MONEYSAVER SMETHPORT, EAST SMETHPORT, CROSBY, GIFFORD, CYCLONE, HAZEL HURST, MT. JEWETT, PORT A, ELDRED, TURTLEPOINT
SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
CAR. TR. MKTG MAIL US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 244 BRADFORD, PA Occupant Rural-Star Route P.O. Box Holder
NEWS
By FRAN DE LANCEY
Farm Bureau meets, hears about destructive black bears
SMETHPORT — Concerned about the devastation the area’s growing black bear population is having on agriculture, the McKean-Potter Farm Bureau approved a policy recommendation that is a step in solving this problem. One of six policy resolutions the members OK’d Sept. 23 at the group’s annual meeting, and which will be forwarded to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for consideration for adoption at that organization’s annual meeting, states: “We recommend black bear season be open concurrently with all large game seasons in Pennsylvania.” Earlier in the meeting, one of the evening’s two speakers, Jim Detrick, a Kane dairy farmer, spoke about crop and property damage caused by bears on his land. Last year, this destruction was featured on “Erie News Now,” hosted by John Lass of WICU-WSEE TV who visited the McKean County farm. “Something other than what is being done now is needed,” Detrick said. “Mother Nature and automobiles will not solve the problem. “Approximately ten percent of what the farmer grows is consumed by animals. With corn prices now under $4.00 a bushel and the cost of $500 to plant an acre, that’s a big hit for the small farmer,” Detrick
Photo by Fran De Lancey Jim Detrick, left, and Emma Barr, the 2020-21 McKean County Fair Queen, spoke Wednesday evening at the annual meeting of the McKean-Potter Farm Bureau at the Smethport Fire Hall. They are shown with McKean-Potter Farm Bureau President Dan Shetler, and Brendan Reed, Region 7 Organization Director for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
remarked. He pointed to several causes of the bear damage on agriculture. “Unlike past generations when hunting was popular and many families depended heavily on game for meals, today’s generation is not as interested in the sport.” Detrick cited recent statistics that showed of 200 bears killed last year, only three were killed by hunters under 16 years of age. Adding to the problem are the many hunters who kill one bear don’t want to to kill another in the future. Detrick also noted that bears
are responsible for reducing the area’s deer herd. Members also recommended that the Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act (old Specter-Casey bill) be re-introduced and enacted by Congress. Years ago, this bill, of which a major part was written by dairy farmers, was in committee but never made it to the Senate floor for a final vote. The legislation included a pricing formula based on costs of production, farmers wages and provisions to prevent overproduction. The other policy resolutions
were recommendations: *allowing the states honoring Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Farm Tags (reciprocity agreements with other states) to come into play to varying mileage requirements; *supporting all police agencies in the state of Pennsylvania and opposing any cutting or suspending of funds; *applying the language governing distance and destination of Type A Exemptions PVC1302 to MAVS; and *supporting more local meat processing under Pennsylvania
inspections rather than U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections. Emma Barr, the 2020-21 McKean County Fair Queen, also spoke briefly. Referring to one of her goals in the next year, she said, “I want to teach our generation about the importance of agriculture in a fun and exciting way, while stressing the jobs it provides.” Dave Peterson reported on membership. The group met its membership goal last year. “This year, we’re off to a great start, signing up more than two percent new members, and our renewals are coming in.” The 2021 goal for total membership is 121, with 115 regular memberships. Gary Isadore and Richard Kallenborn were re-appointed to three-year terms as directors. Other directors are President Dan Shetler, Vice-President Tom Edgreen, Secretary Doris Edgreen, Treasurer Melody Shetler, Andy Barr, Mike Mangan, Peterson and David Stratton. Brendan Reed, Region 7 Organization director for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, spoke about a proposed increase in annual dues at the state level. “Budgetary constraints such as group health insurance would make this the first increase in 35 years,” he said.
‘Vibrant’ foliage expected, but may be ‘muted’ in dry areas By RUTH BOGDAN The autumnal equinox arrived this past week, and with the start of fall Pennsylvanians start to look to the trees for the approaching show of colorful foliage. The 2020 foliage should be “vibrant,” but “muted” in drier areas of the state, according to Cecile M. Stelter, district forester at Cornplanter State Forest District in Warren. “There are areas that have been designated as being in drought conditions in Pennsylvania, and some of those areas are in North Central (Pennsylvania) extending to the east, in some areas drier than normal conditions,” she explained. In those drier areas, “The colors may be more muted this year.” However, she noted, “That’s not a statewide or even a region-wide declaration.” As of earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection moved Potter County to drought warning status and had local counties of Cameron, Elk and McKean on drought watch. Rain was forecast for this week. Stelter said people will still “see some
vibrant colors” this year, but what they see will depend on where leaf-viewers are and what species of trees they see. With so many different types of native tree species, it “gives us a really wonderful palette of colors,” said Stelter. For instance, a red maple tree and a black gum tree will create two different shades of red in the fall, she said. That range of species that changes at different times and provides different colorations “really adds to the beauty of Pennsylvania’s fall foliage.” According to Stelter, we’re starting to get into the fall weather, with warm — but not hot — days and cooler nights that start the process of the leaves changing. People may already notice red maples and sugar maples starting to turn, which are two species that tend to change earlier in the season. “As far as peaks, that depends on what the species are,” she said. She explained that in McKean County and parts of Potter County, where maples are common, people can expect peak viewing to be around Oct. 10. Meanwhile, in areas with heavier oak popu-
Photo by Brenda Mongillo Leaves have started to change in the area, ushering in autumn this past week.
lations, the peak will be closer to Oct. 18-24. Oak tree, known for a “burnt orange, rusty color,” is usually one of the last trees to turn, according to Stelter. As far as what people should know when they are visiting Pennsylvania’s state park facil-
ities, there is a mask requirement in place. Stelter recommends either the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website or contacting the parks directly for more information, especially for anyone who is planning to attend a
program. While the parks and forests are all open, Stelter added that “we’re lucky” in this area because residents don’t have to travel to a designated area or park to view fall foliage. People can take a drive down back roads to
look at the leaves, then stop at farmers markets or pumpkin stands along the way. “The fall foliage drive is a wonderful way to get out and enjoy the fall season,” and it’s easy to maintain social distancing by traveling with a family unit or close social unit. “Of course, proper planning is important, especially if you’re going outside your home area,” she noted. Stelter explained that public facilities at places such as local and state parks and state forests have had to adapt due to COVID-19 risks, and there may be specific guidelines. Also, there are areas here that do not have conveniences such as cell phone coverage, so she suggested that people make sure to have their gas tank filled up and to pack snacks. She encouraged all those who have felt cooped up this year to take a little road trip to Pennsylvania to see the leaves this autumn. “In Pennsylvania, we have the green, lush foliage of Penn’s Woods,” she said. “We’re treated to nature’s paintbrush in the fall. Nature is creating its own painting with all the different colors.”