The meeting also was attended by Amanda Deal of the Somerset Conservation District and Heidi Niebauer of the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative.

Piper/Hutchinson motioned to approve the January meeting minutes, with the addition of the Growing Greener update provided by Jeff Fliss*.  All in favor.  Motion carries. 

* Jeff Fliss said the Growing Greener training scheduled for February 21 has been rescheduled to March 11, 2008 from 10:00 AM until noon for this round's grantees and 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM for a session on the upcoming round for new applicants.  The training will still be at Donohoe Center in Greensburg.

Reckner shared SCRIP’s mail: the Loyalhanna Watershed Association newsletter and a notice of the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards.

There was no treasurer’s report.

Hutchinson said the Shade Creek Watershed Association continues to collect pH and alkalinity data for all future limestone dosing sites in the watershed and are just waiting for a permit to begin dosing.  Work at the Reitz #1 site is on hold till the weather breaks. 

Reckner said a Stream Team volunteer, Ron Morris, reported that on February 8, 2008, Shade Creek near the village of Seanor was nearly black in color at 4:00 p.m.  Morris was able to collect a water sample, though by 4:30 p.m. the water appeared more greenish-brown.  A neighbor told him it was even blacker at 3:00 p.m. and that he has seen Shade Creek turn this color at least twice a year, though it has been happening more frequently in recent years.  Piper suggested it could be sludge from a flushed water tank, though it shouldn’t be dumped in Shade.  Reckner will share the lab analysis when it becomes available.

Piper said there is a Watershed Plan advisory meeting on March 12th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in the Richland Township Building conference room.  A copy of the draft plan will be available at the meeting. 

Deal said she expects to have the Stonycreek Reassessment final report finished by the end of March.  She passed around copies of the technical report. 

Lichvar said Dan Siebert of the NRCS ran analyses of all the Oven Run systems, except B, which is operated by the DEP, and concluded that all are working remarkably well.  They are raising pH and adding significant alkalinity.  Lichvar noted that site D is 13 years old and still going strong.

Ritchey asked if there were plans to enhance Roaring Run, a tributary to Quemahoning Creek.  Lichvar said because of the Que’s location, there are no plans to treat it, though an alkaline addition is possible.  Ritchey suggested exploring the possibility of using an ALD.

Reckner passed around a copy of the new Paint Creek fact sheet that Stream Team AmeriCorps, Amanda Love, completed.  The final version will be sent to the Somerset Conservation District for printing.

Lichvar said the Cambria Somerset Authority would remain on the agenda even though we only get sporadic reports.  Piper is to attend a Fish and Boat Commission Adopt-a-Lake meeting for CSA’s lakes. 

Niebauer said she’s waiting for approval to do a community heirloom garden in Benson and continues to work on other projects.

Ritchey said Kathy Penrod of the National Park Service is getting some response from Department of Interior about the discharges along the Staple Bend trail, but he doesn’t know details yet. 

Hutchinson asked if the Loyalhanna Watershed Association ever put micro turbines on some of their large discharges.  Lichvar recommended Hutchinson talk to Drew Banas.

Lichvar said Bill Burgos of Penn State University just completed a report funded by DEP titled “Improving Passive Mine Drainage Treatment through better Understanding of Biogeochemistry and Mineralogy Associated with low-pH Fe(II) Oxidation” and passed around a  few copies of the introduction.  Lichvar has the report digitally so he can email it to anyone interested.  Lichvar invited Burgos to a future SCRIP meeting.

Reckner said the deadline for the next SCRIP newsletter is March 1st and that articles should be emailed to Lisa Rountree (rtree99@yahoo.com).

Regarding the Paint Creek fact sheet, Piper asked that the photo caption be placed under photo and not be in yellow text within the photo.  Sewak suggested adding more graphics on all the SCRIP fact sheets and a mini-map.  Lichvar said space prevents adding more images.

Lichvar said we have the following fact sheets on hand:
 155 Stonycreek River
 490 Oven Run
 430 Quemahoning Creek
   57 Wells Creek
   70 Dark Shade 
     5 Little Conemaugh

There was discussion about placing these fact sheets on a CD and handing them out as a resource to targeted audiences.  Niebauer suggested placing them on the website.
Reckner/Hutchinson motioned for Lichvar to print the fact sheets needed in the quantities needed within reasonable cost so SCRIP would have them to share at spring events.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

Lichvar said SCRIP would have a booth at Wildlife Day on March 15, 2008 at the Westmont Arts Center.

