mine created the conditions for a toxic algae bloom. As many as 65,000 aquatic animals suffocated in the salty water along the length of the stream. “The smell was unbelievable. It was death. And I'm a country girl and I've smelled many dead things along the woods. But this was a death I never smelt before” says Henry. Payne says she walked away from the creek determined to do something. First, she questioned scientists about the animals that disappeared from the creek. She got an official list of fish, but had to sleuth for the kinds of reptiles, mussels, amphibians and insects that had lived in Dunkard, one of the most diversely populated creeks in the region. When she finished her research, she began painting portraits of individual species. “A year later, I think by 2010, I think I had ten paintings” says Payne. At age 70, Payne realized she'd never be done with this project in her lifetime. So she recruited 89 other artists with close ties to the Monongahela watershed to portray 90 lost species. After months of coordination, Reflections: An Homage to Dunkard Creek hit the road in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. On a recent night, about 100 people crowd into a college art gallery in Fairmont, West Virginia, one of the communities where the Dunkard exhibition will be hung . Ann Payne walks around the space. Small images of fish, mussels, water snakes, frogs, insects hang on the white walls. She says no two artists have used the same materials or styles to produce their portraits. “This is a digital inkjet print.This one is needle work. Is that fun? Uhm, this one cut wood that he has put together in layers . I have no idea how he did that. That's a mudpuppy,” says Payne. Across the gallery, Brandy Fluharty and her boyfriend stare at a portrait of mimic shiners, small fish often used as bait by people who once fished the creek. “Is it eye opening to see something like this” asks Murray. “Yes, it's really sad”, says Fluharty. “I was raised there’s a lot of farmland and we have creeks and I couldn’t imagine if something happened there.” Brent Bailey, director of the Appalachian program of the Mountain Institute, says this kind of conversation is exactly what his nonprofit had in mind when they agreed to sponsor the art show. “People have been coming into this art exhibit who have never been to an art exhibit before. And they might be people who have never been to a public hearing about water quality. It's giving folks an opportunity to look at something and have a conversation about what's happening in their own back yards,” says Bailey. Back at Dunkard Creek, Ann Payne and Wendy Henry hope that people don't stop looking or talking about the fate of the creek. “It just warms my heart knowing we have a chance now. The awareness will keep it in the forefront and not shove it under the rug,” says Henry. OUTRO: Consol Energy, blamed for the mine discharge that contributed to the disaster, has paid WV $500 thousand dollars for creek restoration and is building a $200 million dollar mine water treatment plant that must be finished by 2013. Pennsylvania agencies are currently suing Consol.

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News from Monongahela "River Town Program"
by Duane 19 Jul '12

