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At the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association's Annual Meeting, held on January 29 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Montrose, an interested crowd listened to a review of the Association's activities in 2010, heard a presentation on extreme weather by local meteorologist Barbara Watson, and enjoyed refreshments.
2011 Board of Directors of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association: sitting - Cornelia Page, Gladys Bennett, Carol Korutz, Mary Jo Bayer, Anna Ruegner; standing - Kim Harwood, Carol Carpenter, Nan Baker, Laura Kail, Duane Hinds, Diane Conigliaro, Larry Newhart, Susan Stone, Bill Whittaker; not present - Toby Anderson, Steven Tourje. Rev. Walker welcomed everyone to St. Paul's. Gladys Bennett, President of the Board of Directors, opened the annual meeting with an overview of the past year. Treasurer Larry Newhart gave the financial report, saying that while the Association managed to balance the budget for 2011 - thanks to prudent management and the generosity of supporters - the cuts in hours instituted at the end of 2009 cannot yet be restored. Kim Harwood, chair of the New Library Building Fund, reported that the capital campaign has passed the $1 million mark, thanks to fundraisers like the Library Lottery and generous donations, and is in reach of the figure where national grant-giving organizations can be approached. He asked the audience's assistance in dispelling myths and misconceptions about the project. The Historical Committee report, presented by Carol Korutz, detailed the many activities of the Historical Society. Flo Whittaker, Chair of the Library Friends, encouraged new members to join this active group, which organizes and assists at events like the Author Luncheon and the Blueberry Festival. Mrs. Susan Stone, Administrator/Librarian, gave a talk about the many programs which filled 2010, complete with photos from events around the county. Diane Conigliaro, Hallstead-Great Bend representative on the Board, presented an award to Outreach assistant librarian Donna Horn for 15 years of service. Barbara Watson, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the National Weather Service in Binghamton, took the stage with a fascinating - and at times terrifying - presentation on "Weird Weather." She explored the changes we've seen in the past four decades, their relation to global climate change, and what the future may hold for our area - more storms, more precipitation, a longer growing season. She displayed graphs and photos, as well as dramatic videos of the 2010 hail storm (footage from a vehicle on Rt. 81) and of a recent flash flood in Queensland, Australia. The audience of 75 then adjourned for delicious refreshments provided by the Historical Committee. For more information about the Association or any of its programs and services, please visit www.susqcolibrary.org and www.susqcohistsoc.org, or call 570-278-1881.
Harrisburg, PA - For many Pennsylvanians, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous. On St. Patrick’s Day 2009, approximately 37 percent of the drivers and motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, according to statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Whether you are meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending your local St. Patrick’s Day celebration events, if you plan on using alcohol, never drive while impaired - and never let your friends drive if you think they are impaired. Driving impaired this St. Patrick’s Day will cost you a lot of green,” said Stephen Erni, executive director of the PA DUI Association. PennDOT statistics show that in 2010, there were 26 impaired driving related crashes and one fatality on St. Patrick’s Day itself. Out of that number, 12 of those crashes involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. The PA DUI Association recommends the following easy steps, for a safe St. Patrick’s Day. Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin. Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home. If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement by dialing 911. And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. “Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk,” said Mr. Erni. “Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant. Don’t depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Designate your sober driver before the party begins.” For more information, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org or www.drivesafe.org.
Foster Grandparents Serve Locally TOWANDA, PA - The Foster Grandparent Program provides loving and experienced tutors and mentors to children and youth with special needs at volunteer stations in Susquehanna County. Typically working one on one, Foster Grandparents provide support at Blue Ridge, Elk Lake, Montrose, Mountain View and Susquehanna School Districts, and the New Milford Head Start program.
A Foster Grandparent helps a student with school work. The Foster Grandparent Program works with volunteer stations that are public agencies, secular or faith-based private non-profit originations, or proprietary heath care organizations that provide responsibility for assignment and supervision of Foster Grandparents. Potential volunteer stations can include, however are not limited to: before/after school programs, clinics, courts, day care centers, pre-schools, human service agencies, Head Starts, Hospice, correctional programs, public/private schools, shelters and more. The Foster Grandparent Program is federally funded by the Corporation of National Community Service and the Bradford County United Way. The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging for Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga Counties. For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program and other Area Agency on Aging services please call 1-800-982-4346 or visit the Agency’s website at www.aaaseniors.org.
