U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, Vol.6, Iss. 3, Summer 2015
Brig. Gen. Kaiser visits East Branch p. 2 District assists with Blairsville Veterans Memorial p. 8
at Mahoning Creek Lake P. 12
Headwaters Update is a quarterly publication of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District. It is produced for electronic distribution by the Public Affairs Office. Views and opinions expressed in the Headwaters Update are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Submissions may be sent to CELRP-PA@usace.army. mil for consideration in upcoming editions. Stories submitted should be in a Word document format. All photographs should include a caption and be high resolution (at least 4x6 inches and 300 dpi). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District Col. Bernard R. Lindstrom District Commander Public Affairs Chief Dan Jones Editor Carol E. Davis
LRD Commander visits East Branch By Kim Warner, East Branch Dam East Branch Dam hosted Brig. Gen. Richard Kaiser, Great Lakes and Ohio River Division commander, Col. Bernard Lindstrom, Pittsburgh District commander, and other district senior leaders for a visit to the project site, July 29. Brig. Gen. Kaiser toured the con-
struction site and project facilities, via helicopter, and received a briefing about the project details, construction status, engineering during construction and Mega-Project management. While visiting, Kaiser joined the Operations and Construction staffs for lunch. The visit demonstrated the positive working relationships that exist across the functional teams.
Layout & Design Dan Jones Contributor John P. Kelly Public Affairs Office 412-395-7100 www.lrp.U.S.ace.army.mil
On the Cover Mole Crickets can be found on every continent except Antarctica Photo by Anna Donato
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In this Issue Page 3 - Corps, DCNR meet to discuss 14-mile island project Page 5 - District gives Ash trees a fighting chance Page 7 - Cutting it close at Charleroi Lock and Dam Page 12 - Thank-A Vet Dam ride raises money for charity
George Brkovich, Ashley Hickenboth, Tomma Barnes, and Brian Grogan visited pool 2 and 3 where they met with DCNR and DEP representatives to tour the island and discuss options for mitigating bank erosion and improving the habitat for native plant and animal species
Corps meets with DCNR for 14-mile Isand project By Brian Grogan, Engineering Representatives from the Pittsburgh District met with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, July 8, to discuss a potential restoration project at 14-Mile Island on the Allegheny River. The restoration project would be funded under Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 which provides shared project construction costs at 75 percent federal and 25 percent non-federal. If the project is approved by LRD, the corps will continue to work with agencies to move theproject forward. The island is actually two islands divided by the dam at C.W. Bill Young, formerly AlIn the future, the Army Corps of Engineers will develop legheny River Lock and Dam 3, and located possible restoration alternatives and produce cost estidownstream of the dam in pool 2, and upstream of the mates to determine if there is a federal interest in pursuing dam, pool 3. a project at 14-Mile Island. Traveling by boat driving by district employee George Subsequent to approval by the Great Lakes and Ohio Brkovich, Ashley Hickenboth, Tomma Barnes, and Brian River Division in Cincinnati, Ohio, the Pittsburgh District Grogan visited pool 2 and 3 where they met with DCNR will work with DCNR and DEP to develop solutions that and DEP representatives to tour the island and discU.S.s meet the long-term restoration and sustainability goals of options for mitigating bank erosion and improving the all three organizations habitat for native plant and animal species.
For more information about the Pittsburgh Distict, visit: www.lrp.usace.army.mil 3
Aquatic vegetation planted at Mahoning Creek Lake By Grover Pegg, Mahoning Creek Lake Mahoning Creek Lake received a grant, in May, from several partners to plant aquatic vegetation in the reservoir to provide habitats for fish. The grant proposal consisted of a three-year plan to provide a variety of aquatic plants to upper reaches of the Mahoning Lake shoreline. Planting vegetation in a body of water is necessary for a well structured fish habitat, and provides an area for fish to congregate and thrive. The plants not only provide protection for small fish from predators, but also help in the production of invertebrates for the fish to eat. Additionally, Local school students from Redeemer Elementary fourth, fifth and sixth graders along with local submerged plants help with Boy Scout Pack 174 helped to plant submersed aquatic plants in the lake. water quality by dispersing oxthe group to plant more than 400 and sixth graders along with local ygen into the water. The plants Sago, Ruppia and Redhead plants Boy Scout Pack 174 helped to plant are also an important food source for along the shore line. submersed aquatic plants in the lake. many species of waterfowl. Reservoir Fisheries Habitat PartThe wire enclosures were built along Local school students from Renership, the Friends of Reservoirs predetermined locations that enabled deemer Elementary fourth, fifth Foundation and Shannock Valley Sportsman’s Club, provided funding for the habitats. Ranger Grover Pegg acquired the plants from the Environmental Center at Anne Arundel Community College in Chesapeake Bay, Md., for the project. The plantings will be marked and monitored throughout the summer. Come visit the lake, and you can see what our aquatic plantings are all about. Funding for the project was provided by Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership, the Friends of Reservoirs Foundation and Shannock Valley Sportsman’s Club.