19 Jul '12

> > > > River Town Program Newsletter > Volume 2, Issue 7 July 2012 > In This Issue > Mon River Sojourn Recap > Cal River Fest > RL Concert Series > PM Public Art > Wyatt Park > MBRA Events > River Town Action Team Meetings > California - 3rd Saturday of the month, 10am, after Parks Authority meeting > > Brownsville - Blueprint Community Meetings, 1st Friday of the month, 9am, borough building > > Fredericktown - 1st Wednesday of the month, 6pm, fire hall > > Rices Landing - 4th Wednesday of the month, 6pm, Pavilion by the Lock Wall > > Greensboro - Neighborhood Advisory Council, 2nd Thursday of the month, 6:30pm, log cabin > > Point Marion - 4th Monday of the month, 7pm, Boy Scout building > Town Websites > Brownsville > > Fredericktown - Maxwell Basin Recreation Area > > Greensboro > Local Blogs > SWPA Rural Exploration > > Lost Monongahela > > Ten Mile Creek > > Warrior Trail > Quick Links > For more information > McCollom Development Strategies > > Pennsylvania Environmental Council > > SCA Corps > > Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation > More > Open Fishing Days > > > > > Mon River Sojourn Recap > First Mon River Sojourn a Success! > > > > On June 9, 2012, over 60 participants in canoes and kayaks paddled the Mon River between Rices Landing and Fredericktown as part of the first ever Mon River Sojourn. The 57 participants and 8 safety boaters were provided a welcome to the region by Ryan Belski, Mayor of Rices Landing Borough, before launching. Just before reaching Millsboro, the sojourners paddled up Ten Mile Creek and stopped at the Greene Cove Yacht Club for a delicious boxed lunch in the pavilion and enjoyed an informative presentation on water quality and citizen water monitoring efforts, presented by Ken Dufalla and Chuck Hummell of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), Harry Enstrom Chapter. > > After lunch, participants enjoyed the scenery of a more tranquil paddle up Ten Mile Creek a few miles, then floated back to the Mon and took out for the day at the Fredericktown Ferry Landing. Most participants walked as a group to the Riviera for Ribfest 2012 and enjoyed food, drinks, and sharing stories about the trip. > > It was a beautiful day to show off the River Towns to plenty of visitors--only 12 participants were from the River Town area! Of the rest of the paddlers, 24 were from Pittsburgh; 11 from Waynesburg; 6 from Morgantown; 2 from Washington; and 2 from north of Pittsburgh. Many were first time visitors and were impressed with the beauty of the river and the number of events occurring throughout the summer. All participants left with a commemorative t-shirt and a packet of information about attractions and upcoming events in all six River Towns. > > > > > Thank you to all of the River Town volunteers who helped to make the day a success and especially to our business sponsors: Bee Graphix, Bower Brothers, Brownsville Area Redevelopment Corporation (BARC), Connie's Pizza n Pies, Fredericktown Butcher Shop, Greene Cove Yacht Club, and The Riviera Restaurant and Lounge. The trip was supported by a grant through the Pennsylvania Organization of Watersheds and River (POWR) and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). > Featured Business of the Month > Point Marion Marina, Point Marion, PA > > Point Marion Marina has recently opened for business along the Monongahela River. The marina is located at the corner of Water Street and Penn Street, or at approximately Mile 90 along the river. Owner Bobby Delansky says it is part of a bigger dream to get more people on the water in Point Marion, and to get people on the river to stop and come into town. > The marina currently has space for 20 boats. 19 of those spaces are for rental, with one additional space left for public use. The floating docks are attached to high pilings to raise and lower with the water level. The marina has space for an attached business and addition of more dock space in the future. > For dock space rental, please contact Jim Delansky at 724-557-5344, and for seasonal rental or use, contact Bobby Delansky at 724-998-5407. > California River Fest > > Planning Stages > > On Saturday, August 18th and Sunday, August 19th, California will be hosting the first annual River Fest. This will be a 2-day outdoor festival on lower Wood Street including food and craft vendors, live music, games, and fireworks. It will also be held in conjunction with the California Grand Prix bike race in town. > > > > > > > > > > > > > If you or anyone you know would like to become a vendor or sponsor the event, please contact: > Marah Vecenie at (724) 603-3151 or at sca.mvecenie(a)gmail.com. > > Go Green with the River Towns Program! > > Interested in saving energy, reducing waste, and protecting our environment? > > For more information on how you can help the River Towns "go green," contact Lindsay Baxter at lbaxter(a)pecpa.org. > > Like Us On Facebook! > Take a few seconds to like the River Town Program on Facebook! Get community updates more often and check out photos from River Town events! > > Rices Landing Summer Concert Series > A Growing Audience > > The Rices Landing summer concert series has been growing with each concert. The most recent event saw over 120 people along and on the Mon in anchored boats rocking out to local band, Hit n' Run. > Local vendors were in attendance, including Jefferson Morgan Marching Band selling nachos and hotdogs, Rices Landing Boy Scouts selling deep fried oreos and funnel cakes, Fredericktown area vendor selling shaved ice and a variety of foods, and a Fredericktown artist selling hand-made bracelets. > > All concerts are free and open to the public. They occur 6PM-9PM, every second and fourth Saturday through September. Concessions and crafts are available for purchase from local vendors and recycling is available at each concert. > > Join us for the remaining 2012 concerts: > July 28: Jaguar Mountain Rundown > August 11: Flashback > August 25: The Jades > September 8: Proof Positive & The Classics > September 22: The Split > > Bring your lawn chairs out and sit by the river for this free, family-friendly event. > > Are you a vendor? Please contact us to sell your product at our concerts! > Samantha Lichtenwald, SCA River Town Outreach Corps, sca.slichtenwald(a)gmail.com, (724) 603-3151. > Point Marion Public Art Project > Update for ongoing public art project in Point Marion, PA > An exciting, and very visible, step was taken last month for the Point Marion Public Art Project. All of the signs were taken down off of the blue building in town to prepare the wall for power-washing and a fresh coat of paint later this month. The colors for the background of the mosaic were voted on during the Regatta on Memorial Day weekend. By the end of August we will hopefully see this great work of art completed. > > If you would like to help with this project there are still workshops and work days you can get involved in! > > > July 18 (Wednesday): 1PM to ? - Artist Debbie will be directing work on the large panels > July 24 (Tuesday): 9AM to 5PM - Cut glass will be glued on the large panels > August 3 (Friday): 9AM to ? - Artist Debbie will be back to work on the large panels > > On the first floor of the Jordan Building, and it has been hot - so dress appropriately. Bottled water will be available. > > Sadler Building painting begins on Saturday, July 21! Prior to painting, the building must be spray washed, degreased, and sprayed again. Can YOU help by providing sprayers, extension ladders, or labor? > > Help spread the word by telling your friends, family, and neighbors! > Wyatt Park - California, PA > California's Wyatt Park improvements > > In the heart of downtown California sits Wyatt Park, a beautiful piece of public green space right on the river. But there is a predicament with the park; you cannot see the river without peering through undergrowth and vines. > The SCA Corps members started fixing up the park in late June by clearing out undergrowth, small trees, and vines that were covering the fence (before and after photos shown below) but this park needs a lot more TLC to be able to see the water on the other side. > Recently, the California Borough Recreation Authority (CBRA) decided to give $4,000 to clean up Wyatt Park and open up view corridors to the river. > Bids were taken from three different tree service companies in > the area. After much discussion, one was chosen. > > After > Treecision, from Charleroi, will be taking on the job > clearing vegetation up to 8 feet, leaving all large trees. They will also be removing dead and small invasive trees, as well as removing other trash and debris. The project is expected to be complete in the very near future. Once complete, the SCA Corps members will go back in and pick up where the tree service company left off and continuing to improve upon the beauty of this park. > > Before > Maxwell Basin Recreation Area > Fredericktown Area Summer Events > > > Photo by Randy Miller. > > The summer fun is continuing in the Fredericktown area, thanks to the Maxwell Basin Recreation Area's (MBRA) schedule of events. Ribfest at the Riviera was delicious as usual, and the fireworks prior to the 4th were spectacular. The show lasted more than 25 minutes, and both the town and river were packed. The businesses partnering to host some of these events are having some of their best years ever, as they attract both visitors and residents! > > > > Upcoming events include a beach volleyball tournament, concerts, and the return of Dock Dogs! > > Visit the MBRA website for the full summer schedule and more information! > > What the SCA Corps Has Been Up To > As summer set in along the Mon River in June, the SCA corps were busy as usual with a wide variety of projects. The corps members ran in the "Oyster Race" in Pittsburgh, which benefited our partner agency, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC). PEC also hosted the Mon River Sojourn, in which more than 50 people came out to paddle. The SCA corps helped with the logistics of the event, and served as the safety crew during the excursion. Town-by-town, here else is what was accomplished: > > Point Marion: > > The corps recently spent a day working on the currently unfinished bike trail leading to West Virginia. They cut, sawed, and removed downed trees and branches, picked up trash, and removed tires and other large debris. This trail will someday connect Point Marion to the network of biking trails in northern West Virginia. Also, corps members hung some window clings in businesses around town. Look for them next time you are out and about! > > > > > > Greensboro: > > Planning for Greensboro's annual "Art Blast on the Mon" event is underway, with assistance from the SCA corps. The event will be held on Labor Day weekend, and will feature a wide variety of musical and artistic acts, vendors, etc... More information will be released in the coming weeks and months. > > > > > Rices Landing: > The corps assisted with the planning and the logistics of the Mon River Sojourn, hosted by PEC, which left from the boat launch at Rices Landing. Corps members also served as the safety boaters during the event. The summer concert series is also well underway, with increasing attendance at each event. These concerts will run through September. > > > Fredericktown: > > Fredericktown served as the end-point for the Mon River Sojourn, with paddlers taking out at the ferry landing. After helping everyone unload and packing the gear, the corps stopped by Rib Fest for a bit. And while there have not been as many work days in Fredericktown this past month, planning is underway for meetings, events, and projects throughout the late summer and fall. > > Brownsville: > > The SCA corps is working to expand its activities in Brownsville. They are reaching out for more community members to attend meetings and get involved in projects. The corps is also working to plan more work days in Central Park and at the wharf. Finally, the corps is looking to do some creek clean-ups, and will start in Brownsville. > > > > > > California: > > The entire corps spent a work day in Wyatt Park this past month. They worked to cut small trees, remove invasive species, and pull vines and debris from along the fence. Thanks to their hard work, there is now a beautiful view of the river from Wood Street, the Library, and Wyatt Park. The corps will be back for more park and river improvements, and are continuing to plan River Fest. > River Town Events & Projects! > > California > - Wed., July 18, 5-7PM: Annual Kids Fair, The Center in The Woods, 724-938-6800 FMI > - Thurs., Aug 2, 8PM: Budd Grebb Mem. Summer Basketball League Championship game, > Mechanic Street Park, contact Phil Pergola 412-721-7300 > - Wed., Aug 8, 5-8PM: Car & Bike Show, free, The Center in The Woods, 724-938-3554 FMI > - Sat., Aug 18 9AM-5PM: ABRA California Grand Prix bike race > - Sat.-Sun., Aug 18-19, all day: River Fest, lower Wood Street, 724-301-3151 FMI > - Sat., Sept 8: Waffle Breakfast & Flea Market, The Center in The Woods, 724-938-3554 FMI > > Brownsville > - Now to Aug 6: Kara Ruth Snyder's "Inward Morning", Frank L. Melega Art Museum, > 71 Market St., FMI visit melegaartmuseum.org > - Wed., Now to Sept. 26, 4-7PM: Farmers Market sponsored by Buy Local, Downtown Market St. > parking lot, FMI call 724-437-7913 or visit buylocalfayette.org/brownsville > - Sun., July 22, 11AM-5PM: Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser put on by Friends of Market Street > Arts and the Brownsville Sons of Italy, Frank Ricco Lodge 731, 16 Race St, $7 per adult > - Sun., July 22, 6-8PM: Music on the Mon, The Jades classic rock band, Nemacolin Castle, 136 > Front Street > - Fri., July 27-Sun., July 29: 50th Anniversary of Nemacolin Castle Public Opening, 136 Front > St. Hours: Fri. 11AM-10PM, Sat. 10AM-10PM, Sun. Noon-10PM, FMI call 724-785-6882 or visit > www.nemacolincastle.org > - Thurs., Aug 2: Kennywood Community Picnic, Patsy Hillman Community Park > - Sat., Aug 4, 11AM-8PM: 3rd Annual Brownsville Community Festival and 4th Annual > Ducky Race, Snowden Square, FMI call 724-785-3363 > - Sun., Aug 5, 4-8PM: Classic Car Show, Fiddle's Restaurant, 101 Bridge Street > > Fredericktown > - Fri.-Sat., July 20-21: Great American Food Drive, Washington County Fairgrounds > - Sat., July 21: Beach Volleyball Tournament, Greene Cove Sand Volleyball Court-POSTPONED! > - Sat., July 21, 1PM: Horseshoe Tournament, Owls Club in Millsboro > - Sun., July 29, 1PM: Rockin' on the Mon, South of Ten Mile Creek > - Sat.-Sun., Aug 4-5: Dock Dogs Competition, Greene Cove > - Fri., Aug 10, 8PM: Bachelor Auction, Benefit for Tyler Miller > > Rices Landing > - Sat., July 28, 6-9PM: Gazebo Concert - Jaguar Mountain Rundown, Min Love Park Gazebo > - Sat., Aug 11, 6-9PM: Gazebo Concert - Flashback, Min Love Park Gazebo > - Thurs., 5:30PM open: Bingo Night, Rices Landing Fire Hall > > Greensboro > - Sat., May-Oct 9AM-1PM: Farmer's Market at the Gazebo > - Sat., Sept. 1 10AM-5PM & Sun., Sept. 2, 12-4PM: Art Blast on the Mon, Log Cabin > > Point Marion > - Wed., July 18, 1PM: Public Art Workshop, Jordan Auto Building, Penn & Main > - Mon., July 23, 7PM: River Town Meeting, Boy Scout Building > - Tues., July 24, 9AM-5PM: Public Art Workshop, Jordan Auto Building, Penn & Main > - Fri., Aug 3, 9AM: Public Art Workshop, Jordan Auto Building, Penn & Main > - Tues., Aug 7, 11AM: Kids Summer Reading Program, Meet birds from WV Raptor Center, > Point Marion Public Library > - Sun., Aug 12, 1PM: General Membership Meeting, Prepare for FestiFall, Friendship Hill > Green Tip of the Month > Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species > > Aquatic invasive species are plants and animals that have been introduced into new ecosystems. > These organisms can have environmental, recreational, economic, or health impacts in the areas they affect. The invaders may damage equipment and compete with native species. Anglers and boaters commonly introduce aquatic invasive species into new waters on accident. Many species are virtually invisible. They can easily hitch a ride on boats, boat trailers, fishing equipment, > diving equipment, or even clothing that comes in contact with the water. These hitchhikers can > then be transported to different water ways. Once invasive species become established, they are > very difficult to control, and often times they are impossible to remove completely. That is why > preventing the spread of invaders like zebra mussels, Asian clams, purple loosestrife, Asian carp, > and didymo in Pennsylvania is such a high priority. > > You can help protect Pennsylvania's waterways by following these guidelines: > Check for and remove plants, mud, and aquatic life from your boat and the following equipment before transporting: > Anchor, rope, motor lower unit, hull, trailer hitch, rollers, lights, axle, life jackets,swimming floats, water skis, wakeboards, tubes, shoes, boots, clothing, fishing vests, waders, rod, reel, line, hooks, lures, and tackle boxes. > Always drain water from the following before transporting: > Motor, jet drive, live well, compartments, boat hull, bilge, shoes, boots and waders, bait buckets, life jackets, swimming floats, water skis, wakeboards, and tubes. > Clean boat and gear by spraying with a high-pressure washer with hot water (140° F) or dry everything for at least five days. Thick and dense material like life jackets and felt-soled wading gear will hold moisture longer and can be more difficult to clean. > Dispose of bait properly; do not release bait back into the water unless you collected the bait there. > Never dip your bait bucket into a lake or river if it contains water from another water source. > Visit PA Fish and Boat Commission for more information. > Contact Info > Cathy McCollom > Principal, McCollom Development Strategies > csm(a)mccollomds.com > 814-521-3520 > > Forward this email > > > River Town Program | 716 Oden Street | Confluence | PA | 15424