Help Protect Wildlife In Your Own Backyard (StatePoint) America has a long history of protecting its wildlife heritage. From the endangered bald eagle in the 1970s to the Kemps Ridley turtle threatened by the 2010 Gulf oil spill, Americans have shown a remarkable ability to rally and rescue species and the habitats they need to survive. But families needn't travel to distant locations to safeguard wildlife. There are many things you can do in your backyard to help local wildlife like birds, butterflies, squirrels and others. Spearheading conservation on both local and national levels through the decades has been the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The NWF has played major roles in reviving the country's diminishing gray wolf population, purchasing land where grizzly bears, wolves and bison can roam freely, and leading efforts to reduce global warming to protect Arctic polar bears. Like many American movements, the NWF's efforts have been successful because of the commitment of individuals to help something they love, in this case our nation's wildlife. For example, thousands of wildlife enthusiasts have created certified wildlife habitats in their own backyards. Here's what you can do in your backyard to create such a habitat: Food Sources: Planting native plants or hanging feeders for butterflies, hummingbirds and squirrels, are easy ways to make your habitat a five-star restaurant for wildlife. You can also stock feeders and incorporate plants with nuts, berries, nectar, suet, or fruits, depending on the wildlife native to your area. Water Source: Wildlife need sources of clean water for drinking, bathing and reproduction. You will need one water source in your wildlife habitat, such as a natural pond, lake, river or spring, or a human-made feature such as a bird bath, butterfly puddling area or rain garden. Cover: Wildlife need places to hide to feel safe from people, predators and weather. Native vegetation is a perfect cover for terrestrial wildlife, while structures such as birdhouses can attract specific bird species. A pond can double as a water source and home for fish and amphibians. Places to Raise Young: Creating a wildlife habitat is about creating a place for the entire life-cycle of a species, from courtship to mating to raising offspring. Many habitat features that serve as cover can double as locations where wildlife can raise their young. Sustainable Gardening: Use natural mulch which can conserve water and cut down on weeds. Reduce chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These and other environmentally-friendly practices will be more welcoming to wildlife and better for the planet. Once you've created your habitat, you can have it certified by the National Wildlife Federation at www.nwf.org/GardenForWildlife, which offers tips to create habitats that will welcome local wildlife. And in honor of the organization's 75th anniversary, NWF will plant a tree for every yard certified in 2011. So get started! There's no time to lose when protecting America's wildlife for generations to come.
Good Crowd Attends Lincoln Day Dinner State Rep. Sandra Major, principal speaker at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner of the Susquehanna County Republican Committee, stated that residents of Pennsylvania will be required to make painful sacrifices as the State pulls itself out of a large budget deficit. Both Rep. Major and Congressman Tom Marino, who also spoke, emphasized that cutting spending will be their major goals in the coming budget negotiations on both the state and national levels. The annual dinner drew a crowd of 137 to the Musa-Stiles VFW Post in Great Bend. The dinner was served by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Dinner chairperson was Carolyn Paccio, assisted by Donna Cosmello, Donna Coleman, Lori Conarton, David and Kendra Darrow. Rep. Major said that Gov. Rendell had increased the State budget from $20 billion to $28.04 billion, or an increase of 37% during his eight year term. In addition, she said, Rendell had increased state borrowing from $6.8 billion in 2002 to $11 billion in 2010. “The Commonwealth is living way beyond its means,” Major said, “and this cannot be sustained.” “Where do we go?”, said Ms. Major. “We must cut spending.” The Susq. County State Representative from the 111th District then explained that cutting spending is not as easy as it sounds. Ms. Major said that 35% of the state budget is spent on Kindergarten through 12 education, while 32% of the budget is for Public Welfare costs. “The public does not support major education cuts,” she conceded. “We need job creation and that requires us to assist business growth because Pennsylvania has become very unfriendly to business,” she said. “The choices have to be made to restore fiscal sanity,” Major said. Rep. Major also addressed the issue of natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale which has a major influence on Susquehanna County. She said the past Democrat administration wanted to impose the highest severance tax in the nation on Pennsylvania Marcellus natural gas which would seriously affect the ability of gas companies to continue their exploration and production. Rep. Major stressed that any state legislation must address local impacts of drilling on land, water supplies and roads. “We need to strike the right balance of taxes and regulation,” she said. Major concluded by stating that Governor Corbett’s budget proposal will finally move the state in the right direction. That proposal will be presented to the legislature very shortly. “It will get us on course to boost job creation,” she concluded. Congressman Tom Marino also spoke, his remarks centering on the upcoming Congressional budget battles. He promised that he had been sent to Washington to cut spending and there was nothing more important to him and to the large crowd of freshmen Congressman who were voted into office in November. He also promised that he and his campaign staffs would be easily and completely accessible to constituents. He also said he would protect social security for those who worked their whole lives based on the government’s promises. Eleanor Kurosky, a lifetime Bridgewater Twp. resident and Republican Party supporter, was awarded the 2011 Jack Masters Distinguished Service Award. Eleanor has worked for the Susq. County Planning Commission for 23 years and has been auditor of Bridgewater Twp. for 19 years.
