ROARING CREEK VALLEY CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

 Minutes of July 17, 2009 Monthly Meeting

President Wayne Petro called the meeting to order at at the McWilliams Reservoir pavilion in the Roaring Creek tract of the WeiserStateForest.

Mark Deibler gave a brief presentation on the recreational opportunities in the Roaring Creek tract.  Activities include biking trails, a triatholon and the RCVCA sponsored Hellbender half marathon.  Ongoing improvements such as the new parking area and a boat launch were also noted.

The Secretary’s report was given and approved as read.

The Treasurer’s report, provided by Vickie Zackowski, showed a balance of $2632.38.

Unfinished Business:

The Association’s liability insurance is now $325 per year and provides $1,000,000 coverage.  A motion was made by Dan Brassington to approve payment, was duly seconded and the membership voted to approve payment

Ed Lease reported that the additional 501c3 paperwork is nearly ready to be submitted.

Bacteria monitoring is continuing.  Kristen Vitkauskas has been gathering the samples on a weekly basis at the confluence of the North and South branches of Roaring Creek.  J&D’s Campground provided access across their property for the project.

Volunteers are needed for the Hellbender half marathon scheduled for August 23.  144 T-shirts are needed at $6.00 each.  Dan Brassington has assumed the lead on this project and noted that sign-ups are slow at this point but anticipates more as the date draws closer.  Mark Deibler stated that normally a group that hosts an event such as this is responsible to provide payment (reimbursement) to the state for the ranger to be on duty; Mr. Deibler is waiving that requirement for the Association’s activity this year.  A motion was made by Mike Zackowski to pay for two portable bathrooms for the event.  The motion was duly seconded and the membership voted in favor of the motion. The suggestion was made to have the event advertised on WHLM radio and WNEP-TV public service announcements. Cookies, cakes and the like will be needed for the race participants.  The Hellbender committee will hold a special meeting on August 12 at 7:00 pm at Southern High School room 102 to finalize plans for race day.

Cathy Haffner reported that a mini grant from the PA Chesapeake Bay Educational Mini-Grant Program for Conservation Districts has been awarded to the Association.  This is a reimbursable grant in the amount of $1900 and will go toward the eduational tour in October as well as the boundary signage project. Motion to proceed with the grant was made by Mary Ellen Beaver, was duly seconded and the members voted in favor of the motion.

The watershed boundary signage was discussed and the members voted to use the new sign design (with the green).

The fall educational tour was discussed and will be held on October 24, 2009.

New Business:

Vickie Zackowski provided the members and guests with the opportunity to participate in activities such as biking, hiking, canoeing and skiing with like-minded individuals.  A sign up sheet was provided for interested parties to make their choices known.

A tree identification walk will be held on September 17 and will be conducted by Robert Martynowich.

Wayne Kashner

Secretary