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Winter Birdseed Order Form Enclosed!

Presort Standard Non-Profit Org.

US Postage PAID

Permit No. 63 Ligonier, PA

Loyalhanna Watershed Association Board of Directors

President: Joshua Whetzel

Vice-President: Dr. Hugh Brallier

Treasurer: Paul Vittone

Secretary: Patricia Slack

Henry Armstrong Ormand Bellas

Dr. J. Conrad Bures Dr. Henry Croft

William Danchuk Floyd Eiseman

Christopher Elkus Herb Gundy

William Knowles Todd Simonds

Stanley Stein

LWA Staff

Drew Banas, Executive Director dbanas5@verizon.net

Susan Huba, Program Manager slhuba@verizon.net

Cathy Johnston, Office Manager lwa1@verizon.net

Contact Us

Phone: (724) 238-7560

Fax: (724) 238-7681

www.loyalhannawatershed.org

110 Andi Lane Ligonier, PA 15658

1

Currents

C onstruction officially began on the long-anticipated Saxman Run Mine Drainage

Treatment and Hydroelectric Project on October 15, 2009. R&L Development Company of New Alexandria, under the direction of Rich Myers, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, was hired as the primary contractor for the project.

The first phase of the project, which has been in the works for over five years, was completed in less than a month thanks to the expertise of the construction crew, led by project foreman Harry Ridilla. The 1,600 foot , 24” HDPE (high density polyethylene) pipeline was constructed in 100-foot sections and was fusion-welded together before it was buried along the existing right-of-way of the Derry Township Municipal Authority sewage line. Two stream crossings, as well as a boring under Lattanzio Road and a 180’ boring below the Nor-folk Southern Railroad, were necessary to connect the pipeline. An intricate manifold structure, boasting six impressive red valves, was designed to capture the water flowing from the three pipes making up the Upper Saxman Run discharge and direct it into the main pipeline.

Everything was going as planned, until the key part of the project was underway—the rail-

road boring. As the boring machine made it over half-way through the railroad grade, an old piece of trolley line that was apparently buried in the grade fill when the line was created decades ago, was encountered, breaking the machine’s drill bit and halting the process.

“When I got to the site on Monday morn-ing, I knew something happened when Harry greeted me with the comment, “Good thing you were off on Friday”, LWA Project Manager, Susan Huba, remembers. “With the obstacles we have faced in this project, I was not surprised that something like this happened—what are the chances that piece of track was exactly where we needed to go!”

After withdrawing all of the steel casing, and backfilling the 30” hole made by the boring, a second boring was attempted, just two feet from the first one. This time, it was successful

The first phase was officially completed when the pipeline was connected, and the valves were turned on to divert the flow from the dis-charge through the pipeline. The Upper Saxman discharge can now be seen flowing near the La-trobe Municipal Authority Wastewater Treat-ment Plant, through a temporary stream chan-nel.

The final phase of this project involves the installation of the hydro-turbine, which will oc-cur when the winter weather clears. The project should be officially completed by this spring.

To Be Continued… First Phase Completed in Saxman Run Project Winter

Birdseed Sale

Winter 2010

In This Issue: • Recycling Returns to

Ligonier!

• 2010 YCC Crew Applications Available February 15th

• Partnership Benefits Latrobe Community

• A Year to Volunteer!

Currents W ith the win-

ter we have been having, it’s time to re-stock your supply of bird-seed from LWA! We are pleased to offer a wide variety

of premium seed for sale at our semi-annual fundraiser, scheduled for Saturday, February 27.

Enclosed with this newslet-ter, please find an order form containing seed information and prices. The amount of seed avail-able for the sale is limited, so pre-orders are required for specialty seed. All pre-orders must be placed by February 18th. To place an order, complete and re-turn the enclosed form, stop by the office, or call (724) 238-7560.

We still have a supply of 20 and 40 pound bags of LWA’s Custom Mix available for you to purchase anytime—just stop in!

The crew from R&L Development Company work to complete the pipeline boring under the Norfolk Southern Rail Line.