Ritchey said he would be attending a workshop about water on April 25 & 26, 2008 at Shaver’s Creek.

Lichvar said he received a phone call informing him that Ron Donlan was featured in the first issue of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s new feature, Get Outdoors.  Donlan was ice fishing.

Lichvar praised Gorden’s outdoor section of the February 10, 2008 Tribune-Democrat, which featured stories on Trout in the Classroom and the Susquehanna River.

Reckner said both Trout in the Classroom projects were going well and that the Stream Team would be conducting some activities with Berlin-Brothersvalley students next week.  A discussion about implementing TIC in other schools followed.  Schools’ commitment and funding remain issues.

Reckner said the Stream Team’s winter sampling round was recently completed and that data is available by contacting the Stream Team at 814.532.5049. 

SCRIP will have an exhibit at Outdoor Heritage, the education event for students on April 24 & 25, 2008 at Summer’s Best Two Weeks at the Que.  Reckner said 487 students were registered for Friday, so the cap of 500 has nearly been reached, but that about 100 students could still register for Thursday.   Reckner said local representatives are supporting a House Resolution declaring April Outdoor Heritage Month in the Alleghenies.  The Outdoor Heritage kick-off ceremony will be April 4th at Summer’s Best Two Weeks and will likely begin at 10:00 a.m.  Lichvar will present SCRIP’s crystal fish award to Representative Bob Bastian.  Reckner said the Stream Team, Natural Biodiversity, and the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative applied for speakers from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council.  Walter Greason, a professor at Ursinus College will speak about Community, Sprawl, and Taxes on April 14th at 7:00 p.m. at Penn Highlands Community College.  Ritchey said if we needed additional speakers, Bill Elmendorff (?) of Penn State would likely help.  Sewak added that they are working to secure a Governor’s proclamation declaring April Outdoor Heritage Month.  They are also working with Dave Hurst to efficiently promote Outdoor Heritage within the media.  Sewak would like WJAC-TV to do a feature story on a partner organization once or twice a week.  Possible stories include Oven Run and Disaster’s Edge. 

Sewak said Natural Biodiversity did receive its FY 2008 earmark from Congress.  Sewak is working with YWCA and Lichtenfield Nursery to establish a green roof in Johnstown.

Sewak said Ed Burgess requested SCRIP be at the Jackson Township Heritage Festival on July 19 & 20 at Veteran’s Park in Vinco. 

The next Que Classic Fishing Tournament meeting is Thursday, February 21st at 6:30 p.m. at Big Dogz.  All are welcomed to attend.  The Que Classic will be June 28, 2008 and we need help selling sponsorships. 

 Piper asked that SCRIP members request townships support and implement storm water ordinances.  Piper said there’s been little support from Somerset County townships.

 Lichvar shared an excellent news article written by Don Hopey about the Abandoned Mine Lands fund that appeared in the February 10th Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. (The article may be found at http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08041/856377-85.stm)  Piper asked if anyone locally is on the DEP focus groups for the AML fund, and it was believed Dave Steele was.  Consensus was to request someone from BAMR to attend a SCRIP meeting to discuss concerns about the AML fund.  SCRIP feels the public’s input and perceptions regarding use and distribution of AML funds are being ignored.  SCRIP will continue to monitor the AML situation.  It was recommended as a story for the Tribune-Democrat to investigate. 

 Ritchey said the state water plan draft will be published in September and that it broadly addresses the Ohio River Basin abandoned mine drainage problem.  Ritchey feels little attention will be paid to this plan.  He is not pleased that it does not address the quantity and quality of mine pools.  The final plan should be complete in early 2009. 

 Next meeting dates & locations:
  March 14th at Disaster’s Edge, St. Michael
April 18th at Disaster’s Edge, St. Michael
May 9th at the Sewaks’ home in Ogletown. 

Adjourn 10:49 a.m.

Minutes by Reckner.

The meeting also was attended by Gary Smith of the PA Fish and Boat Commission, Amanda Deal of the Somerset Conservation District, and Heidi Niebauer of the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative.