Eleanor Kurosky (center), is the 2011 recipient of the annual Jack Masters Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner by Carol Masters (left), wife of the late Jack Masters, and by Susq. County Republican Chairman John P. Kameen. Her parents were John and Margaret Alice Bell Petersen. She has been a longtime member of the Susq. County Republican Women and has been active in Republican affairs in this County for much of her life. Her dedication to the County, the Republican Party and to the principles of Republicanism, make her a worthy recipient of this high honor. Also addressing the assembled group was Susquehanna County Tea Party organizer Edna Paskoff. Paskoff spoke of the need for continued intense pressure on all elected officials to achieve fiscal responsibility on the local county, state and national levels. She urged citizens to contact their elected officials by phone, fax, or in person whenever the officials do something either laudatory or detrimental to solving budget problems. She also urged voters to write letters to the editor in order to highlight issues affecting them on all levels. Bruce Paskoff, also of the he Susq. County Tea Party, announced that the Tea Party would be sponsoring a Candidates Forum on Saturday, April 16, at 2 p.m. at the Jackson Baptist Church. Many of the candidates have agreed to participate. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited. County Republican Chairman John P. Kameen was in charge of the program. VFW Chaplain Jim Soller offered the Invocation while State Committeeperson Dianne Burman led the pledge to the flag and the National Anthem. Susq. County’s incumbent row officers, who are up for election this year, also addressed the crowd. They were: Commissioner Atty. Michael Giangrieco, District Attorney Jason Legg, Treasurer Cathy Benedict, Register/Recorder Mary Evans, Coroner Tony Conarton, Auditors Holly Bialy and George Starzec. There were also statements by Republican candidates for Commissioner Alan Hall, Ricky Oakley and Fred Baker. The candidates for the New Milford area Magisterial District Judge, to replace Magistrate Peter Janicelli, who is retiring, also spoke as follows: Raymond Telnock, Kathy Ragard and Atty. Jodi Cordner. Special guest for the day was Atty. Anne E. Covey. She is the State endorsed candidate for the Commonwealth Court. She is a resident of New Hope, PA. She also spoke on behalf of the candidacy of Atty. Victor P. Stabile, endorsed candidate for State Superior Court. Montrose Magisterial District Judge Jeffery Hollister also spoke in the interests of his re-election. The following were awarded door prizes: Jim Ragard, Loretta Daly, Jim and Pat Cummings, Davis Haire, Bob Bartron, Sue Sickles, Fred Baker, M. Legg, Dave Darrow, Carol Masters, Evelyn Cottrell, Jason Fitzgerald, Fred Benson, Lisa Baker, Doug McLinko, Kevin Bialy, Alton Arnold, Helen Foster, Unadine Wiseman, Ken Bondurant, Kendra Darrow, Stacie Telnock, Sarah Welch, Debbie Slater, Nancy Crockett, and Richard Cottrell. State Senator Gene Yaw, State Rep. Tina Pickett and Sheriff Lance Benedict expressed their regrets, by letter, for being unable to attend.
Montrose Lions Donate To New Library Project
The Montrose Lions Club had already made a generous annual pledge of $1,000 to the Library Building Fund, but they upped their donation significantly this year to $3,500. Kim Harwood, Chairman of the Fund, made a presentation at the February 15 Lions meeting about the need for a new library building, its role in serving all of Susquehanna County, and asked for help in dispelling some myths (or rumors) that have cropped up in the community about the project. He emphasized that the landmark building on the Green is not being abandoned, as the Historical Society will take it over for their much-needed expansion; no library locations will close; and that the new building is not "just for Montrose," as 65% of the circulation from the existing library location is outside Montrose Borough/Bridgewater Township; as the source of materials and services for all locations, its expansion benefits everyone. "The Lions have always been very supportive of library services and responsive to community needs," said Mr. Harwood. "We were thrilled that the Montrose chapter pledged generously, and ecstatic that they increased their donation so dramatically." Mr. Harwood explained that on top of presenting the check, the Lions also volunteered to sell Library Lottery tickets this year. 2011 will be the 3rd year for the Lottery, which is a fundraiser for the new building project. "The help of the Lions will be invaluable," adds Mr. Harwood, "and we deeply appreciate all of their support." For more information about the project of building a new library headquarters for the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association, please visit www.librarybuildingfund.org.