The capped Upper Saxman Run Discharge.

2

L igonier area recyclers received an early Christmas present in November, thanks to

the efforts of LWA. With the facility to close due to the elimination of the program by for-mer recycling hauler, J.M.S. Recycling, LWA was able to secure a permanent hauler for pa-per recycling and glass bottle recycling. Some significant changes are in effect, however, from the previous program that all recyclers need to be aware of.

The bins had only been in place for a few days, and already several items that are not per-mitted in the bins, including a television, had to be pulled out by LWA employees. First and foremost, NO CARDBOARD, is accepted under the new program.

Items that are accepted through the Abitibi Paper Retriever Program are:

• Newspaper and Inserts • Magazines, Catalogs • Office/School Paper • Shredded Paper (in a plastic bag) • Junk Mail (including window enve-

lopes) Items that are not accepted include:

• Corrugated Cardboard • Cereal boxes, soda boxes, other food

containers • Hard cover books, text books • Phone books • Wrapping paper/tissue paper

• Colored paper • Carbon paper • Sticky notes The glass bin, provided by Bradish Glass,

Inc., of Greensburg, can be used to recycle your clear, brown, and green glass bottles only. Bottles must be clean, and all lids and wire must be removed before sorting them by color into the appropriate open-top recycling bin. Please keep all items loose—no bags or boxes.

While a recycling hauler could not be found for plastics or metals, LWA feels the current program is better than the alternative of having no program available for residents of the community.

“The most important thing now is that recyclers act responsibly and follow the guide-lines clearly posted at the facility”, reminds Executive Director, Drew Banas. “We are happy to bring some recycling back to the community—it is up to everyone else to keep it going.”

The paper bins will be emptied on a two-week rotation, so recyclers are asked not to leave any items on the ground if the bins are full, but return at a later time. Any illegal dumping, including adding unwanted recycla-bles to the bins, will be cause for the bins to be removed.

include hauling costs implemented by the program’s recycler, USA Lights of Hyattsville, Maryland, which averages around $3,000 for 20,000 pounds recycled every two months or so, and other miscellaneous costs of packag-ing and storing materials housed in the LWA facility. While half of the total cost is covered through a DEP Household Hazardous Waste reimbursement grant, LWA is responsible for providing funding for the other half. Because of this, LWA developed a fee schedule for the most commonly recycled items to cover the costs of recycling them.

L WA began charging for it’s popular “E-Cycling” program in October due to a

decline in funding that previously supported a portion of the expenses associated with recy-cling obsolete or broken household electronic items. The program began in 2003 as a way for concerned area residents to dispose of these items in an environmentally safe man-ner. To date, nearly 300 tons of materials have been recycled through the successful program.

Expenses incurred through the program

It’s Back! Recycling Returns to Ligonier

New Charges in Effect for Electronics Recycling

If you have questions about the Ligonier Valley community

recycling program or the electronics

recycling program, call the LWA office at (724) 238-7560.

Currents Winter 2010

Ten new paper recycling bins are now in place at the Ligonier Valley recycling facility.

Current Fees:

$2.00 CPUs, Servers, Desktop Printers, Scanners, Fax Machines, VCR/DVD Players, Ste-reos/Receivers, Paper Shredders, Battery Backups, Box of Miscella-neous Small Items

$5.00 Computer Monitors, Microwaves, Typewriters/Word Processors, Stereo Speakers

$10.00 Copiers, Large Printers

Televisions are not accepted

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LWA Volunteers Go Above and Beyond in 2009

F rom the time LWA’s annual events begin in February with the winter birdseed fundraiser, to when the last car pulled out of the Fort Ligonier Days parking lot, individuals, groups, and businesses from around the watershed pitched in to support our organization.

Community and Education initiatives in 2009 included: Spring and Fall Macroinvertebrate Collections, The Fourth Annual Great Ligo-nier Valley Cleanup, The Third Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup, Winter and Fall Birdseed Fundraisers, Annual Art Auction Benefit, Fort Ligonier Days Parking, Electronics Recycling, Ligonier Valley Community Recycling, Stream Bank Erosion Projects, and countless other efforts. LWA volunteers are truly one-of-a-kind, and our events would not be possible without their support. A special THANK YOU to all of those involved!

