“Local Water Concerns” to be addressed

LEDGEDALE — Not just for those who live along Lake Wallenpaupack! Portions of Wayne, Pike, Lackawanna and Monroe counties make up the 219-square mile watershed of Lake Wallenpaupack. Most importantly, the people living in these counties contribute to and ultimately determine the water in this large watershed. Lake Wallenpaupack is a progressively aging lake whose life span is being shortened by humans upsetting the natural balance of the ecosystem. The good news, however, is that watershed conservation for the lake has been in action since 1979.

The public is invited to a special program to see how the condition of our land and water directly affects the quality of life in the region on Wednesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the historic Carriage House at Lacawac Sanctuary. Join Karen Mandeville, Executive Director of the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District, as she explains the various projects that the District is implementing to improve the quality of life in the region.

For more information call the Lacawac Sanctuary at 570/689-9494. A $2 donation is requested.

A rafting excursion on the Delaware

POND EDDY — The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) will host its 14th Annual Summer Raft Trip on Saturday, August 3. The event is open to the public and families are welcome. Reservations are due by July 26.

This year’s raft trip will cover an eight-mile section of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River from Minisink to Pond Eddy. During the estimated four and one half hour float, participants will pass by beautiful scenery, over two sets of rapids and under the Barryville, NY-Shohola, PA Bridge.

Rafts, paddles and life vests will be provided by Lander’s River Trips. No prior boating experience is necessary. Minimum raft occupancy is four people; the maximum is six. Children must weigh at least 40 pounds and be able to swim in order to join the trip.

Rafters will meet between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. at Lander’s Pond Eddy Base, located on NYS Route 97, to park and check in at the UDC registration table.

The last shuttle bus will depart at 10:30 a.m. for the put-in at Lander’s Minisink Base. Rafts will launch at approximately 11:00 a.m. after equipment distribution and the mandatory safety briefing.

Participants can float leisurely at their own pace. Bring a small cooler with a tie rope to carry drinking water (no glass containers allowed) and a picnic lunch. Wear sunscreen and foot protection and dress to get wet. A waterproof bag is recommended for personal items.

The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 12 and under. Advance reservations and payment are required.

For registration and information call 845/252-3022, fax 845/252-3359, e-mail udcramie@ezaccess.net.

Learn about the D&H Canal system

LACKAWAXEN — During the summer season, the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River will be offering programs on the history of the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) Canal and the role that the Delaware Aqueduct played. These ranger-led programs will be offered every Thursday through Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For anyone interested, meet the park ranger at the Pennsylvania parking lot adjacent to the Roebling Bridge in Lackawaxen.

The D&H Canal was a major transportation system built to carry anthracite coil from Honesdale, to Kingston, NY where the coal was then transported down the Hudson to the New York City market. Locally known as the Roebling Bridge, the Delaware Aqueduct was built by John Roebling between 1847 and 1848. The aqueduct was constructed to carry canal boats over the Delaware River. After completing three additional aqueducts for the D&H Canal, John Roebling went on to design and build the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

In addition to this program, park visitors can learn more about the D&H Canal by visiting the Roebling Bridge Information Center. The center is staffed Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located on the Pennsylvania side of the Roebling Bridge. The Tollhouse, on the New York side of the Roebling Bridge, is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This self-guiding facility has exhibits on the history of the D&H Canal and those that worked on it.

For more information about this or other education programs offered, call education specialist Ingrid Peterec at 570/685-4871.