ROARING CREEK VALLEY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

Minutes of August 21, 2008 Monthly Meeting

The meeting was held at Tom Spock’s residence located at 32B Wagner Bridge Road, Catawissa.

President Bob Rush called the meeting to order.

No minutes were available from the July 2008 meeting.

Wayne Petro gave the Treasurer’s report. The report was accepted as read.

Old Business:  Cathy Haffner noted that the Coldwater Conservation Plan needs to be developed, specifically to develop a plan for projects such as education or workshops. Projects can involve areas of concern in the watershed such as high nutrient levels, sedimentation and stream-bank erosion.  While these concerns are largely isolated cases, they are conditions as observed in the field and may warrant follow-up assessments.

Agricultural businesses such as hog, turkey or chicken farms require a nutrient management plan. However, regulatory oversight is often limited.  The Association would need permission from the owner to monitor streams that could be affected by such businesses.  It was noted that watershed groups are not always viewed as a partner by these ventures and sometimes the relationship is adversarial. The need to establish baseline data was also noted.

Well-water testing may also be an Association project. This type of program is often well received as it provides a service.

Signage along state highways was discussed.  Definitive plans for signs have not been finalized.

New Business:  Bob Rush read a note from members Joe and Winnie McNelis. They are currently residing in Lititz, PA.

A motion was made by Mary Beaver, seconded by Mark Deibler to purchase a 1/3 page advertisement for $25 in the Trout Unlimited Banquet program.

PA Cleanways will be conducting cleanup at 2 locations in Columbia County and at three places in Northumberland County.  It was observed that tire cleanups are expensive, amounting to about $3 per tire.

The recently construction of windmills along the ridge beginning near Centralia was noted.

The Association will sponsor logbooks at both ends of the trail in the [state forest] Roaring Creek watershed. Dan Brassington has offered to build the two boxes.  A motion by Kristen Vitkaukas and a second by Mary Beaver were forthcoming to cover the cost of any materials needed for this project.

A motion to purchase postage stamps was made by Mark Deibler and seconded by Kristen Vitkauskas.

Bob Rush is redesigning the Association website and will be looking for suggestions after he has the new one online.

Good of the Order: Bob Rush and the Association extends thanks toTom Spock for hosting the August meeting at his residence.

Motion to adjourn was made by Mary Kirk, seconded by Wayne Petro.

Wayne Kashner

Secretary