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Boy Drowns in Cheat Lake Tuesday, July 17, 2012
by Duane 18 Jul '12

18 Jul '12

Teen dies in lake: Victim believed to have drowned BY CASSIE SHANER, The Dominion Post A teenage boy died Tuesday afternoon while swimming in Cheat Lake with family and friends. The group was swimming under the Interstate 68 bridge that crosses the lake. The Monongalia County Sheriff ’s Department did not identify the boy, 16, of Point Marion, Pa., on Tuesday. According to a press release, his identity is being withheld to allow the family to make proper notification. The boy’s brother, Josh Williams, 29, said they had just arrived and were swimming toward the closest pier when he looked back and saw his brother going under the water. Williams said he and a friend swam to the boy and tried to keep his head above water. Williams started “taking on water,” left his brother with his friend and swam back to the rocky shoreline under the bridge to call 911. “By the time I got back to the guardrail, I didn’t see him no more,” Williams said, fighting back tears. “It happened so fast.” A volunteer firefighter estimated the water’s depth at 15 feet, perhaps slightly deeper by the pier. Three other boys appeared to have been swimming with Williams and his friend. They watched the search from the pier before being brought back to shore by Monongalia EMS. Williams, his friend and the three boys were all visibly upset. Williams’ friend angrily struck the guardrail along W.Va. 857 while watching the search. He declined to describe what happened, saying simply, “My buddy drowned.” Family members and friends arrived throughout the afternoon. “Oh, my God,” one woman shouted, as she hugged one of the boys. Another woman yelled at Williams and the other swimmers. “He should have never been allowed in the [lake],” she said. “I’ve told you all summer.” After calming down, she sat quietly with other family members and watched the search. The sheriff ’s department said the death is believed to be accidential and no foul play is suspected. The drowning was reported to MECCA 911 at 1:38 p.m. Police, fire and EMS officials spent more than four hours searching the water by boat. Emergency radio traffic indicated that the boy’s body was found at about 6 p.m., just after lightning was reported within a 15-mile radius. Emergency workers removed his body from the lake before the feared storm arrived, pulling him out at Sunset Beach Marina. EMS dragged the water with a pole until divers from the Morgantown police and fire departments arrived. A few recreational boaters appeared to be searching the water, too, before other emergency vessels arrived. The Granville Volunteer Fire Department used its VideoRay — a submersible robotic device with a camera — to search the murky water, which seemed to be moving slowly. The Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department and Point Marion (Pa.) Volunteer Fire Co. assisted, the latter with a rescue boat. The state Division of Natural Resources and the Monongalia County Medical Examiner’s Office assisted, as well. Tuesday’s incident was the second drowning in the area this year, but the first since 2010 involving a swimmer. Fred McCauley, 62, is believed to have fallen into the Monongahela River while fishing at Edith B. Barill Riverfront Park on Feb. 28. His body was found June 7 by two people fishing from a boat just north of Point Marion Borough, in Fayette County, Pa. The last swimmer who drowned was Tyler James Murphy, 21, of Morgantown. His body was found more than four hours after he went under water while swimming in the Cobun Creek Reservoir, in June 2010.

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MEETING TONIGHT
by Duane 17 Jul '12

17 Jul '12

Upper Mon Lock Service to be Cut; Informational Meeting Scheduled Due to budget cuts the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were forced to close Locks 8 and 9 on the Allegheny River this year and they also reduced service hours on the remaining 6 locks. Unfortunately it looks like a similar fate is upon the Locks on the Upper Monongahela River. The USACE’s preliminary plan will close the Hildebrand and Opekiska Locks to recreational traffic and reduce service at the Morgantown Lock to weekends and holidays only for recreational boaters. This will mean that boaters that like to travel to the origin of the Monongahela River in Fairmont, WV will no longer be able to make that trip. Prior to finalizing any plans, the USACE, Upper Monongahela River Association (UMRA), Mon River Recreation & Commerce Committee (MRRCC) of Morgantown Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring an informational meeting this Tuesday, July 17 from 6-8 pm in Morgantown, WV. This will be the public’s opportunity to hear and provide input and comments on the USACE Proposed Upper Monongahela River Service Reduction Plan. The Plan may include severe restrictions/reductions to recreational boat lockages at the Hildebrand and Opekiska Locks, and reductions in Morgantown Lock operations. Impacts on commercial passages will also be outlined. Public input is important as the USACE reviews the options available. The meeting will take place at the WVU National Research Center for Coal and Energy (NRCCE) Assembly Room 101 A/B, Evansdale Campus, Morgantown WV. Boaters that can’t make the meeting are urged to email their comments on the service reductions to the UMRA, courtesy of their secretary Don Strimbeck. Please provide contact information including phone number and give permission for the UMRA to share your comments with the local newspaper, the Dominion Post. The USACE held similar meetings in 2010 and 2011 prior to the service reductions on the Allegheny River. The meetings did allow various stakeholders including boaters, marina owners, commercial interests, and others to provide input on what service plan will work the best for those parties involved. For more information on the Monongahela Lock service reductions, please got to UpperMon.org and MonRiverSummit.org. GO TO UpperMon.org . Click on Lock Hours in menu. Read the resolution we proposed back in 2003, which asks congress to add boating recreation to Corps of Engineers job jar for navigable rivers. Note support for this resolution from entities in Monongahela and Allegheny river watersheds!