YES! I am interested in becoming an LWA volunteer for the following: Please circle as many options as you would like:

Birdseed Fundraiser Macroinvertebrate Collection

Roadside Cleanups River Cleanups

Ligonier Valley Recycling Electronics Recycling

Fort Ligonier Days Parking Art Auction Fundraiser

Trail/Garden Maintenance Office Assistance

Name ____________________________________ Email ____________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number _____________________________ Mail Form To: LWA, 110 Andi Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658

We apologize for any errors or omissions.

Winter 2010 Currents

6

O n November 4, nearly 200 students from Ligonier Valley Middle School and Greater Latrobe Area Junior High

School received a unique FedEx package—a cooler packed with over 300 brook trout eggs!

The eggs were provided by the PA Fish and Boat Commis-sion for the Trout in the Classroom educational programs run-ning at each school, under the direction of LWA and Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited, and participating teachers, Lynn Adamerovich (LVMS) and Carole Wright (LJHS). Trout in the Classroom is a nationally recognized program that was developed by Trout Unlimited to provide elementary and middle school-aged students with a hands-on opportunity to experience an aquatic ecosystem in their own classrooms. From November to May, students will work to raise brook trout from eggs to fry in their classroom aquariums, before releasing them into Linn Run during a spring field trip experience.

Students in both schools will participate in daily aquarium monitoring, including maintaining the aquarium temperature at a cool 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and testing for dissolved oxygen, pH, and pollution indicators such as chlorine, ammonia, and nitrates. They are also responsible for maintaining the aquarium equip-ment, feeding the fish, and removing any dead fish daily.

A unique aspect of the program features monthly classroom sessions led by Susan Huba, LWA Program Manager, and Monty Murty, FTTU President and Trout in the Classroom advisor, on a variety of topics including trout biology, watersheds, fly tying, and macroinvertebrates. Guest speakers, Ben Wright and Alysha Trexler from the Western PA Conservancy Freshwater Conserva-tion Program, recently presented a special session on coldwater conservation and current projects they are working on to improve our watershed as a highlight of the program this year.

LWA partnered with FTTU to develop the program and obtain funding to purchase the equipment needed to transform a standard 55-gallon aquarium into a freshwater mountain stream at each school. A start-up grant was provided from the Ligonier Valley Education Trust for the Ligonier Middle School Program last year, with addition funding to maintain the program in 2009 from Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited. The Foundation for Penn-sylvania Watersheds awarded LWA a $2,000 grant to implement the program at Greater Latrobe this year, including funds to sup-port a field trip to Linn Run to release the trout.

This program provides a tremendous opportunity to get students interested in the outdoors and experience a first-hand glimpse of why clean water is so important and what they can do to keep it that way. From the day the trout eggs arrive, the stu-dents are responsible for taking care of the young fish and work-ing hard to maintain a quality environment so they can survive. In doing this, the students learn to appreciate their own environ-ment as well.

Students participating in the program at Greater Latrobe Junior High School have created their own Website featuring a “Trout Blog” that contains updated pictures and stories about their experiences with the project. Check it out at www.glsd.k12.pa.us, and click on the “Our District” then “Trout in the Classroom” links.

For more information on this program, or how your school can participate next year, contact the LWA office!

Trout in the Classroom “Up and Swimming “ at Area Schools Currents Winter 2010

Each school was provided with sophisticated equipment to transform their classroom aquarium into a freshwater mountain stream.

Greater Latrobe Junior High School seventh grade students, Nick Patrick and Adam Ridilla, carefully move the brook trout eggs into the aquarium after they arrived at the school on November 4.

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Erosion Project Improves Four Mile Run

Youth Conservation Corps Applications Available February 15th

T hanks to a grant received from DEP’s Office of Water Management Program, stream bank ero-

sion prevention and fish habitat improvement struc-tures were recently installed on approximately 330 feet of stream bank along Four Mile Run near Dar-lington. Not only were stream banks severely eroded, but there was danger of a garage eventually being destroyed due to erosion action.