New Website To Track Environmental Health Info Harrisburg - The Department of Health launched a new website for the Pennsylvania Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, or PA EPHTN, allowing the public to track health challenges and environmental-related diseases such as asthma. “Keeping Pennsylvanians safe from potential environmental health hazards remains a top priority for the Department of Health,” said acting Secretary of Health Dr. Eli Avila. “This new website contains important information to help the public identify potential environmental health threats and will ultimately allow individuals and communities to make better-informed public health decisions.” The PA EPHTN website, online at www.health.state.pa.us/epht, is a groundbreaking environmental health tool that is part of a national initiative supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, to help states gather more information about the environment’s impact on health. The website provides health information and data along with explanations about what the data means. Users can also search for information about the data including its source, ownership and dates of creation. Information will be provided on public health topics and their significance to Pennsylvanians, including: cancer, vital statistics, lead poisoning, air quality, water quality, asthma and heart attacks. In the near future, the system will also provide information on carbon monoxide poisoning, pesticides, toxic chemical releases and arsenic in groundwater. “Pennsylvania’s tracking network aims to dramatically reduce the time it takes the Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to detect emerging environmental public health threats, including disease clusters, and to respond to community concerns,” added Dr. Avila. Pennsylvania is one of 23 states and the city of New York to receive this type of funding from the CDC. For more information about the Department of Health’s EPHTN Program, visit www.health.state.pa.us. For more information on CDC’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, visit www.cdc.gov/ephtracking.
Resource Book Available To Family Caregivers TOWANDA, PA - During the month of March, the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County Area Agency on Aging is making copies of Dr. Linda Rhodes’ book “Finding Your Way: A Practical Guide for Family Caregivers” available free of charge to family caregivers. This book is easy to read and formatted by specific subjects for easy access. It answers 250 real life questions from senior housing to Social Security benefits and everything in between. With over 400 pages of information, this book is an invaluable desk-reference for everyone facing eldercare. To receive your free copy of this book, please contact the Area Agency on Aging at 800-982-4346. A limited number of these books have been received through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis with a limit of one book per family. For more information on the Area Agency on Aging or any of the services they provide, please visit www.aaaseniors.org or call 800-982-4346.
Harrisburg - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans ages 65 and over. Knowing your risk factors, being aware of your family history, and keeping regular appointments with your Eye M.D. can help reduce your risks for vision loss from macular degeneration. In its most severe form, known as wet AMD, the disease can lead to permanent loss of central vision, which is essential for driving, reading and recognizing faces. March is AMD Awareness Month, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) encourages Americans to know their risks for AMD. “The past few years have been marked by significant improvement in understanding the causes and the treatment of AMD,” says Joanna Fisher, MD, PAO’s Secretary of Public and Professional Information. “New research and clinical advances are helping us to better treat both the ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ forms of AMD. One strong risk factor that people may not be aware of is family history. It’s important to find out whether your relatives have had AMD and to tell your Eye M.D. if you have a history of AMD in your family. Knowing your risks can save your sight.” The top 5 risk factors for AMD are: being over the age of 60; having a family history of AMD; cigarette smoking; obesity; and hypertension. If you have any two of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with your Eye M.D. for a complete evaluation. Your Eye M.D. may recommend certain preventive measures that can reduce your risk of vision loss from this disorder. People who are at risk should know the symptoms of wet AMD, the form most likely to cause rapid and serious vision loss. These include sudden, noticeable loss or distortion of vision, such as seeing “wavy” lines. See an Eye M.D. right away if these symptoms occur. Current treatments for wet AMD provide an excellent chance of stopping vision loss and may actually restore some vision when macular degeneration develops. Earlier diagnosis of wet AMD gives a better chance of successful treatment. There are some AMD risk factors that a person can change, such as smoking and diet, to reduce the risk of vision loss from AMD. Other risk factors, such as genetic factors, cannot be changed. However, knowing your family medical history is one way to learn whether you may be genetically predisposed to a disease. One way to reduce AMD risk is to quit smoking or never start. For patients at high risk for developing late-stage AMD, taking a dietary supplement of vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene, along with zinc, has been shown to lower the risk of AMD progressing