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BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE, NOT
by Duane 17 Jul '12

17 Jul '12

DOMINION POST Monday 16 July 2012 EDITORIAL In the wake of law enforcement, Division of Natural Resources and local police helping to clean up waterways It must be something in the water. On just about any given day you can look for a what’s what and a who’s who of alcohol-related offenses in our newspaper ... on land. But on the water — Cheat Lake and the Monongahela River — not so much. Actually, not at all this year. And only three boating under the influence cases last year on Cheat Lake. And boaters on the Mon River have gone dry for the past two years. Though Division of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement officers admit it still happens on local waterways, it’s not as prevalent or as out in the open as it once was, especially on Cheat Lake. But make no mistake, it’s not that everyone’s decided to start paying attention to the law while boating. The DNR attributes this increasing compliance to more than a dozen new boats its officers now use to patrol state waterways during eight-hour shifts on weekends, that vary. Morgantown’s police, who patrol the rail-trail along the Mon River, and other officers who man the city’s boat during special events also watch for drunken boaters. It’s also worth noting the state requires younger boaters — age 25 and younger — to complete a boating safety course and the federal Army Corps of Engineers is promoting a water safety program for anyone using the pools formed by its lock and dams. And although the decline of BUIs cannot be directly linked to Morgantown’s designation of a no-wake zone this summer on a large swath of the Mon River near downtown, it has definitely slowed the pace down. We don’t have any firm numbers on the number of recreational boaters on Cheat Lake or the Mon River, but a random survey in the summertime would leave anyone to conclude there’s a lot. For instance, given that the three marinas on Cheat Lake alone are home to scores of boats that traverse the 13-mile long reservoir daily, and a score of others who launch their boats into its waters, there’s plenty of traffic. If the DNR cannot find cause to issue a single BUI charge in that milieu, somebody is doing something right. When compared to the numbers of alcohol-related offenses on shore locally, this news is very welcome. As the DNR can attest, a few short years ago Cheat Lake was overrun with partiers who seemed to consider themselves immune from the law of the land while afloat. That has clearly changed, thanks to law enforcement and public education. Though the DNR and others have not made any big waves about their efforts to enforce BUI and other safe boating laws, they may have left a lasting wake.

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Ices Ferry Bridge over Cheat Lake
by Duane 13 Jul '12

13 Jul '12

https://groups.google.com/forum/m/?fromgroups#!msg/monbikeclub/UI21hUNhdI4/… Jul 11Nick Hein Good morning, According to my sources, this is the final week for the old Ice's Ferry bridge. Demolition will start as soon as they complete the (throwaway) road section leading from the West (Morgantown) side approach down to the old bridge so the can drive the demo equipment down to it. Demolition will be an extremely slow and expensive process because it must be done in pieces and without flaking off any of the lead-based paint (?). However, the approaches will be the first things to go and it won't be safe to cross anymore. I asked the DOT what to do until the new bridge is passible and got no answer. I explained that the interstate is the only alternative and asked if I can be assured I won't be arrested for using it. No such luck. Although I'm closing the shop Aug. 1 and leaving town after Labor Day I'll probably still need to get across on a daily basis. I assume that use of I68 will be on a don't ask/don't tell basis - but no one will tell me that. Nick Hein >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< See also photos under the title: Ices Ferry Bridge. -- Last Days http://www.flickr.com/photos/jmbocan/sets/72157626667900836/ >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Hot Tips for a Cool Summer
by Duane330＠aol.com 05 Jul '12

05 Jul '12

EPA OFFERS HOT TIPS FOR A COOL SUMMER EPA recommends a list of hot tips that can help save money, cut energy costs and protect public health during the summer months, including: Preventing skin cancer and being SunWise: _http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html_ (http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html) Checking the water at the beach.: _http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/whereyoulive_state.cfm_ (http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/whereyoulive_state.cfm) Protecting yourself with insect repellents _http://epa.gov/pesticides/insect/safe.htm_ (http://epa.gov/pesticides/insect/safe.htm) For more tips, go to: _Hot tips for a cool summer_ (http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/d… 0575c8d!OpenDocument) .

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Home | Center for Civic Engagement | West Virginia University
by Duane 05 Jul '12

05 Jul '12

http://cce.wvu.edu/# The link above announces the Emergency Water Collection for those without good water. Water collection in front of the Mountainlair, tomorrow Friday, July 6th, from 8 am to 6 pm. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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LL 2012 RPU Final_Text_V2
by Duane 04 Jul '12

04 Jul '12

NOTE: CLEAR Letter is below and FirstEnergy Final Report is attached. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CHEAT LAKE ENVIRONMENT & RECREATION ASSOCIATION [CLEAR] DATE: May 15, 2012 Allegheny Energy (aka FirstEnergy) ATTN: Gary R. Haag, P.E. 800 Cabin Hill Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 RE: Comments on “Draft 2012 Recreation Plan Update, Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2459 – License Article 417.” INTRODUCTION: THE CHEAT LAKE PARK AND TRAIL At a ceremony in 1927, a bronze tablet, embedded in a great rock near the Lake Lynn hydroelectric dam, dedicates the lake and the generating facility to the public “in lasting beauty for recreation and the supplying of essential service.” And, in June of 2000, Allegheny Energy added a 20 acre park and a 4.5 mile hiking and biking trail on the banks of the Cheat Lake for the enjoyment of the general public. See: www.cheatlaketoday.com PROCLAMATION: The Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association [CLEAR] herewith acknowledges and thanks First Energy (formerly Allegheny Energy) and their maintenance contractor PACE Tech, now known as PACE Enterprises, for their accomplishments over the past three years to (1) open the South Trail year round from dawn to dusk and maintain this Trail in excellent condition for hiking, jogging, and bicycling, (2) installing a swimming beach at the Millstone Point accommodating to family swimming and picnicking, (3) installing and demarking the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail within the Cheat Haven Wildlife Viewing Area, and (4) establishing a CLEAR boat dock along the South Trail for public access via boat to the South Trail and to the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail. All these features and improvements have added substantially to the overall recreational benefit of the Cheat Lake Park and Trail, and these have noticeably increased the number of visits to the Park. We look forward to the maintenance and improvement of these new features during the coming years. Duane Nichols, President, Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association. COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT 2012 RECREATION PLAN UPDATE Hiking and Biking Trail. CLEAR believes the hiking and biking trails should be open to the fullest extent 24 hours per day and year round. Closing the South Trail at dusk and opening again at a specific morning time can be problematic for some users. The need for maintenace will continue, in the face of usage as well as due to weather events and land slides. CLEAR is very pleased to have been a part of the effort to establish the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail along with a number of other individuals who wanted to achieve public access to this remote area. Sheepskin Trail. CLEAR supports the continued development of the Sheepskin Trail along the Cheat River down to Pt. Marion, PA, and it's extension on south to join with the Monongahela River Trail, which would provide access to Morgantown and Fairmont. We also support the extension of the Sheepskin Trail north from the Lake Lynn Dam up into the interior of Fayette County, PA. A few more years will be required before these extension will be put into place. Bike Racks, Picnic Tables, Shelter(s). We are pleased that bike racks and picnic tables have been moved around to accommodate locations of greater need. And, the two main shelters serve an important function for those needing shelter from the sunshine or rain. It is important to maintain a bike rack and picnic table at the end of the South Trail and/or near the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail. Observation Platform at End of Trail or Elsewhere. We need at least one observation platform along the South Trail, to overlook the Lake itself. The view from the Trail is generally obscured by trees and other obstacles. CLEAR recommends that an “observation platform” be constructed for use of the general public. Suggested locations for consideration are (1) the end of the South Trail and/or (2) the CLEAR boat dock (near the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail). Three Rest Room Locations. It is important to maintain all the rest room facilities in working order and in a sanitary state. Low Usage Areas. It is desirable to explore additional useage opportunities for the Upper Day Use Picnic Area, for the Warm Hollow and Tower Run Viewing Areas. Privilege Permits. CLEAR supports the plan to no longer issue new privilege permits. In addition to the new rules that have been proposed, it would be appropriate to require that privilege permits be renewed at least every three years for existing permits that are to continue in force. For renewals, applicants should submit a picture of the present permitted site and a statement as to the amount of usage during the past few years and why the permit should be renewed. NOTE. Section 2.5 (Priviledge Permit Areas) is misleading and in need of updating or revision. Boat Docks. Boat docks need to be inspected annually, so as to adhere to rational rules of safety and appearance. Also, the day use boat docks must be kept in good repair. Shoreline Erosion. Shoreline erosion is a significant problem around the Lake, at some locations more so than others. Contributing factors are (1) the raising and lowering of the Lake as part of its hydroelectric generation function, and (2) boat wake from the recreational power boats that use the Lake. The latter factor is very significant during weekends and particularly so on holidays. CLEAR believes that if the Lake water level can be maintained at or below 869 feet (max. is 870) on weekends, the shoreline erosion can be significantly reduced. Water Quality. Water quality has improved due to sanitary treatment systems upstream and the treatment of acid mine draining. However, these issues still remain. There is some sewage that comes into the Cheat River and Cheat Lake, so monitoring for Fecal Coliform and E. Coli are appropriate. Also, there is acid mine water that flushes thru during high water events particularly. Further, there are threats to the Cheat River and to Cheat Lake resulting from the Marcellus shale drilling and hydrofracking operations upstream. One or more solid drilling waste dumps have been proposed for the Cheat River watershed; these would leach heavy metals into the Lake. The Lake is already contaminated with mercury such that an advisory exists restricting the human consumption of fish from the Lake. Fishing Tournaments. Fishing is very popular in Cheat Lake, which has an excellent rating State-wide. Adequate parking is needed to provide for the fishing public at these tournaments. Swimming Area Maintenance and Improvement. The leadership and cooperation exhibited by both AE (FirstEnergy) and PACE Tech during the construction and implementation of the Millstone Point swimming area and the Cheat Haven Hiking Trail were outstanding. And, the necessary man-hours were applied in a prompt, effective, and efficient manner. We need to continue to clear floating debris from the swimming area and clear poison ivy from the shore area. We want to improve the beach with softer sand and to place a continuing emphasis on SAFETY. Signage. Signs on WV 857 for the Cheat Lake Park would be very useful to the public. Web-site. FirstEnergycorp.com (Formerly www.cheatlaketoday.com ). This web-site is not as functional and friendly as the previous one, in my opinion. It is a challenge to locate the Information on Cheat Lake; and it is difficult to browse or find specific information of interest, as revealed by the imbedded web-site sequence below: Home>Environment> Sustainability>Cheat Lake. AKA: cheatlaketoday.com Public Meetings. It is proposed that two informal meetings and one formal Annual Meeting be set each year to address the Cheat Lake environment. One such meeting every three years, as has been in the past, is not adequate to maintain continuity of attention to the various opportunities, issues, and problems relating to First Energy and the general public. Thank you for your considerations and attention to these matters. Respectfully submitted, Original signed by Duane Nichols Duane G. Nichols, President Cheat Lake Environment & Recreation Assn. 330 Dream Catcher Circle Morgantown, WV 26508 304-216-5535, duane330(a)aol.com cc: FERC, CLEAR Board, Mon County Planner Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Cheat Lake Water Report: June 19, 2012
by Duane330＠aol.com 03 Jul '12