Members of LWA and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy installed single log deflectors, multi-log deflectors, modified mud sills, and in-stream boulders on two bitterly cold days in early December. Plans for the project were developed by the PA Fish & Boat Commission, Habitat Management Division.

A total of five bank erosion prevention projects were installed this past year and twenty such projects have been built in the upper watershed over the last four years, thanks to the participation of a number of organizations including Western PA Conservancy, Westmoreland Conservation District, Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited, and the PA Fish & Boat Commis-sion.

mission and Western PA Conservancy.

YCC accomplishes needed conservation work in State Forests and other recreational sites, natural areas, and outdoor public fa-cilities and trails. Throughout the program, individuals involved will develop a unique understanding and appreciation of our local natural resources.

Funding for the program is provided by the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation. Applications will be available starting Feb-ruary 15 in the guidance offices at Ligonier Valley, Laurel Valley, Greater Latrobe, and Derry Area High Schools, in the LWA office, and on our Website at www.loyalhannawatershed.org.

I f you or someone you know are between the ages of 16-18 and are interested in contributing to the preservation and res-

toration of the land and waters within the Loyalhanna Creek Wa-tershed as a summer job, then the Youth Conservation Corps is for you!

The 2010 YCC Program will run from June 21 to August 13, with an opportunity to work 37.5 hours per week completing projects throughout Forbes State Forest, Linn Run State Park, and the Laurel Highlands region. Crewmembers are also given the opportunity to experience several environmental education outings with various organizations, such as the PA Game Com-

Winter 2010 Currents

The 2009 Crew enjoyed a private tour of Fallingwater after spending a morning working with the grounds crew.

A 450’ section of Spruce Run Trail was repaired by last year’s Crew.

The severely eroded banks along Four Mile Run were endangering the stability of nearby houses and garages.

Natural stream structures, such

as log vanes, were installed

to stabilize the eroding banks and encourage

sediment deposition.

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T he 25th annual celebration of LWA’s art auction benefit proved to be wor-

thy of it’s “Silver” anniversary status, and many of those who attended commented that it was the best event in auction history!

It was a glorious late-summer evening at the new event setting, Laurel Valley Farm, with outstanding décor, perfect weather, enthusiastic crowd, and delectable dinner. Even with the significant changes from previous events, everything came together for a spectacular event.

Over 160 guests enjoyed an open bar and hors d’oeuvres reception while brows-ing and bidding on items in the Silent Auc-tion. Featured pieces included a one-of-a-kind silver pendant of a barn owl, created by artist Kathy Boyle, depicting the logo of the former “Wildlife Master’s Art Show”, and Rita Haldeman’s “View From Laurel Valley Farm,” an oil on canvas that cap-tured the amazing view from the setting of the event.

A family style dinner with locally grown produce, catered by Laurie’s Sweet Dreams Catering, featured scrumptious, hearty portions of roasted pork loin with caramelized apples and braised onions, chicken Marbella, red potato and green bean salad, and roasted beets.

Following dinner, auctioneer William Omalacy kicked-off the Live Auction fea-turing twelve original pieces from past and present artists involved with the auction, including Dix Baines, C.D. Clarke, Ned

Ewell, Bud Gibbons, Rita Haldeman, Wal-ter Matia, Michael Mosorjak, Ernest Muehlmatt, Lee Steadman, Bob White, and the late Charles Pitcher. Bud Gibbons felt so inspired when he arrived at the event, that he created a second piece for the Live Auction that dried during dinner.

Without the dedication and creativity of the 2009 art auction committee, com-prised of members Drew Banas, Nancy Brallier, Cindy Danchuk, Robert Hepler, Susan Huba, Peggy King, Wink Knowles, David Miller, Patricia Slack, Tara Vittone, Joshua Whetzel, Janet Winters, and Margot Woodwell, the evening would not have been as successful, and memorable as it was.

