Bells Gap run is a significant tributary to the LJRA. It’s potential to support a cold water fishery was limited by top release from the reservoir’s dam. We received the excellent news that the old dam was replaced with one that will allow for bottom release from the Bells Gap Reservoir. The LJRA has been encouraging the Altoona Water Authority (AWA) to provide for bottom release of this, and other, dams in the watershed. You can read Mark Nale’s reporting of the change and additional information using the following links:
Upcoming meetings
There will be no July meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for August 8th at 7PM. Agenda to be published closer to the date
Eric Oliver selected for 2024 Friend of the River Award
Eric Oliver received the 2024 Friend of the River Award at the LJRA banquet held on June 8th. Eric has been involved in and led many water monitoring projects in the watershed, including at Bells Gap Run and at the Rutter’s construction site. His monitoring efforts at the Rutter’s site are particularly noteworthy and have led to fines and corrections during its construction. He was instrumental in writing grants to fund the monitoring effort. Congratulations, Eric, and we are lucky to have such a dedicated friend of the river.
June Meeting
The minutes from the June Meeting can be downloaded here.
Rest In Peace John Bennis
We are sad to announce that former Director of the LJRA John Bennis, formally of Hollidaysburg, has passed away after a courageous battle against cancer at the age of 69. John was a dedicated member of the board and a strong supporter of the LJRA. He was an early Director who gave willingly of his time and energy to improve the river. We will miss him.
You can read his obituary here https://www.richardsonfs.com/obituary/John-Bennis
Stream work on the upper river contributes sediment into the system
Yesterday during a river tour with a new LJRA member, Bill witnessed 2 large excavators at the Old 6th Avenue Road bridge in Pinecroft, crossing over Sandy Run, a Class A wild Trout stream and High Quality Cold Water listed stream. They had built a road through Sandy Run using soil from the streambank. They have 2 small culvert pipes that are barely keeping up with the flow and creating a muddy pool behind the improvised road. We spoke with the engineer in charge and learned that they will be digging up a large section of sewer main from the stream bed, today. Then installing a replacement section which will take 3 or 4 days. The makeshift culvert will surely wash out with a heavy rain, delivering sediment into the upper river. This main is not leaking it is, in their words, sagging and requires frequent cleaning. We are challenging their permit terms and will seek to minimize the impact on this major cold water resource for the upper river.
If you see something unusual in the river or its tributaries, please contact Bill or if its a serious immediate threat to the river contact local authorities
May Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the May meeting can be downloaded here.
Director Angie Spagnoli recognized for her conservation efforts
Director Angie Spagnoli was recently awarded the 2024 Junta Valley Audubon Society Conservation Award for her work with wetlands conservation, education and advocacy. We are very lucky to have her on the board. Congratulations Angie!
19th Annual Riverbank Clean Up.
Over 100 volunteers filled two 40 ft. dumpsters with litter and some tires were collected from 30 miles of waterway. This is the 19th year of the clean up. High water and a power outage did not deter dedicated volunteers. Once again, Spruce Creek United Methodist Church provided a delicious lunch for the volunteers. Tastykake donated treats. Read about the event in The PA environment daily here.
A photo gallery is provided courtesy of Beth Intoccia, Chairperson Litter Lifters of West Vincent.
LJRA outreach
President Bill Anderson delivered a presentation on the activities of the LJRA at a dinner for Environmental leaders hosted by the Moshannon Group Sierra Club attended by 30 local conservation groups.