03 Jul '12

WATER BACTERIOLOGICAL REPORT Cheat Lake, Monongalia County, WV Samples Collected June 19, 2012 1. Millstone Beach, Cheat Lake: Total Coliforms 133.3, E. Coli 1.0 2. Ruble Run Backwater, near Trail: Total Coliforms 201.4, E. Coli 2.0 3. EKC Camp Cove, near Forks of Cheat Forest: TC 248.9, E. Coli < 1.0 NOTES: Sampling by CLEAR, Water Analysis by WV Department of Health, Charleston, WV. The above results indicate that these locations in Cheat Lake were acceptable for swimming. An advisory is typically posted with the E. Coli reaches 200 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. If the E. Coli reaches say 1000, the Health Department would typically close the beach for swimming. [It is not recommend that the raw water from Cheat Lake be used for drinking water, as the quality various sometimes from one day to the next.] Acknowledgement: Let me take this opportunity to thank Jan Reger-Nash, Donna Weems, and Mike Strager for their assistance on Cheat Lake. On June 26th, six large trees were floated from the main channel of the Lake to near the shoreline, some 14 barrels were retrieved from the Lake, two automobile tires were removed, and various bottles, cans and other items were removed. PACE Enterprises subsequently transported these materials to a landfill. Duane Nichols, Cell Phone: 304-216-5535

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Clear, Clean Water
by Duane 19 Jun '12

19 Jun '12

Duane Nichols, CLEAR, Promoting safe recreation and a clean environment!

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TapIt to see 10 Reasons To Drink Tap Water
by Duane 16 Jun '12

16 Jun '12

http://ecowatch.org/2012/top-10-reasons-to-drink-tap-water/ Top 10 Reasons to Drink Tap Water 06-14-2012 EcoWatch To put it in perspective, you can expect to pay upwards of three dollars for a bottle of water—and much more if you’re at a concert or event where you aren’t given much choice. The same amount of water that would cost three dollars at a store would cost you around a penny if you sourced it from your tap. The bottled water industry thrives on the sad but true idea that perception is reality—the oldest trick in the marketer’s play book. We see a bottle of water with a quaint image of a mountain spring and, consciously or not, make the connection that the water is a product from that very fictional place, conjured in some fluorescently lit office complex by a corporate art department. And in an industry not known for its tight regulatory record, there’s a strong possibility that your bottled water came straight from a municipal supply anyway, same as your tap water. But beyond the mind-boggling inflation of bottled water, how else are we paying for it? As it turns out, we’re paying a lot more than we ever could have imagined bargaining for. Thanks to TapIt, the infographic below provides 10 convincing reasons to abandon the bottle for the tap:

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Sailboat
by Reger-Nash, Bill 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

Thanks to the two of you for your endless kindness. Aloha, Bill Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint! ----- Reply message ----- From: "Duane" <duane330(a)aol.com> Date: Wed, Jun 13, 2012 7:22 pm Subject: [CLEAR] Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p To: "CLEAR(a)cheat.org" <CLEAR(a)cheat.org> From: "Peggy Pings" <mpings(a)wvu.edu<mailto:mpings@wvu.edu>> Date: June 13, 2012 6:47:54 PM EDT To: <Peggy <mpings(a)wvu.edu<mailto:mpings@wvu.edu>> Subject: Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p Please join us Saturday, June 23, for a relaxing paddling adventure on a section of Dunkard Creek, from Gas Company Road (near Mount Morris PA) to Old Water Works Road (near Davistown PA), about 4 miles. RSVP requested. Scroll down for details.... ------------ On April 12, I sent you information about 5 paddling trips on the Mon River. The June 17 trip on the Mon River at Greensboro PA is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, we are offering a trip on Dunkard Creek on June 23. The Izaak Walton League of America – Harry Enstrom Greene County PA Chapter presents PADDLE TRIP: Saturday, June 23, 2012 Beginner Canoe and Kayak Outing All Experience Levels Are Welcome Sat, June 23, 10am-2pm. Dunkard Creek (Gas Company Road near Mt Morris PA to Old Water Works Road near Davistown PA, about 4 miles). DIRECTIONS TO DUNKARD CREEK AT GAS COMPANY ROAD BRIDGE: -TAKE I-79 EXIT AT MOUNT MORRIS, PA -TURN EAST, THEN TURN LEFT ONTO GAS COMPANY ROAD (SR2009) -THE TRUCK STOP WILL BE ON YOUR RIGHT -PROCEED ABOUT 2 MILES AND BEAR LEFT AT THE FORK IN ROAD -PROCEED ABOUT 0.25 MILES AND A GAS COMPRESSOR STATION WILL APPEAR ON THE LEFT AND THE BRIDGE OVER DUNKARD IS JUST AHEAD. NOTE: Meet at 10am. Total trip with shuttling may take till 2pm or so. Trips are set up to be self-sufficient, fun, exploratory trips. Quick paddling lesson is included. Everyone is responsible for their own self & safety, food/drinks, gear, boats. You must have a personal flotation device (PFD) lifejacket for each person. Meet at the put-in by 10am, and we will set up shuttle together (this could take an hour). Please try to be early. If water level on Shannopin Gauge (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03072000<https://console.mxlogic.com/redir/?6VJMQsCzBVVd5US03crfUErfurEhFN6FD6WrA34G…>) is below 2.0 feet, we will paddle a different section with deeper water. COST: These trips are insured by Paddle America Club, and are provided at no cost to American Canoe Association members. Non-members must pay $5/trip. Everyone must sign a waiver form (attached). Please RSVP your interest, and for directions to the put-in. Peggy Pings <mpings(a)wvu.edu<mailto:mpings@wvu.edu>> Trip co-leader Core WV 304.879.5622 home 304.282.7464 cell (no signal at home) John Yesenosky <justyjohn1(a)yahoo.com<mailto:justyjohn1@yahoo.com>> Trip co-leader Garards Fort PA 724-966-7367 home 724-880-5531 cell Canoe & Kayak Rentals: Keith McManus, Greensboro, PA 304.

