Contributed photo Ralph Cioppa, president of the Twin and Walker Creek Watershed Conservancy, recently met with David E. Hess, PA Environmental Protection Secretary; at left is Joe Zenes, Shohola Creek Watershed Conservancy Chair. (Click for larger image)

State environmental protection rep visits Pike

SHOHOLA — Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Secretary David E. Hess met with representatives of the Twin and Walker Creek Watershed Conservancy and the Shohola Creek Watershed Conservancy as part of his Wednesday, March 27 tour of environmentally protective projects in Pike County.

Both citizen-based groups are recipients of PA Growing Greener funds awarded to assist with organizing and purchasing monitoring equipment. The Twin and Walker Creek group acquired two grants totaling almost $60,000, and the Shohola Creek Watershed Conservancy received $16,000, with an additional $9,000 recently announced from the Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds.

DEP reopen reservoirs for fishing

REGION —The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reopened the New York City reservoirs for fishing on April 1 under its new Public Access Permit system, according to Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E.

In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, all City-owned watershed properties were closed to the public and individual recreational permits suspended as a security precaution.

In January, the City introduced a new system of Public Access Permits that replaced previously issued fishing, hiking and hunting permits. Under the new system, all current permit holders, anglers, row boaters, hikers and hunters alike, must acquire the new permit that will allow for access to designated, City-owned properties in the watershed when they are reopened.

The use of boats will continue to be prohibited at the Kensico and New Croton Reservoirs for the foreseeable future, although fishing from the shorelines will be permitted. This recent decision was made as part of an ongoing security review with federal and State authorities. It is part of a comprehensive security program for the water supply that will continue to be developed and refined in the months to come.

The first 10,000 Public Access Permits are now available.

To obtain permits, applicants must appear in person and bring their post card notification and a government-issued photo identification to the location specified on the card. For more information and the most recent updates, log onto www.nyc.gov/watershedrecreation.

All current valid five-year boating permits will remain valid, but each permittee must also have the new Public Access Permit.

Two-headed trout dinner

ROSCOE — The annual “Two-Headed Trout Dinner, sponsored by the Roscoe Chamber of Commerce is scheduled Saturday, April 6.

This annual event will be held at the Rockland House on Rockland Road. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Breakfast will be served Sunday morning, April 7 from 7:00 a.m. through 12:00 noon at the Rockland Fire House, hosted by the Roscoe Kiwanis Club.

For more information call 845/434-2268.

Fourth annual towpath cleanup

LACKAWAXEN — Volunteers will clear brush and restore the path of woodchips along the historic canal on Friday, April 26, during the fourth annual D&H Canal Towpath Trail cleanup.

The Towpath Trail along the bank of the Delaware River at the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River is being developed over the route of the former Delaware and Hudson Canal towpath, built in 1828. The trail leads under the former Delaware Aqueduct, now known as the Roebling Bridge and connects Lackawaxen, and Minisink Ford.

With generous financial support from the Upper Delaware Heritage Alliance, and supplies provided by other co-sponsors, volunteers accomplish the work with a minimal expenditure of public funds. In addition to the Upper Delaware Heritage Alliance, this year’s co-sponsors include the New York State Department of Transportation, Town of Highland and members of the Upper Delaware Council. The project celebrates National Park Week and National Volunteer Week.

Volunteers are advised to wear appropriate clothing for working with brush and briars. Wear sturdy shoes and gloves, hats, long sleeves and long pants.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided and volunteers will receive a certificate of recognition.

For more information call 570/729-8253.

Park to assist local fire departments

REGION — The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, will assist local volunteer fire departments with the purchase and installation of dry hydrant systems this year. This endeavor is part of the National Park Service’s 2002 rural fire assistance program.

The Rural Fire Assistance (RFA) program is primarily designed to increase firefighter safety and enhance the fire protection capabilities of rural fire departments.

This is the second year that the National Park Service has participated in the RFA program. In 2001, the park, in cooperation with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, purchased and distributed more than $36,000 in personal protective equipment and wildland firefighting-related supplies and equipment to local volunteer fire departments.

This year, the allocation is $40,000. The park will be working with the two state agencies to obtain high-volume fire pumps with the money. Departments in Pennsylvania include the Bushkill Volunteer Fire Department, the Delaware Township Fire Company, and the Dingman Township Fire Company.

Watershed stream clean-up
seeks volunteers

MARGARETVILLE — Area residents can help with an upcoming region-wide stream clean-up by simply dialing the telephone.

The Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) is requesting residents to report locations of large trash items or debris to be removed from streams or riverbanks in the five-county New York City Watershed.

The CWC will arrange for removal of these items in conjunction with the Catskill Delaware Watershed Stream Clean-up planned for May 11, with a rain date planned for May 18.

Scout troops, sporting organizations, civic groups and others are invited to participate in the stream clean-up. Volunteers are asked to register with the CWC by May 3. Groups may choose to adopt sections of streams or rivers in their areas to clean. The CWC will supply trash bags and T-shirts for all volunteers.

For more information call 845/586-1400, ext. 33.