In
late 2001, the Cambria County Chapter of PA CleanWays participated for
the first time in the Forest Lands Beautification Program, a five-year
program administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR) targeting more than 200 illegal dump sites on state
forest and park lands. PA CleanWays - State serves as primary contractor
for this program.
More
than 27 tons of trash, 8.5 tons of scrap metal, and 1,600 tires were
removed from Mine 42 Road, in Gallitzin State Forest during a two-phase
cleanup in late October and early November, 2001. Contractor Mike Paronish,
owner of Alternative Demolition, used heavy equipment to pull discarded
appliances, furniture, and construction debris from the deep ravine.
Then, on November 3, 32 volunteers bagged additional trash and helped
to gather a total of over 1600 tires along Mine 42 Road and the banks
of Paint Creek.
In
addition to local residents, volunteers were comprised of Paint Creek
Watershed Association members, Cambria County Conservation District
employees, and PA CleanWays of Cambria County, donating 131 hours of
their time to make the cleanup a success. Refrigerants were recovered
from the discarded refrigerators for recycling, and then they were recycled
along with other scrap metal and the tires. A unique find in the cleanup
was a 1940 Alien Registration Form for a Polish immigrant which was
donated to the Johnstown Area Heritage Association for preservation
and display.
We
are extremely grateful to not only the volunteers who gave of their
time, but also to the many local businesses and agencies that donated
to this cleanup," said Mary Vibostok, executive director of the Cambria
County Chapter of PA CleanWays. Donors included Shade Landfill, Rollock
Inc., Sheetz Corporation, and Valenty's Water. In addition to Alternative
Demolition, Magnum Inc. and Skone's Inc. were also contractors. "Thanks
to all those involved in the project," added Vibostok. "Your help and
support made all the difference." The site is being monitored by volunteers
to prevent further dumping.
Gallitzin
State Forest is comprised of two separate areas of state forest land
located in Cambria, Indiana, Northern Bedford, and Northern Somerset
counties. The total area is 15,336 acres. The lands are open to hunting,
fishing, and general recreation. Attractions include the scenic Babcock
State Forest Picnic Area located along Route 56, four miles east of
Windber; Clear Shade Wild Area; John P. Saylor Trail; and the Charles
F. Lewis Natural Area. The two-mile Clark Run Trail, winds through the
scenic Clark Run Gorge with its numerous small waterfalls and interesting
geologic features.
In
late 2001, the Cambria County Chapter of PA CleanWays participated for
the first time in the Forest Lands Beautification Program, a five-year
program administered by the state Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR) targeting more than 200 illegal dump sites on state
forest and park lands. PA CleanWays - State serves as primary contractor
for this program. 
In
addition to local residents, volunteers were comprised of Paint Creek
Watershed Association members, Cambria County Conservation District
employees, and PA CleanWays of Cambria County, donating 131 hours of
their time to make the cleanup a success. Refrigerants were recovered
from the discarded refrigerators for recycling, and then they were recycled
along with other scrap metal and the tires. A unique find in the cleanup
was a 1940 Alien Registration Form for a Polish immigrant which was
donated to the Johnstown Area Heritage Association for preservation
and display. 
Gallitzin
State Forest is comprised of two separate areas of state forest land
located in Cambria, Indiana, Northern Bedford, and Northern Somerset
counties. The total area is 15,336 acres. The lands are open to hunting,
fishing, and general recreation. Attractions include the scenic Babcock
State Forest Picnic Area located along Route 56, four miles east of
Windber; Clear Shade Wild Area; John P. Saylor Trail; and the Charles
F. Lewis Natural Area. The two-mile Clark Run Trail, winds through the
scenic Clark Run Gorge with its numerous small waterfalls and interesting
geologic features.