Little Juniate River Association http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php Little Juniate River Association News Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:57:17 EST Winter on the "j" http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=4 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:57:16 EST http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=4 Tyrone Riverwalk http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=3 Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:46:50 EST The Tyrone Riverwalk Committee announces that an agreement has been reached with a landscape architecture/engineering firm to evaluate the feasibility of creating a “Riverwalk” for Tyrone. The committee, formed as a subcommittee of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce, consists of area business leaders, with representation from a wide mix of local organizations, including the Tyrone Area Historical Society, the Little Juniata River Association, Tyrone Borough Council, Joshua House and the Juniata Valley Audubon Society.
Matthew R. Harlow, RLA/ASLA — Regional Director, ELA Group Inc. stated that “he is very excited for his firm to be selected from among nine similar companies that responded to a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the committee.” Each respondent was invited to visit Tyrone for a firsthand look at the proposed site and an interview with the full committee. The ELA Group has extensive experience assisting other communities with similar projects and has a regional office in State College.
Conceptually, the Tyrone Riverwalk will take full advantage of Tyrone’s location on the Little Juniata River with a well-planned walkway along the river in the borough and eventual hiking/biking trails both upstream and down. The possibility of incorporating improved flood control for both Park Avenue and downtown, as part of the RiverWalk, also is being considered. Soon after forming last December, the Tyrone Riverwalk Committee unanimously adopted this statement of its vision:
“The mission of the Tyrone Riverwalk Committee is to beneficially utilize the Tyrone area’s truly unique resource: its location on the Little Juniata River. Its purpose is to foster the family and community-centered lifestyle that is part of Tyrone’s rich heritage and to promote the establishment of retail shops, restaurants and conveniences for Tyrone’s citizens and visitors. It will do so in such a way that will encourage recreational fishing, boating, environmental awareness, exercise and a healthy, outdoor lifestyle.”
This week, the committee met with both Tyrone mayoral candidates, Bill Fink and Jim Grazier, and received their enthusiastic support for the planned project.
Initial funding for the feasibility study will be from the David J. Black Jr. Memorial Fund and a loan from the Tyrone Chamber. Donations from others to this effort are invited and may be directed to the Tyrone Chamber office, 1004 Logan Ave., Tyrone. It is anticipated that the cost of implementing the Riverwalk project will be paid for from a combination of local private sources, fund raising activities and state grants.
Further information about the Tyrone Riverwalk soon will be made available on the Web site of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce and through future media coverage. The results of the feasibility study will be known by this fall.
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]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=3 January 19th, 2010 Minutes http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=2 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:46:14 EST LJRA Meeting Minutes for January 19, 2010

7 pm at Tyrone Public Library

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by LJRA President - Bill Anderson. There were 20 members and visitors in attendance. Among the attendees were Craig Garman – Water Conservation Officer for our area Mark Nale – Reporter and writer for the Centre Daily Times and the Tyrone Daily Herald, Beth Futrick – Blair County Conservation District and Ron Stacey a representative of The Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement (EASI).

While waiting for everyone to arrive, Bill handed out the results of the redd count conducted on November 17 by 12 members of the Association in conjunction with the PAFBC. Details of the survey are available on the LJRA web site. The 6 teams identified 324 redds over a total distance of 7 miles. Many redds still had brown trout on them. It is anticipated that this study will be conducted each season.
I. Nomination and Election of LJRA Officers-
a. Bill Anderson was re-elected president, Lee Pryor was elected treasurer and Jim Litrun was elected secretary.
b. There are (9) LJRA Director positions of which (2) are open. Any member interested in one of these positions should email Bill Anderson or Jim Litrun.
c. A motion was made to create a new position and to appoint John Pascavage as “Director Emeritus” in appreciation of his founding of and continued interest in the LJRA. The vote was unanimous in favor of this action.
d. Gary Miller was elected “Conservation Chair” for LJRA, also a new position

II. Old Business
a. Bill indicated that hats, shirts and decals for LJRA are on order and will arrive soon.
b. A thank you note and a $100.00 donation was made to the Spruce Creek United Methodist church in appreciation for the lunch they put on to support last year’s cleanup program where 110+ participants were served.

