A Year of Trail Work

Much has happened with the Conservancy since our last newsletter, here are the highlights.

Paul Sauers is the new president of the Conservancy, he is joined by returning officers; vice president Steve Mentzer, treasurer Charlie Brethauer, and secretary Chris Schuster. Joining the Board of Directors; Adam Appleberry, Ed Engler and Devin Misour. A sincere thank you to our retiring board members Brian Vernon, Kathleen Ganster and David 'Thatch' Fockler

Rachel Carson Trail
Approximately one mile of the trail has been permanently protected by the purchase of the previous Miller properties by the Pa Game Commission. This was accomplished through a partnership with the Allegheny Land Trust to preserve over 290 acres open space from development. The Game Commission has opened the land as Game Lands #203. Additionally, Indiana Township has purchased almost 60 acres adjacent to Emmerling park permanently protecting an additional quarter mile of the trail. Through our ongoing efforts and with the help of partner organizations we are securing the future of the RCT.
The trail has been rerouted on the Henry property near Rich Hill, moving off of the open pipeline corridor and into the adjacent woods. The hill climb is as high as it's always been, but it's much more pleasant now. Thanks to Elizabeth and Jim for their cooperation with the project and for their ongoing support.
A severe storm on April 29 did by far the most damage to the trail in memory. We had to clear approximately 200 downed trees to get the trail back open. Thanks to our Trail Stewards and Trail Crew under the leadership of sawyers Ben Brucker and Tim Diely we were able to clear the trail and get it fully reopened within a month. All while completing the Rich Hill reroute as mentioned above and another smaller reroute. A job well done folks.

Harmony Trail
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Baker Trail
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Events
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Other
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