Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014 - 59

CURRENTS
Great American Cleanup
Pennsylvania

The Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited
is holding the 20th annual Rivers Conservation and
Fly Fishing Youth Camp on June 15-20, 2014, at the
Allenberry Resort, Boiling Springs.
The curriculum is based on college level classes.
Students are instructed in ecology, aquatic biology,
geology, hydrogeology, erosion and sedimentation control,
ichthyology, riparian corridor protection, watershed
management, entomology and more.
Admission will be limited to 32 qualified students.
Students, ages 14 to 17, will be
selected through an application
process, and the applicants must
have been born between June 20,
1996, and June 15, 2000.
All applications must be
postmarked no later than
March 31, 2014. For an
application or more information,
visit www.riverscamp.com.

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and
Pennsylvania Game Commission Secure
Long-Term Preservation of Armstrong County Island
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC)
and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) have
completed a land-transfer agreement with Hanson
Aggregates BMC, Inc., which secures the long-term
preservation of Cogley Island, a 10-acre property in the
Allegheny River, Armstrong County.
Under the agreement, Hanson transferred the property to
the PGC as mitigation for potential environmental impacts
related to commercial gravel dredging in the Dashields Pool,
Montgomery Pool and New Cumberland Pool of the Ohio
River. A fish survey conducted by Hanson found that a
proposed project would potentially impact the habitat of two
state threatened fish species.
"Our foremost goal is always to protect an area's habitat
and to work with companies to find solutions which reduce
or offset environmental impacts of a project," said PFBC
Executive Director John A. Arway. "Acquiring Cogley
Island and permanently preserving its ecosystem was the
best option to offset the potential impact of Hanson's gravel
dredging project. The island has excellent conservation value
including the necessary shallow water and shoreline that
supports habitat for rare and listed fish and mussel species."
The transfer of the 10-acre island to the Pennsylvania
Game Commission came at no cost to the Commission and
was approved unanimously in June by the Pennsylvania
Game Board of Commissioners.
PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

Cogley Island is expected to provide hunting opportunity,
particularly to waterfowl hunters, and some trapping
opportunities may also develop from the acquisition.
The island, portions of which are seasonally inundated,
represents critical habitat for nesting birds and wildlife. It is
forested with sycamore, silver maple, willow and cottonwood
and has a thick understory.
The property is located in Pool 6 of the Allegheny River in
Manor Township, Armstrong County. It is adjacent to Ford
City and is approximately 2 miles away from State Game
Lands 247. "We're always happy to add choices for those
seeking good, public-access hunting spots," said Pennsylvania
Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough.
"And Cogley Island certainly would seem to fit the bill. Let
me extend thanks to the many partners behind this effort. On
behalf of Pennsylvania's hunters, the agency thanks you."
Ron Kurpiel, Vice President and General Manager of
Hanson Aggregates BMC, said the company was proud to do
its part to create that opportunity.
"At Hanson Aggregates, environmental sustainability is an
integral part of our business strategy," said Kurpiel. "We strive
to operate and grow in a socially and ecologically responsible
manner, while minimizing the impact of our business on the
environment. The transfer of the Cogley Island property as
a means to help preserve its ecosystem clearly demonstrates
this commitment."
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2014

59

photo-courtesy of Cumberland Valley Chapter
of Trout Unlimited

On March 1 through
May 31, join over 4
million volunteers in the
nation's largest annual
community improvement
program. Get involved in your community and register
your event today. Register and receive free cleanup supplies
including bags, gloves and vests donated by the Pennsylvania
Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Waste Industries
and Keep American Beautiful, while supplies last.
During "Pick It Up PA Days" from April 12 to May 5,
there will be free disposal. The Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Waste
Industries Association and participating landfills sponsor
"Pick It Up PA Days."
To register, visit the Great American Cleanup of
Pennsylvania website at www.gacofpa.org or contact
Michelle Dunn at 877-772-3673 ext. 113 or
mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Rivers Conservation and
Fly Fishing Youth Camp
http://www.gacofpa.org http://www.gacofpa.org http://www.riverscamp.com http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014