to advanced stages by 25 percent. Patients should check with their Eye M.D. before starting any dietary supplement. About AMD The disease takes two forms, termed “dry” and “wet.” Early-stage AMD: Yellow deposits called “drusen” develop under the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye that focuses images and relays them to the optic nerve. At this stage, most people would do not have reduced vision. Intermediate AMD: Patients have more and larger drusen and more pigment changes in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for central vision); they are at higher risk for both advanced dry and wet AMD. The majority of those with intermediate AMD do not progress to an advanced stage, but should be followed by an Eye M.D. so they can be treated if needed. Advanced “dry” AMD: Patients with more advanced dry AMD may have a blind spot in their central vision. Currently, there is no proven therapy to restore vision lost from advanced dry AMD. Low-vision technologies, including improved lighting and magnification, help people with advanced dry AMD maintain their quality of life. Advanced “wet” AMD: In this stage, abnormal blood vessels form under the retina. These blood vessels can leak fluid or bleed and cause sudden and drastic loss of central vision. Although only about 10 percent of the 10 to 15 million Americans with AMD have the “wet” form, it is responsible for most severe vision loss. New, highly effective treatments such as the injectable medications ranibizumab and bevacizumab are dramatically reducing damage from “wet” AMD and can stabilize vision in more than 90 percent of patients and actually improve vision in up to 30 to 40 percent of patients. A newly FDA-approved implantable miniature telescope (IMT) has the potential to improve the quality of life for select patients with AMD. Though this device is not for everyone, it does include people aged 75 years and older who have stable, severe to profound vision impairment in both eyes due to end-stage AMD. Also, to be eligible for the IMT, patients cannot have had surgery to remove cataracts. Patients also need to be fully informed of the risks of the procedure - most importantly, the risk of corneal endothelial cell loss, which may cause long-term problems with corneal clarity. For more information about AMD and other eye diseases, visit www.geteyesmart.org.
Conservation Tax Incentive Promotes Land Protection Landowners now have a powerful and improved conservation tax incentive that will aid them in permanently protecting their land from environmental degradation and misuse for generations to come. As part of the Middle Class Relief Act (H.R. 4853) this tax incentive is applicable to lands that are protected through a voluntary conservation agreement (conservation easement), and apply for tax years 2010 and 2011. Property owners who donate easements to a land trust or other land protection organization are entitled by IRS law to deduct the value of this easement from their federal income tax. With these new incentives and based upon the value of the easement, a landowner can now deduct 50% of their income for up to 16 years - farmers and ranchers can deduct 100% of their income. Previously the law only allowed a 30% deduction for up to 6 years. To clarify, under the prior law, an agricultural landowner earning $50,000 a year who donated a conservation easement worth $1 million could take a total of no more than $90,000 in tax deductions. Under the revised law, that landowner can now take as much as $800,000 in tax deductions. In this same scenario, a non-agricultural landowner would be able to realize $400,000 in tax deductions, spread out over 16 years if desired. Although less than the full value of the donation, this significant increase makes it economically feasible for landowners of modest means to permanently protect their land while continuing to earn a living from it. Currently these tax incentives are only available for tax years 2010 and 2011, but bills to make them permanent enjoy broad bipartisan support in Congress. Permanent Land Protection - A Wise Investment in the Future Shrinking paychecks, rising costs and the lure of quick, lucrative income from land development and mineral exploration put immense pressure on private landowners to sell or lease their land. Often property owners feel they have no choice but to forfeit the family farm or their treasured lands to make ends meet. An alternative solution experiencing phenomenal success nationwide is the use of a voluntary conservation agreement, also known as a conservation easement. Conservation easements give property owners a nongovernmental means to permanently protect working farms and ranches and conserve natural areas, while continuing to own, enjoy, and make a living off their lands. This flexible tool provides a powerful, legal way to pass family land to the next generation minus the financial burdens and to preserve traditional ways of life that are important to families and communities. Land protected through conservation easements and other private means also play an increasingly critical role in preserving clean air, drinking water, wildlife habitat, biodiversity, scenic views and agriculturally productive lands. The easement agreement is legally held in perpetuity by a land trust, which is also charged with its stewardship. A land trust is a nonprofit organization that actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land or conservation easement acquisition, and by its stewardship of such land or easements. In all regions of the United States, the amount of permanently protected private land continues to increase as landowners realize both the importance of saving open space and the