A series of small holes are drilled around the base of the tree and injection ports or plugs are installed in the holes. These ports or plugs have small openings in them allowing the chemical to be absorbed and transported through the tree over several days.
District gives Ash trees a fighting chance By Kyle Kraynak, Shenango Lake Park rangers Jason Cote and Kyle Kraynek partnered with U.S. Forest Service Entomologists to take part in an effort to treat several Ash trees at various locations at Shenango Lake. Sixteen out of more than 400 Ash trees were treated to protect against the lethal Emerald Ash Borer Beetle, May 28. The trees treated at Shenango Lake will hopefully react positively to the injection treatment of an insecticide called Treeage. Treeage is a chemical formula that has been found to kill the larvae of the EAB as it eats its way through the cambium layer of the tree, effectively girdling it from the inside out. The chemical is injected using a compressed oxygen cylinder and an injection gun. A series of small holes are drilled around the base of the tree and injection ports or plugs are installed in the holes. These ports or plugs have small openings in them allowing the chemical to be absorbed and
are destroyed. These treated trees transported through the tree over may be the fighting chance necessary several days. Studies have shown it to bring the Ash population back on to be effective in keeping Ash trees small regional scales. healthy and un-infested by EAB for The EAB may be responsible for two years. the effective annihilation of the Ash The sheer size and scope of EAB species in North America. The loss infestation and potential loss of the will be enormous, Ash species is hard in terms of to grasp. Its loss Rangers at Shenan- both revenue for timber incan only be comgo, Berlin and Tio- dustry companies and pared in magnia loss in large shade tude to other tree nesta Lakes are tree in neighborhoods. disasters such as battling the Emrald For recreation parks Chestnut Blight and like Shenango Lake, Dutch Elm Disease. Ash Borer the loss of a mature In true form to Ash tree is an irreplaceable value in the motto of the U.S. Army Corps aesthetic beauty for generations of of Engineers “Essayons�, which is visitors. French for, let us try, efforts have Many of the Ash are totally been taken at Shenango Lake, Berlin dead now and pose a serious safety Lake and Tionesta Lake to treat the concern in the campground and will very best specimens in an effort to need to be removed. retain some vestige of another great According to a recent news North American hardwood that is article, over the next two decades, now under attack. taxpayers will pay billions of dollars The hope is that the EAB pest for the removal of infected Ash trees population will eventually collapse on public lands. as their food and breeding sources
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Braddock Dam receives upgraded system By Ron Gadomski
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District is in the process of advertising and awarding a contract to upgrade the dam gate control system at Braddock Locks and Dam. The existing control system was installed as part of the original construction of the dam more than 15-years ago. Some of the control system communications components are now obsolete and if they fail, could result in dam gates being inoperable for a long period of time. The Braddock Dam Gate Control System Upgrade Project focU.S.es on the migration from a Rockwell Automation SLC 500 based control system to an open architecture Rockwell Automation Logix based
control system utilizing Ethernet communications. Upgrades are necessary to comply with existing operation orders, Federal Information Security Management Act Compliance for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems, IndU.S.trial and Electronic Control Systems, Data Acquisition and Monitoring Systems. In the Pittsburgh District, more than 90 percent of the navigation facilities and more than 30 percent of flood control projects have Programmable Logic Controller based control systems. PLCs are a reliable, proven technology that provides safe and dependable operation and oversight of control systems. At Braddock, the dam will once again be able to be remotely controlled from the land wall in
the event of a flood. Allowing site personnel to vacate the middle wall operations building. If necessary, Braddock Dam could be remotely controlled from virtually any location within the Pittsburgh District via CorpsNet. Currently, all Monongahela River dams, except Braddock can be remotely operated from a mastercontrol-station located at the Point Marion Lock and Dam. Additionally, included in this contract is the installation of a fiber optic network backbone between the land wall and middle wall buildings for high speed communications. A contract is expected to be awarded by the end of fiscal year 2015 and construction completed within six months after the Notice to Proceed has been issued.