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Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p
by Duane 13 Jun '12

13 Jun '12

> From: "Peggy Pings" <mpings(a)wvu.edu> > Date: June 13, 2012 6:47:54 PM EDT > To: <Peggy <mpings(a)wvu.edu> > Subject: Paddle Dunkard 6/23, 10a-2p > > Please join us Saturday, June 23, for a relaxing paddling adventure on a section of Dunkard Creek, from Gas Company Road (near Mount Morris PA) to Old Water Works Road (near Davistown PA), about 4 miles. RSVP requested. > Scroll down for details.... > ------------ > > On April 12, I sent you information about 5 paddling trips on the Mon River. The June 17 trip on the Mon River at Greensboro PA is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Instead, we are offering a trip on Dunkard Creek on June 23. > > The Izaak Walton League of America – Harry Enstrom Greene County PA Chapter presents > > PADDLE TRIP: Saturday, June 23, 2012 > Beginner Canoe and Kayak Outing > All Experience Levels Are Welcome > > Sat, June 23, 10am-2pm. Dunkard Creek (Gas Company Road near Mt Morris PA to Old Water Works Road near Davistown PA, about 4 miles). DIRECTIONS TO DUNKARD CREEK AT GAS COMPANY ROAD BRIDGE: -TAKE I-79 EXIT AT MOUNT MORRIS, PA -TURN EAST, THEN TURN LEFT ONTO GAS COMPANY ROAD (SR2009) -THE TRUCK STOP WILL BE ON YOUR RIGHT -PROCEED ABOUT 2 MILES AND BEAR LEFT AT THE FORK IN ROAD -PROCEED ABOUT 0.25 MILES AND A GAS COMPRESSOR STATION WILL APPEAR ON THE LEFT AND THE BRIDGE OVER DUNKARD IS JUST AHEAD. > > NOTE: Meet at 10am. Total trip with shuttling may take till 2pm or so. Trips are set up to be self-sufficient, fun, exploratory trips. Quick paddling lesson is included. Everyone is responsible for their own self & safety, food/drinks, gear, boats. You must have a personal flotation device (PFD) lifejacket for each person. Meet at the put-in by 10am, and we will set up shuttle together (this could take an hour). Please try to be early. > If water level on Shannopin Gauge (http://waterdata.usgs.gov/usa/nwis/uv?03072000) is below 2.0 feet, we will paddle a different section with deeper water. > > COST: These trips are insured by Paddle America Club, and are provided at no cost to American Canoe Association members. Non-members must pay $5/trip. Everyone must sign a waiver form (attached). > > Please RSVP your interest, and for directions to the put-in. > Peggy Pings <mpings(a)wvu.edu> > Trip co-leader > Core WV > 304.879.5622 home > 304.282.7464 cell (no signal at home) > > John Yesenosky <justyjohn1(a)yahoo.com> > Trip co-leader > Garards Fort PA > 724-966-7367 home > 724-880-5531 cell > > Canoe & Kayak Rentals: > Keith McManus, Greensboro, PA 304. > > >

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Didymo (Rock Snot) Discovered in the Yough
by Duane 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

> From: Youghiogheny Riverkeeper <yrk(a)mtwatershed.com> > Date: June 4, 2012 11:38:38 AM EDT > Subject: Didymo (Rock Snot) Discovered in the Yough > Reply-To: Youghiogheny Riverkeeper <yrk(a)mtwatershed.com> > > > Email not displaying correctly? > View it in your browser. > > Rock Snot Discovered in the Yough > We've received the following notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection about the recent discovery of the aquatic invasive plant species Didymo (commonly known as "rock snot") in the Youghiogheny River. Please forward this along to others, and read on for precautions you can use to help curb the spread of Didymo to other area waterways. Thank you! > > Didymo has now been confirmed in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near Ohiopyle, PA. A single sample was taken in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near some large boulders with tufts of Didymo growing at moderate length. The sample was taken by Erik L. Silldorff, PhD, an Aquatic Biologist. On Friday, June 1st, The Academy of Natural Sciences verified the identification of the sample submitted by Dr. Silldorff. Dr. Silldorff noted, “there was plenty of Didymo on the rocks so I had no trouble finding material to collect, and my sample was filled with nice, healthy, living Didymo. So, in terms of a risk of spread, I would say the Youghiogheny is now a potential launching pad, especially with the combined traffic of whitewater enthusiasts and trout anglers.” According to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Didymo, "can smother entire stream beds with mats as thick as eight inches and can ruin just about any river or creek." Additional information can be found here: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/water/habitat/ans/ > didymo/faq_didymo.htm > > As you know, the Ohiopyle area is heavily used for recreation. All users of the river should take extra precaution to clean all equipment used in the Youghiogheny before entering other waterbodies. Didymo is a diatom that causes severe degradation of stream habitat in some places. It can be spread by moving just a small amount – maybe even just a cell or two. Take extra care in cleaning boats, gear, equipment before transporting to another waterbody! Gear can be disinfected by using a 10% household bleach and 90% water solution or a strong salt solution (minimally, use at least a true 5% salt solution). Allow either solution to remain in contact with equipment for at least 10 minutes! Either solution can be harsh on gear and equipment so be sure to rinse everything with plenty of water after disinfecting. Take extra care to properly disinfect porous materials such as nets, ropes, cloth items, water shoes, and especially felt-soled waders and wading shoes! > > Please forward this email to alert other Youghiogheny River users to the presence of this invasive species and to encourage extra care in cleaning gear so as not to spread Didymo. Thank you! > > > Find us on Facebook > > Follow on Twitter > > Forward to a Friend > > To learn more about the Mountain Watershed Association and our current projects and campaigns or to make a contribution to support our work please visit our website. > > Contact Us > Beverly Braverman > Executive Director > mwa(a)mtwatershed.com > > Krissy Kasserman > Youghiogheny Riverkeeper > yrk(a)mtwatershed.com > > Charlotte Shetler > Office Administrator > charlotte(a)mtwatershed.com > > Veronica Coptis > Community Organizer > veronica(a)mtwatershed.com > > Carla Ruddock > Field Technician > carla(a)mtwatershed.com > > Melissa Troutman > Outreach Coordinator > melissa(a)mtwatershed.com > > Terri Springer > AmeriCorps Volunteer > terri(a)mtwatershed.com > follow on Twitter | Find us on Facebook | forward to a friend > Copyright © 2012 Mountain Watershed Association, All rights reserved. > You are receiving this email because of your interest in the Mountain Watershed Association. > Our mailing address is: > Mountain Watershed Association > PO Box 408 > 1414-B Indian Creek Valley Road > Melcroft, PA 15462 > > Add us to your address book > > unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences >

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Didymo in Yough River
by Duane 04 Jun '12

04 Jun '12

Rock Snot Discovered in the Yough We've received the following notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection about the recent discovery of the aquatic invasive plant species Didymo (commonly known as "rock snot") in the Youghiogheny River. Please forward this along to others, and read on for precautions you can use to help curb the spread of Didymo to other area waterways. Thank you! Didymo has now been confirmed in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near Ohiopyle, PA. A single sample was taken in the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park near some large boulders with tufts of Didymo growing at moderate length. The sample was taken by Erik L. Silldorff, PhD, an Aquatic Biologist. On Friday, June 1st, The Academy of Natural Sciences verified the identification of the sample submitted by Dr. Silldorff. Dr. Silldorff noted, “there was plenty of Didymo on the rocks so I had no trouble finding material to collect, and my sample was filled with nice, healthy, living Didymo. So, in terms of a risk of spread, I would say the Youghiogheny is now a potential launching pad, especially with the combined traffic of whitewater enthusiasts and trout anglers.” According to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Didymo, "can smother entire stream beds with mats as thick as eight inches and can ruin just about any river or creek." Additional information can be found here: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/water/habitat/ans/ didymo/faq_didymo.htm As you know, the Ohiopyle area is heavily used for recreation. All users of the river should take extra precaution to clean all equipment used in the Youghiogheny before entering other waterbodies. Didymo is a diatom that causes severe degradation of stream habitat in some places. It can be spread by moving just a small amount – maybe even just a cell or two. Take extra care in cleaning boats, gear, equipment before transporting to another waterbody! Gear can be disinfected by using a 10% household bleach and 90% water solution or a strong salt solution (minimally, use at least a true 5% salt solution). Allow either solution to remain in contact with equipment for at least 10 minutes! Either solution can be harsh on gear and equipment so be sure to rinse everything with plenty of water after disinfecting. Take extra care to properly disinfect porous materials such as nets, ropes, cloth items, water shoes, and especially felt-soled waders and wading shoes! Please forward this email to alert other Youghiogheny River users to the presence of this invasive species and to encourage extra care in cleaning gear so as not to spread Didymo. Thank you! http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=a555537d2a466e9f1f809a3b3&id=41459cd1b1…

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Swimming group incident
by Dee Fulton 03 Jun '12