Gorden / Piper made a motion to approve the February meeting minutes as submitted.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

Korns reported that SCRIP has a balance of $4,942.00 and will have a more detailed report of transactions for the next meeting.  Deason / Sewak made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report.  All in favor.  Motion carries. 

Reckner said the Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association was not awarded their Growing Greener grant to construct an ALD system to treat the Weaver Run discharge.

Piper said the Cambria County Conservation District held their storm water planning meeting on Wednesday.  He asks if you have any influence with any municipalities; encourage them to look at the proposed ordinances.  The District requests feedback by April 10th, as the last watershed planning advisory meeting will be in late April.  Lichvar said the Somerset Conservation District called many Somerset County municipalities, but response was poor.

Lichvar said they had a meeting about Lambert’s Run and the trust fund to provide operation and maintenance, however, nothing was resolved.  Landowners seem like they want to form a small watershed group to take care of Lambert’s Run in their backyards.  

Deal said a draft of the Stonycreek Reassessment report is finished, and she will soon have the final report done.

Korns said the Wells Creek Watershed Association will not receive a Growing Greener grant from the county for their 3-year assessment of the watershed, because it is not a construction project.

Niebauer is working on the Kiski-Conemaugh River Sojourn, which will be June 5-8, 2008.  She said the White Water Park dedication will be on the first day of the sojourn.  Also, a cleanup along the Jim Mayer trail is scheduled for May 17th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Niebauer said the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative will host a Pennsylvania Humanities Council Commonwealth Speaker on April 29th from 7:00 pm till 8:30 pm at the Hollsopple Community Building.  The presentation is about heirloom gardens.  SQI hopes to construct an heirloom garden at Greenhouse Park this summer.

Piper said they (Cambria County) “got grants.”  The Cambria County Conservation District received funds to treat discharges impacting Trout Run and the South Fork of the Little Conemaugh River.  The Dunlo Rod & Gun Club received funds to treat discharges impacting the South Fork of the Little Conemaugh River above Beaverdale.  Piper feels the Eastern Brook Trout Venture played a role in securing funds to treat the South Fork.  

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts received Growing Greener funds, which is great, since they provide a lot of technical support and engineering for AMD projects.

Piper said he will be speaking with the DEP Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation about restoring water quality of the Little Conemaugh River.

Ritchey said the Saltlick Project has $300,000 available for construction, which should begin this April.

Piper said lime dosing in the Beaverdam Reservoir will soon be finished.  The Reservoir will likely receive one more dose this spring.

Lichvar said he and others had a meeting with DEP Secretary Katie McGinty yesterday and talked about windmills, sewage treatment, AMD, etc.  McGinty said much the AML data in  Don Hopey’s article that appeared in the February 10, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08041/856377-85.stm) was false, though, through questioning, she confirmed many of Hopey’s facts.  She said much of the 30% funds will be used for operation and maintenance and that new AMD passive treatment is not their top priority.  She said her administration is not offering the same financial support for more on the ground projects to watershed groups as prior administrations, because they feel that many watershed associations are not staffed enough to carry out projects.  Lichvar stated he wants to see started projects finished before the Commonwealth moves on to new projects.  McGinty said the projects such as the one on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River will be taken care of through the capital budget and would not be drawn from the AML Fund.  Steele was to a focus group meeting and said Scott Roberts matter-of-factly said they have not made up their mind as to how they’ll use AML funds.  

Piper attended the Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting yesterday.  While $6.1 million was set aside to build the Barnes and Tucker treatment plant, BAMR is instead going to use the money for capital projects.  The State needs more water in the Susquehanna River Basin because of the consumptive use of water for agriculture; however, Ritchey has concerns about dewatering the Little Conemaugh and Blacklick Creek Watersheds, because their flow dilutes AMD.  

Steele said we need to put together an inventory of treatment systems in our counties and project costs, so when AML money comes available, we can logically show what we need.  Steele recommends separating replacement costs from operation and maintenance, which are regular costs.

Piper asked if we should form a work committee to make recommendations to the full board on how SCRIP should approach the AML fund situation.  It was decided the technical committee would take care of it.  Steele, Ritchey, Lichvar, and Piper will help Deason and Sewak, who created SCRIP’s AML position paper.  The goals are to create an action plan, educate businesses and get these businesses on board, and make recommendations to DEP.  