Local scouts clean up Tygart By Stacy E. Lewis, Tygart Lake
Tygart Lake celebrated National Public Lands Day Sept. 26. Twenty-four Cub Scouts and leaders from Troop 120 of Fairmont, W.Va., cleaned up the Tygart Dam trail which starts at the project office. The scouts collected enough trash to fill a large dumpster.
Taking out the trash during National Public Lands Day Youghiogheny River Lake celebrated National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26. The lake staff has teamed up with Friends for the Youghiogheny River Lake, Inc., for the last six years to host a shoreline clean-up day. Throughout the years, there have been more than 17 large dumpsters of trash removed from the shoreline.
With the assistance from more than 40 volunteers, Youghiogheny Lake Marina, five district employees and our campground hosts, the Yough Lake had another successful year. This year, the team collected more than one large dumpster of debris and more than 20 tires while covering nearly 10 miles of shoreline.
Youghiogheny Lake has been recognized by the Ocean Conservancy the past two years for dedicated services to the International Coastal Cleanup and helping to achieve trash free seas. As part of the partnership with the conservancy, volunteers received gloves and garbage bags for use during the day.
For more information about the Pittsburgh Distict, visit: www.lrp.usace.army.mil 6
Fish cribs installed at Moquito By Waylon Reigle, Mosquito Creek Lake Mosquito Creek Lake staff and Ohio Division of Wildlife Fisheries Section volunteers partnered to construct fish habitats for the lake, Sept. 10. The partnership consisted of cost sharing materials, labor and fuel which allowed for the construction and placement of eleven structures within Mosquito Lake. The new fish cribs will provide refuge and protection for juvenile fish for years to come and the partnership is the stepping stone for future endeavors between the two agencies in promoting the natural resources at Mosquito Creek Lake.
Cutting it close at Charleroi Locks, Dam By Kirk McWilliams, Charleroi Locks and Dam
The first two pre-cast segments for the new emptying basin at Locks and Dam 4 on the Monongahela River at Charleroi passed through the 56-foot wide land chamber, Aug. 26. The width of the precast segments left only a four-inch clearance on each side during lockage. Due to the careful planning and professionalism of both the contractors who transported the segment and the crew at Charleroi the operation was a success.
Volunteers, students install butterfly boxes at Mosquito By Eric Schreckengost and Jennifer Libbey Volunteers and students from the Bristol High School, Ohio “Conservation Club� installed six butterfly boxes around Mosquito Creek Lake. Loyd Marshall and Bob Kiepeper helped the volunteers to build the boxes. The club will monitor the boxes throughout the summer to check for U.S.age.
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Kirwan hosts Fun Fest
Hidden treasure at Mosquito By Waylon Reigle, Mosquito Creek Lake
By Julie Stone, Michael J. Kirwan Dam Michael J. Kirwan Dam’s new signature event, Summer Fun Fest, held June 13, at the West Branch State Park Main Swim Beach, was a success in spite of threatening weather and high humidity. Participants had the opportunity to crawl into an Army tactical vehicle, tie knots, spin the Wheel of Water Safety, go kayaking and canoeing. Coastie the Safety Boat and Bobber
the Water Safety Dog were on hand for the fun as well. After completing all of the activities, the children were given a free pontoon ride on the lake. Contributors included the Ohio National Guard, Ohio Division of Watercraft, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ravenna Marine and West Branch State Park. summer rangers, Shenango’s Chuck Wiley, Tionesta’s Jason Turba and Berlin’s Danny Braham provided much needed assistance for the event.
Mosquito Creek Lake would like to announce Geocaching as the newest addition to the recreational activities around the lake. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game using GPS-enabled devices like a smart phone. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find a geocache, or container, hidden at the location. Summer Ranger Jennifer Libbey identified locations, developed a brochure, plotted coordinates and publicized the activity by distributing flyers throughout the area. The self-guided adventure begins at the 305 boat launch trail head, so come out and enjoy the fun. Pick up a brochure and let the adventure begin.
Blairsville honors local veterans By Mark Keppler, Conemaugh Dam
After the original memorial had fallen into disrepair in the 1980s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leased another location to Blairsville Borough for a new memorial. The new site was selected, constructed and completed by private and corporate supporters and financial grants. Listed on a black marble background, the memorial holds the names of 87 service members whose service spanned from World War I until present.
