LJRA Meeting Minutes for July 13, 2010
7 pm at Tyrone Public Library
Meeting was attended by approximately 15 people.
Started 7:04 pm
Bill asked for a round the room introduction before starting. Several new faces.
Bill discussed the finalization of the Sandy Run property purchase by the PFBC Commissioners. The PFBC approved the Option agreement with the seller at its recent qrtrly meeting.
Bill stated that the first successful purchase of a Fishing Easement property has been completed. The ~ 1000 ft of streambank owned by John and Karen Dopp south of Greenhills Campground Which is frequently used by both boaters and fishers.
Green Hills has signed an option to sell an Easement for their over 1 ½ mile of streambank.
An agreement is being worked out with property owner Terry Allison for purchase of his streambank for Easement.
The majority of the funds for the Easement program will be spent if all above and other pending deals go through. A total of ~ 5 miles of streambank for ~ $200K
Group discussion was held on Marcellus Shale drilling issues and impacts.
Deb Nardone from The Coldwater Heritage Organization explained the DEP and PFBC methods for classifying streams and what the designations mean. Discussed possible ways of upgrading the reach of the “j” upstream of Logan Spring reclassified to at least CWF if not higher, possibly HQ. The presence of wild trout alone should move the designation from WWF to CWF.
PFBC is being forced to reassess Wild Trout classified streams. Two colleges (Lycoming and Kings) are qualified to assist watershed groups with this task.
Difference between Existing and Designated Use was also discussed. DEP website link for this info can be found at: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/water_quality_standards/10556
Impaired status of the upper reach of the river was also brought up. A program 303(d) supposedly funds groups to study such waters.
Discussion of how to proceed took place. A motion was made and approved to have Joe Boston head up a small committee to continue work on the redesignation process. Deb. Gary Miller and Bill Anderson will assist with this as well.
Celina Seftas, Watershed Specialist from Huntingdon County Conservation District was also at the meeting and explained about a DEP funded project she has been working on tribs of the Frankstown Branch and was hoping to expand to tribs of the “j”. The newly established committee will be in contact with her and hopefully be able to assist her getting the new project started.
The Low Flow Cleanup is scheduled for September 11, 2010. Details will be discussed at the August meeting.
Meeting adjourned to Burley’s at 8:40 pm | Return to News | | 
