Contributed photo by Scott Rando Solid stands of purple loosestrife grow along many of the region’s waterways.

Controlling nature naturally

Beetles battle beautiful invasive plant

By SANDY LONG

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION—Few would disagree that purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an attractive plant. Carving its way into the marshes and wetlands of the Upper Delaware region, the plant produces a tall stalk tipped with vibrant purple flowers. As groves of the resilient invader become established, a beautiful lilac blush creeps over the landscape. But this blush belies a harsher reality, as the invasive alien perennial weed drives out native vegetation, and earns the plant its nickname “marsh monster.”

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Swinging Bridge opens 55 days ahead of schedule

Marina owner credits energy company for prompt action

By FRITZ MAYER

SWINGING BRIDGE RESERVOIR, NY—The waters of the Swinging Bridge Reservoir were once again split by churning propeller blades, as the storied lake, the largest in Sullivan County, was once again open for business. Alliance Energy Renewables, the company that now owns the reservoir, hosted a welcoming picnic for returning boaters on July 22 at the Swinging Bridge Marina.

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VA has a new push to reach and service vets

Agency opens new center in Honesdale

By TOM KANE

WAYNE & PIKE COUNTIES, PA - Veterans aren’t getting what’s coming to them.

Recognizing this, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is establishing vet centers in 12 counties in Northeast Pennsylvania in order to improve its reach to veterans who are in need of services.

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Other stories in this issue:

• County adopts new affirmative action plan
• Premier children’s writer from Mongolia to attend U.S. writers’ conference
• The green marriage of Styrofoam and concrete
• Students follow water’s path from mountains to city
• Sullivan room tax law amended

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S