III. Stream Buffer Committee Presentation- Beth Futrick from BCCD discussed the Committee’s efforts in Centre County and the potential for partners to work with them in Blair County on issues such as erosion and cleanup. The streambank which is badly eroded just upstream from the Sandy Run mouth was highlighted as an example where cooperative work could be considered.

IV. Headwater Report- Gary Miller
a. Gary indicated there was a problem with the digging of a sewer across Sandy Run to serve the New Comfort Inn project near the Pinecroft exit. Craig Garman of the PFBC used this as an example where the DEP and PFBC should be contacted. He urged members to contact him directly when any type of violations are observed. He provided his cell phone number for people to contact him directly (717) 360-7279 or to call 911 to be put in contact with him.
b. Over all the Comfort Inn is commended on doing a fine job of silt containment on their project. The problem cited above appeared to be a problem with the contractor.
c. Craig Garman indicated he has received reports of “gray water” in the Little Juniata near the Bellwood Cemetery after rainfall. He asked for members to take pictures and report any such observations to him directly.
d. A discussion of how fracking on the Allegheny front could impact local streams ensued and the need for everyone to keep their eyes and ears open on this subject. There are two meetings of interest:
i. The Marcellus Muster will be held at the Nittany Lion Inn on January 30. Admission is $10.00. Anyone interested in attending should contact Bill Anderson.
ii. The Keystone Cold Water Conference will be held February 19 and 20. A motion was made and carried to have LJRA man a display. Members interested in attending and working the booth will have their admission paid by the Association.

V. Easements
a. PFBC will review and hopefully approve an easement for Karen and John Dobb’s property on January 29. This property consists of 1000 feet of “j” shoreline just downstream from Greenhills Camp.
b. The Association has $200,000 available for this program and the goal is to secure 7 miles of easement. Members are urged to look for opportunities where this money can be invested to secure permanent access to the Little Juniata River.

VI. Purchase of Sandy Run- DEP attorneys continue to review the proposal for LJRA to purchase property on Sandy Run which would be turned over to PFBC. The hearing is set for January 29. The seller has had the option open for 2 years and there is a high level of interest in getting this transaction completed in the near future.


VII. Fishing/Boating Reports- No one in attendance has fished the Little “J” recently
a. A study of the insects on the River was recently completed and will be published soon. The last such study was completed in 2000. Initial indications are that the tan caddis and white flies have declined since that time. This is a good indication as both species thrive better in polluted waters. The grannoms and sulfurs look good which is a very positive sign.

VIII. New Business-
a. Ron Stacey a representative of The Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement (EASI) which is part of the Blair Senior Service group, discussed the water quality monitoring program currently conducted for water going into reservoirs. They are expanding their program to partner with the Blair Conservation organization and would like the program to include streams and rivers throughout Blair County. They are looking for LJRA to consider adopting a water quality testing program for the Little “J” and some of its tributaries. Their first meeting is February 11. Gary Miller, Conservation Officer, will attend and make a recommendation to the Association after that. Money for testing kits (about $500.00 each) may be available through EASI. Several members reported a similar program exists in Centre County.

b. Craig Garman of PFBC discussed the 2010 trout stocking program which includes a winter stocking for Canoe Lake.
i. Fishing license sales were 879,000 in 2009, up from 837,000 in 2008
ii. Craig discussed positions that are open in his organization and they are looking for new candidates for their officer program.
iii. Fingerlings will be stocked in Little “J” Thursday May 20 at 10 AM. All will have clipped fins for identification purposes. Volunteers to help with the stocking are welcome.
iv. Craig also said that every effort would be made to stock browns only in the DHALO project instead of rainbows which are known to flee almost immediately.

IX. Adjournment- The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM and was followed by brews at Burley’s by some. The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM Tuesday February 9, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,


Jim Litrun, LJRA Secretary
]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=2 Next meeting February 9th http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=1 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:55:56 EST Note: You can view the minutes from the January 2010 meeting by clicking on "Minutes" from the home menu.

