Water Gap considers beetle release

BUSHKILL -The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has completed an environmental assessment on release of laboratory-reared Japanese ladybird beetles within the park in an effort to control hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) and has concluded that such a release will have no significant environmental impacts. The majority of public comment on the proposed release (18 Of 22) supported this action National Park Service Regional Director Marie Rust accordingly signed a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) on June 9 thereby authorizing the release of the beetles.

Park staff released 5000 beetles at VanCampens Glen in the park's NJ District shortly after the FONSI was signed, and will be releasing another 7500 beetles at two locations this week-probably 5000 at Adams Creek in PA and another batch at VanCampens Glen. The park is hoping the beetles will control the hemlock wooly adelgid at these locations.

The beetles being released have been found to be the most effective method for controlling HWA. These are not the orange and black spotted "Halloween" beetles that infest many local residents' houses. They are the size and color of poppy seeds and remain in forests year-round. The beetles are produced through a joint federal state program and are generally only available for use on public lands.

The adelgid is a non-native insect that is slowly destroying hemlock trees throughout this area. HWA was first reported in the east in the mid-1950s and last year was documented in 11 eastern states from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Almost three-quarters of the hemlocks in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia have suffered defoliation and mortality from HWA; almost half of the hemlocks in New Jersey are suffering moderate to severe infestations.

The destructive effects of HWA infestations on hemlock forests are strongly affected by other environmental factors, including climate changes and invasions of other exotic species.

Hemlocks within the park and in nearby areas have been affected by a number of these factors, particularly the destructive hemlock borer beetle. This native beetle attacks severely stressed trees, a condition created by hemlock wooly adelgid. HWA-infested trees might survive for many years but they die within a year or two after being attacked by borer beetles.

Eastern hemlock is an important part of the forest canopy in 141 discrete stands covering about 3000 acres of the park; many of them designated as "outstanding natural features...with high intrinsic or unique values." Many scenic waterfalls are associated with hemlock stands, and a number of recreational activities-hiking, trout fishing, picnicking and bird-watching-are concentrated in these areas.

HWA now threatens all these forest stands. An aerial survey by the U.S. Forest Service last year led to the discovery of 19 sites with hemlock discoloration and mortality. Direct assessments have shown that many trees are dying or severely stressed.

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, the ninth most visited area in the National Park Service, encompasses 70,000 acres of ridges, forests, lakes and rivers on both sides of the Delaware River in NJ and PA. The Delaware River, the only remaining undammed river in the eastern United States, is part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. Its waters provide both recreation and drinking water for millions of residents in neighboring metropolitan areas. For further information check the park's web site at www.nps.gov/dewa.

Volunteers needed for watershed stream clean-up

MARGARETVILLE - Scout troops, sporting organizations, civic groups and others are invited to participate in a one-day stream clean-up throughout the New York City Watershed west of the Hudson River.

The event, coordinated by the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), will be held Saturday, September 16. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will haul away debris from selected sites. Volunteers are asked to register early so that disposal arrangements can be made.

"If we all pitch in to pick up litter and debris along our streams, we'll all benefit from a cleaner environment and a more attractive Watershed," said Alan Rosa, executive director of the CWC.

Groups may choose to "adopt" sections of streams or rivers in their areas to clean up. The CWC will supply trash bags, and will recognize all volunteers who participate.

To obtain a registration form for your organization, contact John Jacobson at the CWC, 845/586-1400, ext. 15.

The effort coincides with "Clean Sweep," a program in which Delaware County residents can get rid of hazardous wastes from households and farms by bringing materials to a central collection site. For information about Clean Sweep or to make an appointment to drop off materials, call 607/746-8797.

How good were the 'good old days'?

LAKE ARIEL - On Wednesday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m., Wayne County Historian Richard Eldred will lecture on "How Good Were the Good Old Days" at Lacawac Sanctuary. Mr. Eldred will share little known stories and anecdotes to present a realistic picture of what life was really like.The program will be held in the Sanctuary's historic Carriage Barn, once part of the summer estate of Scranton coal baron William Connell.

Eldred retired last year after a 30-year career as a professor of history at Nayack College in New York, where he also served as head of the history department. He is a native of Wayne County, and was born in Indian Orchard. Mr. Eldred has an extensive knowledge of history and has published numerous books on genealogy. For the last six years, he has catalogued names on local cemetery stones.

A $2.00 donation is requested; children and members are free.

Lacawac Sanctuary is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1966 to preserve Lake Lacawac, its watershed and surrounding forest; provide a venue for ecological research, scholarly interaction and the training of scientists; provide public education on environmental and conservation issues; and conserve open space of special biological value in northeastern Pennsylvania. Located on the southwest corner of Lake Wallenpaupack (4.5 miles north of exit 6 on Interstate 84,) an interpretive nature trail is open during daylight hours. Tours of the historic Andirondack style Lodge and glacial lake are offered Sunday afternoons June, July and August. Call the office at 570/689-9494 for directions and a schedule of events.

$175,400 reserved for Mountaindale Rails-to-Trails Gateway

MOUNTAINDALE - The Sullivan County Division of Planning and Community Development has secured a $175,400 grant through the FHWA TEA-21 Program to create a Gateway for the Rails-to-Trails that runs along the former Ontario and Western Railroad from Mountaindale to Woodridge. The TEA-21 program is administered by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT).

The proposed improvements will include the construction of an information kiosk and restrooms, the construction of a parking lot and provision of bicycle racks, the creation of a picnic area, and other site amenities.

The grant writing team involved in preparing the application included Commissioner Sorensen, Mary Ng, Planner, Robert Dadras and Bob Trotta from the Department of Public Works. Input from the Town of Fallsburg and other division staff also made the application possible.

The NYSDOT will administer the grant and a formal grant agreement is anticipated in the next six to eight weeks.