Ritchey thinks the City of Johnstown needs to acknowledge that the quality of the rivers running through Johnstown is a detriment to the overall health of the region. 

 Reckner said the SCRIP newsletter is ready, but they need printed.  Piper said the Cambria County Conservation District could print them.  The deadline for the next newsletter is June 1.

 Lichvar thanked Gorden for working with the U.S. Postal Service to keep SCRIP’s mail box open. 

 Lichvar said he had many of SCRIP’s fact sheets printed for upcoming events, including Wildlife Day at the Westmont Arts Center.  Deal took some old fact sheets and converted them to the new format. Some of the verbiage needs revised, but that should be easy to do since they are in a digital format now.  Fact sheets were also placed on CDs and will be shared with teachers and partners.  

Piper said the Cambria County Conservation District got a grant to do a renewable energy workshop from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on May 16-17, 2008 at Disaster’s Edge.  Teachers can earn Act 48 credits.  The cost is $20.00 per person and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.  For more information, call Jackie at 814-472-2120.  

Piper said the Allegheny Society of American Foresters conference will be in July at UPJ.  The focus is on land use/management issues as they relate to renewable energy and wind farms.  Piper thinks the general public may be able to attend.  He will keep us posted.

Reckner reported that SCRIP’s crystal fish award for Representative Bob Bastian will cost $250, though the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team and Natural Biodiversity are willing to split the cost.  Piper / Ritchey made a motion to share the cost of the award, which makes SCRIP’s share $83.33.  All in favor.  Motion carries.

Reckner said the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy was not awarded a Pittsburgh 250 grant to revise and distribute the River Revival publication.

Reckner said to date, 800 out of 1,000 students are registered for the Outdoor Heritage Education Event on April 24th and 25th at Summer’s Best Two Weeks.  Over 30 exhibitors will be there.  Volunteers are needed, particularly around the fishing pond.  Stream Team staff has been conducting school visits with participating schools.  On Monday, 67 representatives co-sponsored House Resolution No. 626 declaring April 2008 - Outdoor Heritage Month in the Alleghenies.  The Resolution passed unanimously.  As part of Outdoor Heritage Month, the Stream Team, Natural Biodiversity, and the Stonycreek Quemahoning Initiative will sponsor Pennsylvania Humanities Council Commonwealth Speakers.  Please see the accompanying posters for more info.  

Reckner said Natural Biodiversity received funding to complete an Early Detection, Rapid Response project in the Alleghenies, which would identify and eradicate invasive plants in sensitive headwater areas.  A volunteer training will be held in late May.  Stay tuned for more information.

Lichvar said Que Classic sponsorship forms available.   Piper reminded that this is SCRIP’s only fundraiser of the year and should be promoted as such.  Piper asked that the Cambria Somerset Authority be listed on the application.  Sewak suggested buying a spinning rod from the gentleman from Bakersville who donated a rod at the 2007 event.  The next Que Classic meeting will be April 10th at 7:00 pm at Big Dogz along Bedford Street, Johnstown.  All are invited to attend!  

Korns said the Wells Creek Watershed Association will be stocking Wells Creek on April 9th and May 19th.

Lichvar said they will be stocking Quemahoning Creek on April 11th.  Interested persons may meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Jenner Sportsmen’s Club.

Reckner said Jeff Fliss with the DEP told her that the training for recipients of Growing Greener grants will be April 2nd from 10:00 am till Noon at the Donohoe Center in Greensburg.  Those interested in applying for a Growing Greener grant this year may attend from 1:00 pm till 3:00 pm.

As April18th conflicts with the Dominion Foundation Mini-Grant awards ceremony and every other Friday is booked, the April SCRIP meeting was canceled; therefore, SCRIP will next meet on May 9th at the Sewak’s house in Ogletown.  Those interested may come prepared to fish on local streams after the meeting. The following meeting will be June 13th at the Quemahoning Public Recreation Area.

Piper said the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will have people at Gander Mountain today, tomorrow, and Sunday.  There is a boating safety class coming up at Gander Mountain too.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 am.

Minutes by Reckner.