The Little Juniata River Association will hold its next meeting on February 9th in the Tyrone Library at 7pm. Planning for the spring LJRA Spring Riverbank Clean-up will begin.

]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=012010&newsid=1 LJRA Christmas letter http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=122009&newsid=1 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:26:55 EST To all "j" lovers - a happy holiday and a Merry Chrismas!


Thanks to all of you who have supported the Little Juniata River Association this past year. Our accomplishments have been many and notable.


They include:

Continued efforts to determine the wild fish production capability of the 'j". Participated and helped to organize the first ever Redd survey on the "j" (see results on the LJRA website) and also assisted in stocking 30,000 "marked" hatchery brown trout fingerlings. Many thanks to Kris Kuhn and the PFBC for caring about the "j".

Applied and accepted as an "Adopt a Highway" participant for the River Road from Spruce creek to Pemberton. We can use help in keeping this stretch clean. Each time you drive it, pick up some of the trash. Look for the LJRA signs.

Continued efforts to get Sandy Run protected... through purchase from an out of area seller. Sandy Run is the most significant source of cold water in the upper "j" and has great potential (with habitat improvement) as a brown trout spawning stream for the "j". The PFBC is in final negotiations with the landowner.

Worked to ensure responsible development in the "j" watershed by incouraging the Comfort Inn to use Best Management Practices during construction of a new hotel. Stormwater management continues to be our number one concern in the watershed. We thank the Blair County Conservation District for their continued attention, especially to development in the Sandy Run watershed. The Comfort Inn site is a model for how to have development and clean clear water at the same time.

Succeeded (with extraordinary effort by Gary and Sarah Miller) in getting environmental concessions regarding storm water management from Wal*Mart for the Pine Croft "super store". (This project appears to be in a hold pattern for now but it will likely raise its head again in 2010).

Supported responsible use of wind turbines in the "j" watershed. However, on steep ground and mountain tops, we oppose wind turbines, until they can be demonstrated to have no negative impact on our headwater streams. Attended a DEP public hearing (which we helped generate) on this subject and gave testimony as well as a written statement opposing roads in the headwaters of Big Fill Run.

Entered into a cooperative effort with the Pa Fish and Boat Commission to create a "Public Fishing Easement Program" for the "j" and it's tribs. Several properties have been appraised and we expect to award a substantial amount to a "j" bank owner soon. We received a $100,000 grant to match PFBC money earmarked for this purpose.

Once again, we organized and held a very successful "j" bank and roadside clean-up with over 100 participants in April 2009. (Look for notice soon of the 2010 clean-up. As always it will be held the first Saturday in April, "come hell (ish weather) or high water" We've had both!).

We also held our first ever "low water" clean-up in August. Fourteen members participated in getting the junk out of hard to reach and midstream locations. We hope to expand on this in 2010.

Participated in taking water samples to determine the e-coli bacterial levels at two "j" locations for ten weeks in cooperation with DEP. (they were unacceptably high at one of the locations).



In 2010 we plan to continue (and intensify) our efforts to "Monitor, Protect and improve the Little Juniata River". Please join with us by joining (or renewing your membership in) the Little Juniata River Association - a 501 c 3 non-profit organization.


Bill Anderson - LJRA President
]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=122009&newsid=1 Redd count a big success http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=112009&newsid=1 Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:43:29 EST All,
The first ever redd study to be conducted on the "j" was a resounding success! In all we identified 324 redds in a 7 mile stretch and we surely missed some (see attached table). As expected the redds were concentrated in areas that satisfied the three needs of proper current, depth (8" to 20") and cobble size (pea size to squash ball). One tailout alone just down stream from the Pemberton quarry had more than 40 redds, most with browns still actively spawning! We saw fish up to 20" and many in the 15-17" catagory on redds throughout.
Hats off (and a shout out) to the PAFBC who found time in their very busy schedule to allow Kris Kuhn, area Fisheries Manager and John Frederick, fishery biologist, to conduct this study. Based on what we observed, there should be no doubt that brown trout spawn in the "j" in large numbers. Granted their eggs, which lie buried in shallow gravel all winter, are subject to destruction by high water events between now and March, but in a good water year, many thousands of eggs will likely produce trout. In addition, the marked fingerling program is in place with some reports of 8" trout being caught with the clipped adipose fin this fall. Next May, an effort will be made to determine the 12 month survival rate for these hatchery born, domestic browns. While we still have insufficient evidence to tell for sure, I'm betting that most of the fish we catch in a season over 12", are native born in the "j" from all those redds. Thanks to Helena Kotala, we have many pictures, which will be on the website soon.