A special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Whetzel who graciously offered their scenic farm and barn to host the event. Additional thanks to the Whetzel Family Charitable Trust and McFeely-Rogers Foundation who underwrote the event, Patricia Slack, who underwrote the cost of the beautiful flowers provided by Ambrose Farms, and to Cindy Danchuk and Nancy Brallier who underwrote fram-ing costs for two of the silent auction pieces.

Plans are already in the works for the 2010 event, tentatively set for September 18, 2010. For more information on the benefit, please contact the LWA Office at (724) 238-7560.

25th Anniversary Art Auction an Overwhelming Success! Currents Winter 2010

Program Manager Susan Huba admires the festive decorations before guests arrive.

The stunning view from the auction setting at Laurel Valley Farm, partnered by excellent weather, set the tone for the evening.

Silent Auction pieces displayed at the event.

Mark Your Calendars! • Winter Birdseed Fundraiser (February 27)

• Spring Macroinvertebrate Collection (April—May)

• 4th Annual Latrobe Corridor Cleanup (April 10)

• Westmoreland Earth Day (April 24)

• 5th Annual Great Ligonier Valley Cleanup (May 1)

• Annual Dinner Meeting (May)

• Youth Conservation Corps Program (June 21– August 13)

• “Where in the Watershed Tour—Part 2” (July 23)

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Shirey Farm Protected

Partnership Benefits Latrobe Community

T hanks to the efforts of LWA and several private funders, the former Shirey Farm Property between Route 30 West and Old

Route 30 West was purchased by LWA last summer. The property was formerly owned by Missy’s Foundation, and was sold to LWA through bankruptcy court proceedings.

LWA purchased this strategic piece of property on the western gateway of Ligonier to protect it from future development. The par-cel was originally purchased by the former owners to construct a large church and education center. LWA is currently working with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to place a conservation ease-ment on the property to protect it in perpetuity.

C onstruction on the Upper Latrobe Abandoned Mine Drainage Project is in full swing, and when the treat-

ment system is completed this Spring, the City of Latrobe will not only benefit from a cleaner Loyalhanna Creek, but in constructing the project, two other worthwhile commu-nity efforts were supported.

Three settling ponds and an expansive wetland area were constructed last fall as part of this project to remediate a 500 gallon per minute abandoned mine drainage (AMD) discharge polluting the Loyalhanna Creek. The discharge and treatment system are located on property owned by LWA along the Loyalhanna Creek in Latrobe. In order to construct the system, over 12,000 cubic yards of alluvial top soil needed to be removed from the site.

When discussions on this project started a few years ago, another concurrent community project was identified that would have use for the soil. Latrobe-Unity Parks and Recreation was developing plans to construct a new recrea-tion facility on the former National Guard property located near the Latrobe Area Hospital and brewery, and needed soil to construct soccer fields and re-grade some of the land for other facilities as part of the Cardinal Park Project—a perfect fit for the excavated soil!

Jeanne Ashley, Executive Director of Latrobe-Unity Parks and Recreation, worked with Susan Huba, LWA Pro-gram Manager, and Jim Okonak, Executive Director of the McFeely-Rogers Foundation to organize the details of the soil removal. Miraculously, the project timing was perfect, and more than 760 truckloads of soil were delivered to the Cardinal Park and Legion Keener Park expansion project sites.

Winter 2010 Currents

An excavator from C.M. Construction works to get another load of soil ready to deliver to Cardinal Park.

“It was a win-win for everyone involved and it is wonderful that three important projects for the Latrobe community are mov-ing forward,” said Susan Huba. “What a great example of the good things that can happen when different organizations work to-gether.”

It was estimated that the amount of soil donated to the Cardi-nal Park and Legion Keener projects saved over $100,000 in mate-rial costs, had the soil been purchased from a private supplier.

Thank you to all of those involved with these projects, espe-cially to Harry Ridilla for allowing LWA to use a right of way through his property, without which none of these projects would have moved forward.

For more information on these projects, contact LWA at (724) 238-7560.