03 Jun '12

Hi all. On Wednesday evenings, a small group of swimmers have been meeting at Millstone Point Beach and swimming distances in the lake as part of their training for triathlons. I know of this group because I made the acquaintance of one of the swimmers while we were both doing physical therapy at Healthworks. Anyway, last Wednesday I was at the park and trail prepping for the nature walk and I spoke with the guard, Tom. Tom told me that he had encountered this group and told them that they could not be swimming where they were, which was toward the dam on the east side of the lake. Any comments? Suggestions? I'd like this group to be able to continue their training, but there is a concern for their safety amongst boat traffic. Deb/Dee

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Waterkeeper Launches Swim Guide App « EcoWatch:
by Duane 03 Jun '12

03 Jun '12

http://ecowatch.org/2012/waterkeeper-launches-swim-guide-app/ Waterkeeper Launches Swim Guide App Marc Yaggi People love summer. Whether you are in school, getting anxious for a summer break or at work dreaming of weekend getaways, summer brings smiles and warm memories to most of us. And like summer, everyone loves a day at the beach. We love to go to the beach to cool off, play in the sand, go fishing or snorkeling, escape the city heat, and, most importantly, spend time with our friends and family. Every year, we make 2 billion trips to roughly 4,000 beaches, spending billions of dollars in the process. Unfortunately, however, water quality at many beaches around the U.S. is declining. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently estimated that up to 3.5 million people will become sick after swimming at their favorite beach or swimming hole this year. Despite nearly 40 years of Clean Water Act successes, polluted runoff, sewer overflows, and other human activities are threatening one of our favorite summer pastimes, as noted below in this video from California resident MJ Mazurek. A contributing factor to these threats is that people lack access to up-to-date, easy to understand information on where and when it is safe to swim, until now. Today, we have the solution to beach contamination and beach information problems: the Waterkeeper Swim Guide. Created by Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide is a smartphone app and website that tells you where your closest beaches are, which ones are open for swimming, and which have unreliable monitoring data. In fact, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide goes further by describing the laws, policies and sampling procedures that apply to your beaches; drawing attention to the beaches with chronic water quality problems so we can protect them; drawing attention to the areas where beach quality data is not collected, is unreliable, or is not being released; and promoting beaches with the best water quality. Today, in time for summer 2012, Waterkeeper Alliance is launching the Waterkeeper Swim Guide in the states of Florida and California, adding to the Guide’s existing stock of beaches in Miami, FL; Mobile, AL; the Great Lakes; Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and parts of Quebec. Swim Guide uses information from government monitoring sources and offers historical beach status information to help people make informed decisions about where and when they want to swim. At the same time, we have partnered with Hertz to make the Waterkeeper Swim Guide available in the coming months on Hertz’s rental car NeverLost system. We wouldn’t have been able to bring the Swim Guide to California and Florida without their support. Swim Guide is a public education vehicle that helps to drive environmental change. It draws attention to areas in need of better environmental protection and fosters a connection between communities and their local waters. A new feature on the app now allows citizens to take action to protect their waterways, by using their smartphone to take a picture of and report pollution to their local Waterkeeper. The long-term benefits of the Waterkeeper Swim Guide include improved public policy, a more engaged community, strengthened communications, and better restoration and protection of our waterways. Beachgoers are passionate about their favorite beaches; if you discovered that your favorite beach was unsafe on some days, you would take action, wouldn’t you? The Swim Guide now makes it easy. Like beaches, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide is available for free to anyone with internet access or a smartphone. Throughout the summer and beyond, the Waterkeeper Swim Guide will be coming to your community to help ensure that you can go down to your local beach and have a swim without fear of getting sick. Download the free app on the Android and iPhone today! Visit EcoWatch’s WATER page for more related news on this topic. Click here to read other posts by Marc Yaggi. Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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$3000 accepted on Saturday
by Duane 27 May '12

27 May '12

THE STATE JOURNAL: Lake Lynn power station donates $3,000 to volunteer group Posted: May 26, 2012 1:35 PM EDT Updated: May 26, 2012 1:35 PM EDT FirstEnergy Corp.'s Lake Lynn Power Station in southwestern Pennsylvania will donate $3,000 to the Cheat Lake Environment and Recreation Association (CLEAR) for efforts to remove debris such as large tree branches from the shoreline, improving the lake for swimming, fishing and boating. "In addition to beautifying the lake, the cleanup helps to continue the safe and reliable operation of the Lake Lynn hydroelectric generating facility because less debris collects on the water behind the dam," said Andrew C. Datsko, manager of the Lake Lynn Power Station. This year's shoreline cleanup has been completed, and Cheat Lake Park's new beach area is ready for the summer swimming season. Opened in 2011, the beach is available for swimming from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Datsko will present the $3,000 check to CLEAR representatives during a brief ceremony scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, May 26 at the beach. Located in northeastern Monongalia County, W.Va. near Morgantown, Cheat Lake was formed in 1925 by damming the Cheat River to serve the needs of the Lake Lynn Power Station, a 52-megawatt hydroelectric generating facility. FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies comprise one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems. Its diverse generating fleet features non-emitting nuclear, scrubbed baseload coal, natural gas, and pumped-storage hydro and other renewables, and has a total generating capacity of nearly 23,000 megawatts. Duane Nichols, CLEAR.

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Fwd: Update on results of CLEAR 5K
by Duane 26 May '12

26 May '12

> From: Linda A Bise <la.bise.fitness(a)gmail.com> > Date: May 26, 2012 5:47:25 PM EDT > To: Duane <duane330(a)aol.com> > Subject: Update on results of CLEAR 5K > > Well, we did it! The 5K was a great success with 20 participants. It was a great morning for a run, for sure. > > I have attached the spreadsheet that I used to do the timing and awards at the end of the race. > > There were 2 walkers, and 18 runners. There were 13 male runners and 5 female. Both walkers were women. > > All finished up within 50 minutes, and the whole event lasted 1 hour, 15 minutes including pictures which I will send once I download. > > Those on the spreadsheet that accepted a CLEAR membership are highlighted in blue or have a blue box beside their name. Congrats! You now have 12 new members (including myself). > > We collected $400, $310 which is cash, the rest in checks. > > Everyone loved the waterbottles and the CLEAR Tshirts - Dave did an awesome job with both the T's and the signs. > > > > -- > LA B.I.S.E. Fitness. LLC > Building > Ideas in > Sculpting & > Exercise > > <CLEAR 5K Participant & Awards listing.xlsx>

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Family Day on Cheat Lake
by Duane 23 May '12

23 May '12

Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Family Day at Cheat Lake on Saturday > Dedication of Millstone Beach
by Duane330＠aol.com 22 May '12

22 May '12

Press Release from: Cheat Lake Environment & Recreation Association Contact: Duane Nichols, _duane330(a)aol.com_ (mailto:duane330@aol.com) , 304-216-5535 FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION Cheat Lake Park & Trail Saturday, May 26th 10 am to 3 pm This Saturday, May 26th, a Family Day Celebration is set for the Cheat Lake Park & Trail from 10 am to 3 pm. A 5K race/walk event is set for 8 am. The Dedication of the new Millstone Point Swimming Beach will take place at 11 am. In addition to the Millstone Point Beach, certificates of appreciation will be given to FirstEnergy Corporation, PACE Enterprises, and various individuals for their leadership in achieving the new Cheat Haven Hiking Trail, the CLEAR Boat Dock, and the Historic & Interpretive Signs now in the Park. Activities set for Saturday are a Nature & Bird Walk, Pontoon Boat Rides, Fish Research Demonstration, and Children’s Games (fun run, face painting, etc.) Cheat Lake was formed in 1927 with the completion of the Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Dam, named for Albert Lynn of the West Penn Power Company. Cheat Lake was dedicated to the public interest “in lasting beauty for recreation and the supplying of essential service.” The dam contains a 50 megawatt electricity generation system. The public is invited to Family Day at Cheat Lake with the 5K race at 8 am (Smileymiles.com), the Dedication Ceremony at 11 am, and diverse recreation events from 1 to 3 pm.