These are the LJRA members who conducted the redd count:
(no particular order)

Cliff Wurster
Dave Dudukovich
Jim Litrun
Jeremy Fry
Joe Boston
John Bennis
Ron Kuntz
Richard Sanders
Bill Anderson
Bob Carline
Bill Voight
Alan Swann

Thanks to all!

Bill Anderson
President
Little Juniata river Association
Next LJRA meeting is January 12th. Tyrone Library, 7pm.]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=112009&newsid=1 October meeting features discussions about wild brown trout in the "j" http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=102009&newsid=1 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:28:32 EDT
The Little Juniata River Association will hold a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 13th, in the Tyrone Snyder Public Library (Take the Tyrone I99 exit then go 2 blocks south of the BK on Pennsylvania Avenue, library on left, Come to the rear door). The time is 7pm...duration approximately 1 and 1/2 hours.

LJRA meeting agenda:

Redd survey on the "j". - Kristopher M. Kuhn, Fisheries Manager - Area 7, PA Fish & Boat Commission.

Kris will explain the details of the upcoming trout spawning redd survey, the first ever to be conducted on the "j". LJRA members are needed as volunteers for this survey, to be conducted November 16th. Kris will also answer our questions regarding the hatchery fingerling stocking study on the "j".

Update on Spring Run - Bran (Ranger) Keen

Brian has been working on acheiving a redesignation of this important "j" headwater.

Headwater issues update - Gary Miller/Bill Anderson

Sandy Run, Walmart, Comfort Inn, fracking impact, others'

Public Fishing Easemant status - Bill Anderson

Recent fishing/boating reports - All present

Drinks at Burley's after the meeting - Discussion of publicly forbidden subjects.

Hope to see you all there! Bring your friends who fish, boat or bird on the "j".

Bill Anderson
]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=102009&newsid=1 September 2009 meeting minutes http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=092009&newsid=1 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:24:24 EDT LJRA Meeting Minutes for September 8, 2009<'xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />


7 pm at Tyrone Public Library


&nbsp;


&nbsp;


Agenda Issues


&nbsp;


Bill Anderson discussed the Low Water Clean Up conducted in August. It is hoped that this will become an annual event starting next year. Fourteen participants deserve our thanks.


&nbsp;


&nbsp;Gary apprised the attendees of the stance LJRA is taking on the proposed Sandy Ridge Wind Farm. A letter requesting a public hearing be held was sent to DEP in August. It was made clear that the LJRA is not anti-wind power. Our concern is for water quality as it may affect Big Fill Run, an EV “j” tributary and other cold water streams in the site development proposal from Gammesa.


&nbsp;


Bill updated the Sandy Run property purchase agreement. Lawyers from PFBC and the property owner are working out the details. All systems are go, but it could still take six more months.


&nbsp;


Bill updated the Public Fishing Access Program. Four property owners have shown interest and have allowed their fishing property to be appraised. The Dopps property (~1000 ft of shoreline) near the Green Hills Campground will hopefully be the first signatory in this program. There are one and half years remaining to use the available monies.


&nbsp;


DEP Water Sampling Program: Bill reported that eight out of ten weekly samples had been collected but is not sure about the last two. &nbsp;Jim Eckenrode will be contacted as a follow-up.


&nbsp;


Kris Khun, PFBC biologist and area fisheries manager, has asked the LJRA to assist with a redd (spawning bed) count on the “j” in November. We will need about 10 volunteers. More information will be posted as it becomes available. The proposed dates are between November 7th and November 21st.