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Veterans, active service members, friends, community members, and supporters attended a dedication ceremony to honor those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country’s freedom. Special speakers included retired major general and current County Commissioner, Rodney D. Ruddock, State Senator Don White Representative of the 41 District, and the 62 District’s Majority Leader Dave Reed. Resource Manager Paul Toman and Real Estate Specialist Norrice King provided district support to complete this project.
Hunting & Fishing Days held at Stonewall By Scott Hannah, Stonewall Jackson Lake
The West Virginia National Hunting and Fishing Days celebration was held at Stonewall Resort State Park, Sept. 26 and 27. Nearly 5,000 participants from throughout the region attended varioU.S. programs and handled the latest gadgets for today’s hunter and angler. More than 920 children, ages six to 18, accepted this year’s Youth Challenge. During the challenge, children were required to complete several tasks to become eligible for a prize giveaway at the end of the day. Some of the tasks on the challenge checklist were casting a fishing line, identifying fish, cleaning a fish, trapping, archery, and gun safety. Another requirement during the Youth Challenge was to attend a water safety program sponsored and ran by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Stonewall Jackson Lake and Huntington District’s Burnsville Lake have partnered in this event for
past 17 years. Stonewall Jackson’s Resource Manager, Jeff Toler, Rangers Scott Hannah and Trisha Higgins, Burnsville Ranger Ben Coulter, and Corps Volunteers Sinney Nethken and Peggy Dawson participated in the event. The Stonewall team provided water safety programs, staffed the informa-
tion booth, and entertained the children with Bobber the Water Safety Dog on both days of the event. This year marks the 25 year that the Stonewall team has participated in this event, and they plan to continue providing the water safety message with the West Virginia Hunting and Fishing Days Event at Stonewall Jackson.
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Stonewall Jackson rangers attend JAKES Day event By Scott Hannah, Stonewall Jackson Lake Members of the Stonewall Jackson Lake staff attended the Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics, and Sportsmanship or JAKES event in Buckhannon, West Virginia, Aug. 22. One hundred and forty-one junior members, aged 5-17 years old from the Stonewall Jackson Woodland Tracks Chapter of the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, and Scott Hannah and Trisha Higgins, both Stonewall rangers, attended the all-day festivities. Children were given an opportunity to meet some of the mascots at the opening ceremony. On hand were French Creek Freddie, the West Virginia’s groundhog that watches for his shadow every early spring; Smokey the Bear, the national fire prevention bear; Eddie Eagle, the state mascot for gun safety; and Bobber the Water Safety Dog, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers national water safety mascot. After the ceremony, the children
attended sessions at each station ranging from fishing, fish identification, wildlife identification, turkey hunting, snakes, archery, air rifle target practice, skeet shooting, camping, first aid, and water safety by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rangers from Stonewall Jackson Dam. Rangers Hannah and Higgins demonstrated how to find a properly fitting life jacket, care
and maintenance of the jacket, and the four-step rescue plan of reach, throw, row, and go get help. The 30-minute sessions were interactive and the children shared many questions and stories. This is the fourth year Stonewall Jackson rangers have presented water safety programs at JAKES Day and are planning for many more.
Volunteers make Crooked Creek Lake rec area more accessible By Pam McCauley AmeriCorps, in conjunction with five local organizations, constructed Sun Shelters and handicapped accessible picnic tables at Crooked Creek’s Outflow Recreation Area throughout June. Eleven volunteers from NRG Energy worked to construct two Sun Shelters and two handicapped accessible picnic tables. Materials were donated by Terry Peters, and other contributions were received from The Lion District 14, Crooked Creek Watershed Association, Environmental Learning Center, and the Armstrong Conservation District.