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Fwd: Downstream Strategies seeks to hire an office manager
by Duane330＠aol.com 22 May '12

22 May '12

For your information. Duane

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CELEBRATION OF CHEAT LAKE
by Duane 07 May '12

07 May '12

The CLEAR event is now circulating on the WVU E-News, see #6 below. From: Wellness Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 12:08 PM Subject: Wellness ENews E-NEWS CONTENTS: 1) WVU Proposed Smoke-Free Policy 2) Health Coaching Program 3) Fitness Class 4) Functional Assessment Related to Body Size 5) Eco Trek Fitness is back for Summer! 6) Upcoming 5k’s 7) Wellness Achievement 8) Coming Soon! IN THE NEWS: 1) WVU Proposed Smoke-Free Policy – So far only 53 public comments have been submitted on the WVU proposed smoke free policy. If you have not taken a moment to comment, please do so as soon as possible. The comment period ends May 9th and the Board of Governors will vote in June. Click the following link to review the policy: http://bog.wvu.edu/bog_policies_pending_adoption. Submit comments toValerie.Lopez(a)mail.wvu.edu 2) Health Coaching Program--We invite you to participate in an exciting new health coaching program, which is free to WVU Healthcare employees. In working one-on-one with a WVU Healthcare health coach to improve your health, you will be able to work together to determine lifestyle changes that you would like to make in the near future. You’ll begin the program by setting three-month goals. You’ll then meet once a week to discuss your progress. Benefits of health coaching include: · Setting goals · Addressing issues that may get in the way of you meeting your goals · Increasing accountability · Challenging yourself to go beyond what you would do alone · Receiving the support you need to make positive changes in your life · Feeling a sense of accomplishment as you meet your goals To learn more about the onsite health coaching program, contact Jennifer Tennant, M.Ed., R.N., C., certified health coach, at 304-598-4160, ext. 5, or tennantjen(a)wvuhealthcare.com 3) Fitness Classes will soon be ending for this semester. Last class will be Thursday, May 17th. Summer classes will begin the week of June 4th. Look for a class lineup coming in May! ALL CLASSES WILL BE HELD TUESDAY, MAY 8TH. Mondays 12:00p - 1:00p Olympic Weight Lifting 5:15p - 6:15p Beginners Boot Camp – Cancelled Tuesdays 5:15p - 6:15p Beginners/Intermediate Yoga – John Jones 5:15p - 6:15p The Weight Game© - Ruby Conf. Room 7/8 5:15p - 6:15p Power Pump/Toning – Chestnut Ridge Gym Wednesdays 12:00p - 1:00p Olympic Weight Lifting 12:00p - 1:00p Yoga at Lunch – cancelled for 4/25/12 only. 5:15p - 6:15p Beginners Boot Camp – Chestnut Ridge Gym Thursdays 5:15p - 6:15p Advanced Yoga – Drs. Dining 4th Floor Ruby* 5:15p - 6:15p The Weight Game© - Ruby Conf. Room 7/8 5:15p - 6:15p Zumba – Chestnut Ridge Gym NOTICE: This semester will end on Thursday, May 17th. We are currently planning summer semester classes. Watch for future Enews for announcements. 4) The Department of Exercise Physiology is currently seeking participants for the following research study: Functional Assessment Related to Body Size You may be eligible to participate in the research study if you: Are between the ages of 18 and 55 Do not have a recent leg or back injury Do not regularly exercise If you participate in this research study: You will be asked to perform a few common everyday tasks used to assess physical function, and also test your muscular strength. You will be compensated $20 after completing the research study. Each of the two testing session will last approximately 1.5 hours. For more information, please contact Brian Leary of the Department of Human Performance and Applied Exercise Science at (304)293-9000 or bleary1(a)hsc.wvu.edu 5) Eco Trek Fitness is back for Summer! Regular MWF morning sessions will begin on May 7th and run through July 26th. Eveningsessions will be held on T-Th and will begin May 8th and run through June 14th. Special package pricing is available. Please contact Linda Bise at ecotrekfitness(a)gmail.com for more information. The schedule can be viewed at the Eco Trek Fitness website: www.ecotrekfitness.com. 6) CLEAR Cheat Lake Park & Trail 5K Walk/Run WHEN: Saturday, May 26, 2012 TIME: Run – 8am, Walk, 8.05am Race Day Registration: 7am to 7:30am PLACE: Cheat Lake Park & Trail on Morgans Run Road off 857 (old Backwaters). Run/Walk will take place on the trail COST: $15.00 before May 12th. $20 after May 12th and on race day COMPETETIVE – Awards will be given. In addition to the 8am run, CLEAR is hosting a Family Day Celebration at the park from 10am to 3pm that day as well! Bring the kids and join the fun. Lots going on, don't miss it! Point Marion Park 5K Walk/Run WHEN: Sunday, May 27, 2012 TIME: Run – 5pm, Walk, 5:05pm Race Day Registration: 4 – 4:30pm PLACE: Road Run – Beginning at Point Marion Bridge, the course will take you to the tunnel in Nilan where you will loop back towards Point Marion and finish at the bridge. COST: $20.00 before May 12th. $25 after May 12th and on race day COMPETETIVE – Awards will be given. Click here for Registration: http://www.smileymiles.com/2012/APP12%20052712%20Point%20Marion%205K.pdf More at www.iplayoutside.com 7) Wellness Achievement – CONGRATULATIONS to MARY!!!! Mary Hubeaut, a WVU Healthcare employee from the Medical Center Pharmacy, ran the Boston Marathon last month with a time of 4:15:33. The Wellness Program is looking for employee Wellness Achievements. If you or coworkers have participated in a recent marathon, 5K walk, etc., we want to know and so do others! If you would like to recognize what you or a coworker have accomplished, send us your name (and coworker if recognizing someone else), the event, outcome, and anything else relevant to the event. We will post in our weekly Wellness Enews. Coming Soon Wellness Summer Program Calendar June The Spectrum – Tuesdays, June 19th – July 31st (no class July 3rd), 4:30p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The Spectrum program focuses on educating the participant on the benefits of incorporating exercise, stress management, social connectedness, and nutrition into their daily life. This program was developed as a result of the success of The Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease. The program includes baseline testing of a lipid panel profile, fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, height, weight, body composition, BMI calculation, update risk appraisal, and follow up results. This program is designed for those who may not qualify for the Dr. Dean Ornish Reversal Program or who may not have coverage for the Reversal program through their insurance. The Wellness Program One Medical Center Drive PO Box 9146 Morgantown, WV 26506-9146 Office: 304-293-2520 Fax: 304-293-3725 Website: www.hsc.wvu.edu/wellness 2008 & 2011 Platinum Level Recipient of the National Excellence in Worksite Wellness Award

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Family Day Celebration, Cheat Lake Park, May 26th
by Duane330＠aol.com 04 May '12

04 May '12

FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION SET FOR CHEAT LAKE PARK & TRAIL: May 26th Mark your Calendar now for our 5K Race or Walk and other Events shown below . . .

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Cheat Lake Park & Trail 5K Registration Form 2012
by Duane 04 May '12

04 May '12

FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION SET FOR CHEAT LAKE PARK AND TRAIL: May 26th Mark your Calendar now for our 5K Race or Walk and other Events shown below . . . Duane Nichols, Cell- 304-216-5535.

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Join us Saturday for the Yough Watershed Annual Wildflower Walk!
by Duane 26 Apr '12

26 Apr '12

http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=a555537d2a466e9f1f809a3b3&id=f765ec5f42… Annual Wildflower Walk this Saturday! Please plan to join us for our annual Wildflower Walk in the beautiful Indian Creek Gorge! The walk will take place this Saturday, April 28, 2010 at 9:00 AM, rain or shine. This free event covers about a mile and a half at a very gentle pace, and the terrain is relatively flat. The walk normally lasts until around 12:00 PM. Parking will be at the entrance to the Indian Creek Gorge off of Route 381 near Mill Run, PA. From Route 381, look for the Camp Christian sign, and turn down the road toward the camp. At the Y, turn right and you’ll see a small parking area on the right. Our Wildflower Walk is led by local naturalist and MWA Board Member Lisa Smith. Bring sturdy walking shoes, water, your camera, and an umbrella, if necessary! Contact Terri for directions or more information: terri(a)mtwatershed.com or (724) 455-4200, extension 5#. We hope to see you there!

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Re: [CLEAR] Recreation Plan Update (draft) MEETING SET ...
by Duane330＠aol.com 16 Apr '12

16 Apr '12

CONFIRMATION. CLEAR MEETING. This is to confirm an informal meeting at Archie's Lakehouse at 5:15 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, April 17th. THIS IS TO CONFIRM A PUBLIC MEETING AT THE CHEAT LAKE FIRE HALL AT 6:30 PM, tomorrow evening, Tuesday, April 17th. SPONSOR: FirstEnergy Corporation, the new owner of Allegheny Energy and the owner-operator of the Lake Lynn Dam on Cheat Lake. TOPIC: Draft Triennial Recreation Plan Update for Cheat Lake Refreshments will be served.

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