&nbsp;


Website update: We have a new picture Gallery with some 50+ “j” pictures available. Most of the Gallery pictures need captions to be re-written. New pictures are welcome.


&nbsp;


Fingerling Stocking Study: PFBC will conduct an electro-fishing survey in May of 2010 to determine the survival rate of the fingerling brown trout stocked this past May 30th. We will probably need volunteers to assist. The study is slated to continue for two more years, with all fingerlings marked with clipped adipose fins. Bill will post more information as it becomes available.


&nbsp;


Gary Miller made a motion that was seconded by Jerry Burkholder for the club to purchase 50 more hats and T-Shirts for selling/gifts.


&nbsp;


Gary Miller reported on the development near the Headwaters (Sandy Run area) that construction has started for a Comfort Inn at the Pinecroft Exit of I-99. It appears to be proceeding thus far without adverse impact on the Sandy Run watershed. A recent newspaper article about the proposed WalMart stated that currently there are no plans for building but that it will be built someday.


&nbsp;


&nbsp;


&nbsp;


Other Business


&nbsp;


Joe Boston and Art Kempf from the Spring Creek Chapter of TU were present to discuss a professional fly-fishing tournament scheduled for late October. There is deep concern regarding the timing of this event with brown trout spawning and stress impacts on the fish. More information about this should be forthcoming. The LJRA is supportive of their effort to prevent fishing tournaments, during spawning season, on all our wild trout waters.


&nbsp;


A question regarding the paper mill dam and its impacts to the river lead to a discussion about removal or possible bottom releases to help mitigate warming effects and to allow upstream migration of “j” brown trout. &nbsp;This topic will continue to be investigated.


&nbsp;


Interest in forming a “boating” committee was expressed by new members Jay Moore and Brian Carter. All those who have interest should send an email to:


&nbsp;bjuniata@verizon.net.


&nbsp;


Election of officers will need to be conducted by the November meeting. Anyone interested in serving as an officer or LJRA Director should make their wishes known at the October meeting.


&nbsp;


Next Meeting, October 13th:


LJRA member, Brian Keene will report on his efforts to bring about the possible (re)classification/designation of Spring Run, a headwater tributary to the “j” near the PSU Altoona Campus. Brian will also update us on the possible draining of the PSU Altoona Duck Pond.


&nbsp;


Question: Are there any properties (owners) along the Little (South) Bald Eagle, Vanscoyic or Big Fill Run worth looking into as possible candidates for the LJRA/PFBC public fishing access program ' Does anyone know “j” property owners who we should be contacting'


&nbsp;


&nbsp;


Minutes submitted by Gary Miller – acting Secretary and approved for distribution by Bill Anderson – President.


&nbsp;

]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=092009&newsid=1 Low water clean-up conducted August 15th on &quot;j&quot;. http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=072009&newsid=1 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:30:49 EDT In April when we conduct our annual streambank and pull-off clean-up, there are always places we can not access. Water levels are typically pretty high, in April, which prevents us from getting to trash in the streambed or on the opposite side where RR banks are typically steep. Saturday August 15th, a stalwart crew of 14 with two canoes and a john boat gathered to do as much as possible to remedy this situation. In all we collected 2 tons of trash over the 8 mile stretrch from Tyrone to Spruce Creek. If we had more boats and people we would have done much more including the stretch below Barree and the stretch from Tyrone to Bellwood. But at least the "j" is cleaner in some of the most heavily used areas. We also walked the river road from Spruce Creek to Shaffers Auto Salvage, our "Adopt A Highway" stretch. Hopefully all fishers and other "j" users will take their trash (and a little extra) with them each time they use the "j".

Check out the new picture Gallery! We can finally put new pics up with captons!

Bill Anderson
President
Little Juniata River Association
814 684 5922

]]> http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=072009&newsid=1 Meeting held with landowners for Public Fishing Access Program http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=052009&newsid=1 Fri, 22 May 2009 08:02:58 EDT http://littlejuniata.org/little_juniata_river/news.php'xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=052009&newsid=1