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Photo caption: Inspection Team (from left to right): Frank Morone, Denise Tamulinas, Samantha Peitz, DU.S.tin Trent, Stephen Frost, Carolyn Wehner, David Buccini, Charlie Weight, Jim Kosky, Joseph Premozic, Ricky Repasky, Ben Sakmar, Phil Delo
By Carolyn Wehner, Dam Safety
lock chambers and a fixed crest dam. Construction of the facility was completed in 1907, making it one of the oldest locks and dams in the country. From 1977 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh Disto 1980, a major rehabilitation was conducted to ensure trict’s engineering and project personnel conducted the the performance of the project. This specific work inninth periodic inspection on Locks and Dam 3 on the cluded the re-facing of the lock walls and extending the Monongahela River at Elizabeth, July 22-23. The inspection is a part of the district’s Dam Safety Program. river wall. Emergency repairs were made to the dam in Periodic Inspections of flood control and navigation 2006 and 2008 to protect the structure from scour. Locks and Dam 3 on projects are regulated the Monongahela River at on a five-year basis Elizabeth is part of the Lower to ensure the funcMonongahela River Project, tionality and safety which includes the upgrade of the project. of Braddock Locks and Dam During the inand Charleroi Locks and spection, all projDam. The project also inect features were cludes the eventual removal thoroughly checked of Locks and Dam 3 which is including the two scheduled to happen during lock chambers, the 2023. lock walls, and all The Lower Monongahela operational machinRiver Project is estimated ery. This assessment to have benefits of more than included an inspection Monongahela Lock and Dam 3, Elizabeth, Pa. $220 million per year. Through by boat to observe the completion of the project, the waterways will enable upstream and downstream riverbanks, lock walls, dam, shipping bulk materials via barge as opposed to shipand abutment. ping by rail or truck. Benefits also include less mainLocks and Dam 3 is one of nine navigation structures on the Monongahela River. The project maintains tenance on older facilities. Roadways will also benefit by being protected from excessive traffic, which will a nine-foot navigation channel extending 23.8 miles reduce the wear on the roadways, as well as lowering upstream to Charleroi Locks and Dam. vehicle emissions. The Elizabeth Lock and Dam is composed of two
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Thank-a-Vet Dam ride raises money for charity Bikers visit Kinzua, lend a helping hand By Shawn Castro, Kinzua Dam The 7th annual Thank-a-Vet Dam Run was held at Kinzua dam and featured motorcycle riders from around the region. Kinzua Dam opened its gates to more than 160 riders to cross the dam as a salute to Western Pennsylvania’s veteran. Each year, the event raises money which is donated to the Warren County Council of Veterans. This year, Pittsburgh District’s Shawn Castro presented Ed Burris, from the Warren County Council of Veterans, a check from the Hometown Hero’s Fund for more than $5,470. To date the run has raised more than $35,000. Funds go to the council’s veteran’s emergency fund which helps local veteran in need.
What is that? Insect digs living in grass By Grover Pegg, Mahoning Creek Lake Ever wonder what critter might be digging up your park lands? Well the critter is the Mole Cricket can be found at Mahoning Creek Lake. The Mole Cricket is a grass dweller, and is quite the digger and rooter. If you ever find one of these crickets, consider yourself lucky, because they spend most of their lives extensive underground tunnels. Being nocturnal, they are most often heard before they are seen. They sound much like that of a frog with a repeated chirping. The cricket is found in wet soils along streams and rivers, and gets its name from its mole-like shaped head and shieldlike dorsal part of the upper thorax. This upper thorax is thought to aid in digging. They are adept flyers and are omnivores that eat grubs, roots, other invertebrates and grass. Mole Crickets can be found continent on every continent except Antarctica. Photo by Anna Donato
For more information about the Pittsburgh Distict, visit: www.lrp.usace.army.mil 12
Lock worker rides for MS By Matt Ehrin, Braddock Lock and Dam
Matt Ehrin (right) is an Equipment Mechanic at Braddock Lock and Dam
The Multiple Sclerosis a 150mile, two-day bike ride that starts at Moraine State Park and ends at Lake Erie in Conneaut Ohio. The purpose of the ride is to raise money for MS research and other services supported by the Western Pennsylvania National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Matt Ehrin, Braddock Locks and Dams equipment mechanic, Ehrin and his team started biking in the ride in 2009 with five members. This year, the team grew to 17 with friends and family primarily from around the North boroughs area. During the past seven years, our team has been in the top 5 friends and family teams for fundraising, and has raised a slightly less than $200,000.
Did you know? Pennsylvania top mushroom state in By Mark Keppler, Conemaugh Lake September is National Mushroom Month. Pennsylvania is the top mushroom producing state in the U.S., and nearly half of the mushrooms produced here come from Kennett Square in Chester County Pa. While an excessive amount of rain tends to dampen most human’s spirits, mushrooms thrive in it. In fact, mushrooms grow best in areas with high humidity and moist soil, which is why there are so many mushrooms sprouting up at Conemaugh River Lake. Mushrooms are an important part of the life cycle because they recycle dead and decaying plants, and return the nutrients back into the soil to help other plants grow. Before synthetic dyes were invented, mushrooms were used to create colorful dyes for wool and other natural fibers. Some mushrooms even grow in the dark. A number of poisonous mushrooms look like common edible species. Only an expert should determine whether a mushroom is edible. It’s not worth putting yourself at risk by eating questionable mushrooms you find outdoors. Mushrooms can absorb toxins and chemicals from the soil, so never assume they’re harmless.
