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Conservation District discusses gas boom |
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Tuesday, 29 July 2008 |
 The Elk County Conservation District met last night and discussed the gas boom, and other dominant issues. By Heather Tressler
District Manager Bob Dippold informed the board of the Elk County Conservation District at last night's regular meeting that there will be two signs placed on State Route 219 and 166 notifying travelers they are entering and leaving the Elk County Watershed.
The money will be pulled out of the clean water fund in the amount of $350.
Dippold reported that Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's Elk Viewing Area project has got their proper permits in place, and they are ready to start.
Dippold said that he recently went to gypsy moth training.
Gypsy moths are not a prominent problem locally, yet.
"There aren't any problems in Elk County," Dippold said. "There is no spraying taking place, and they are not a problem yet, but it is coming."
Watershed Specialist Kim Lanich gave her annual report.
Lanich reported that the Sinnemahoning Stakeholders Committee grant applications have been approved, and will be out for public access soon. Applications are due by December 30.
"A lot of projects on the list are eligible," Lanich said.
The book that Lanich and Mark Lang, summer intern, have been collaboratively working together will not be ready for the beginning of the school year, but should be finished by Spring, Lanich commented. Lanich hopes to reserve the book for educational purposes, and had no intentions of releasing it to the public for sale.
West Nile Coordinator Dave Stubber gave an update on the status of mosquitos in Elk County.
Stubber said that there has been 15 counties that have reported positive, the closest being Warren. Stubber said there has been four counts of dead birds, but none that were able to be further tested. Stubber said that he hasn't been catching mosquitos due to the rainy weather at night, but with August and September around the corner, he said that there will be a noticeable increase in catching.
Under old business, the board approved to send an application to waive the fees for the PACD/NACD dues.
The board also approved for September 21 to be proclaimed as Elk County Conservation District Day.
John Green, Department of Environmental Protection Field Representative, gave a brief report.
Green said that on the deadline for the State Conservation Commission is July 30, but any farmers that have applied and post marked by July 30 will be accepted. Green also reported that the new roads related to the gas drilling boom has created and impacted existing roads, and the traffic on rural roads has become more prominent. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 July 2008 )
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