economic benefits. The 2005 National Land Trust Census Report, the last year for which statistics are available, indicates that a total of 37 million acres have been conserved nationally, a 54% increase from 24 million acres in 2000. Furthermore the number of registered land trusts grew 32% in this same 5 year period from just over 1200 to 1667 nationwide. The trends cited in this report confirm the importance that Americans place on preserving treasured family lands and natural areas. Other studies point to protected open lands as productive assets that can generate significant economic value. A comprehensive study recently completed for the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission and GreenSpace Alliance in Southeastern PA, links protected open space to enhanced property values, growth in local economies, lower costs of everything from health to recreation and improved air and water quality. The quantitative findings of this study confirm hundreds of millions of dollars in both savings and realized income to the region’s residents, municipalities and businesses, as a direct result of saving open space (download the full report at www.greenspacealliance.org). Unlike the southeastern part of Pennsylvania where more than twenty years of urban sprawl has reduced open lands to fragmented patches, Northeastern PA is still blessed with large tracts of agricultural and relatively undisturbed lands. This scenario is, however, changing overnight as natural gas development gobbles up family farms, scenic vistas and natural habitat. Because of these rapidly occurring changes, protecting open lands from degradation and destructive uses has never been more important in the Northern Tier. Is a Conservation Easement Right for Your Land? Land protection is beneficial both economically and environmentally, but is it right for your lands? Whether you own hundreds of acres or just a few, your land can qualify for conservation easement protection. The E.L.Rose Conservancy of Susquehanna County, a non-profit land trust organization, assists property owners in developing conservation easements to protect the conservation values of their lands while maintaining the owner’s right to own, sell, enjoy and make a living off the land. The Conservancy has been protecting land in Susquehanna County since 1987. Through a combination of land purchases, donations and easements, they have protected hundreds of acres of open space - both agricultural lands and natural habitat. Their trained land protection specialists can determine if your lands meet the established criteria for easement protection. Of particular note, lands leased for natural gas exploration are not excluded. For properties with non-surface gas exploration leases, a conservation easement can protect your land’s environmental and agricultural value. Lands with surface gas leases may also qualify for easement protection with some restrictions, but currently are not being accepted by E.L. Rose Conservancy. Property owners interested in learning more about conservation easements and reaping the benefits of the new tax incentives are invited to attend a special information session on April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Montrose High School. Tim Matthews, former President of E.L.Rose Conservancy will present an introduction to conservation easements and provide answers on how to start the process of protecting your own lands. Interested participants should reserve a place by registering at www.montroseadultschool.org or through the mail at Montrose Adult School, PO Box 433, Montrose, PA 18801. Visit www.elrose.org to learn more about the E.L.Rose Conservancy and the important work they are doing in Susquehanna County. To learn more about the new tax incentives, visit the Land Trust Alliance website at www.landtrustalliance.org and click on Tax Incentive Extended!
Volunteers Invited To Join Cleanup Effort Harrisburg - PennDOT is encouraging Pennsylvanians to help beautify the state through the Great American Cleanup of PA, which runs through May 31, said acting PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch, P.E. “Pennsylvania is very fortunate to have thousands of volunteers who turn out every year to clean up our communities and roadsides,” Schoch said. “These dedicated individuals help keep Pennsylvania beautiful and save taxpayers’ money with their efforts to clean up after careless people who litter.” A listing of cleanup events, resources for organizing a cleanup, and other information about the effort is available online at www.gacofpa.org. Groups interested in adopting a section of highway are encouraged to contact their local PennDOT county maintenance office and ask for the Adopt-A-Highway coordinator, or visit www.dot.state.pa.us. More than 186,000 volunteers cleaned 19,373 miles of roads, trails and shorelines in Pennsylvania during last year’s Great American Cleanup event, collecting 12 million pounds of trash. Of the cleanup’s totals, PennDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program volunteers accounted for a record 12,278 miles cleaned with their efforts. These volunteers collected 3.7 million pounds of litter. The 7,128 groups in the Adopt-A-Highway program, with their 130,730 volunteers, have two-year commitments and have adopted 16,475 roadway miles. PennDOT requires that Adopt-A-Highway volunteers complete four cleanups per year, and the groups are encouraged to join in the Great American Cleanup of PA. Emphasis is placed on yearly Pick It Up PA days, which will run from April 16-30 this year. PennDOT provides gloves and safety vests for Adopt-A-Highway and Great American Cleanup of PA groups.
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