District Lock workers go green, reduce costs, improve health Lock Operator, Deanna Porter, demonstrated a new, low-cost and lowmaintenance alternative for walking the wall at New Cumberland Locks and Dam on the Ohio River, Oct. 1. The new initiative replaces some of the motorized carts used to transport personnel and equipment around the project at a cost savings of about 80 percent. As an added benefit, employees have the opportunity to improve their health and fitness. The carts are more environmental-friendly when compared to the disposal of components from the motorized versions.
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Local volunteers clean up Loyalhanna Lake By Krystal Gwynn, Loyalhanna Lake Volunteers from the Outside-In School, Saltsburg High School, and the Woodlands Boat Club came to Loyalhanna Dam for three hours to assist the staff in making some improvements to the area during National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26. Throughout the day, the 32 volunteers planted an acre of wildflowers and installed seven park benches along the playground. Other activities included planting a small food plot, fruit trees and shrubs. Volunteers also removed several bags of trash from along the shoreline. After which all took lunch by the
dam, enjoying the views. According to the Loyalhanna Dam staff, the work completed by these volunteers was a great help. They said more work was accomplished than had been originally planned, which made it highly successful. In addition to the completion of these projects, the school students learned new skills that can benefit them in the future. Some learned how to use a variety of tools including posthole diggers, while others learned how to identify different species of plants such as bay berry, butterfly weed, and lavender. Volunteers completed work worth more than $2,200.
Mosquito Lake staff spreads the word at Marina Safety Day By Eric Schreckengost, Mosquito Creek Lake Despite the gloomy weather, the Mosquito Lake staff participated in the Marina Safety Day at Mosquito State Park, June 13. Jennifer Libbey, educated children about the dangers of cold water using the game “Cold Hand Luke”. During the event, staff manned a booth and handed out water safety information. State Park Naturalist Cindy Orth provided information on wildlife visitors. The event highlight was the annual bike giveaway. This year, local businesses donated 40 childrens’ bikes and helmets, and other giveaways. A variety of local, state, and federal entities were in attendance to promote summer safety. Event coordinator, Joe Sofchek, said more than 900 people attended this year’s event.
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Tionesta Lake celebrates history during Heritage Day By Jason Bowers, Tionesta Lake Tionesta Lake held its annual Heritage Day Event Aug. 16. Event visitors experienced a wide variety of displays, hands on activities and demonstrations by Tionesta Lake staff and local volunteers.(Above) Activities included fire making, candle making, blacksmithing (right), Civil War displays, arts and crafts and much more. More than 600 people attended the event.
National Bass Masters names Stonewall one of nations best lakes By Jeff Toler, Stonewall Jackson Lake Recently, the National Bass Masters released its top 100 fishing lakes in the U.S. and Stonewall ranked 82 on the list. It’s an accomplishment for the 2,650-acre, Corps of Engineers’ lake nestled in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of north central West Virginia, to rank among the nation’s very best fishing lakes. From its inception in the 1980s, Stonewall and has been a catch-and-release lake for the mighty bass during that time. Until last year when the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources relaxed regulations and allowed some of the bass caught to be kept by anglers. Because Stonewall is a relatively newer lake, the nutrients from its first impoundment enabled the fish to thrive. This gave the DNR an opportunity to allow the bass to grow and create a healthy population. However, as the lake aged, it slowed and stabilized. It was determined last year that the time was right to relax the catch-and-release rules. To assure the new regulation is working as intended, the DNR will continue to monitor the bass populations by using
a tagging program, and conducting surveys with the anglers catching the fish. Stonewall is providing, and will continue to provide anglers some great fishing opportunities. When you head out on Stonewall Jackson Lake for a day of serious bass fishing, just remember you are fishing one of the top 100 lakes in the country.
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Shenango Dam hosted a free open hoU.S.e, Saturday, Sept. 26 between to commemorate the dam’s 50 years of service. The U.S.ACE sheld guided tours across the dam’s service bridge and answered questions about this multi-purpose facility. Construction photos and videos were also available detailing the history and benefits of the dam. Shenango Dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1960’s and completed in 1965. It was constructed primarily for flood damage reduction in the Shenango River Valley as well as for the Beaver and upper Ohio Rivers.