Fry Fostered, Eagle Scouted

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comEnvironmental, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Thanks and congratulation to Garrett Strittmatter, soon to be an Eagle Scout. His project will help improve the habit for young fish, including those stocked by PA Fish and Game at Yellow Creek Park.  Eagle Scout candidates, propose, design, raise funds and implement projects.  This project was welcomed by Park Manager Jim Tweardy, and the Friends of Yellow Creek was pleased to be able to provide funding for the materials.

 

The structure, which replace or augment those installed decades past, help young fish to hide out from larger predators.  The construction of the lake back in 1969 stripped the bottom of the variations which would ordinarily provide natural shelter for fish fry.

 

Thanks Garrett. And thanks to the members and donors to Friends of Yellow Creek. Your support makes it possible for FOYC to fund such projects.

SafeHarbor-IndianaGazette2015-05-15webmed

January 2013 Update

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comMarcellus ShalePosted on Comments are Disabled

As area residents know, drilling and development within the park conservation zone has halted for the time being.  It is unclear whether this is the result of geological feature making it unprofitable or the drop in gas prices.

At this time, there are still leases in the conservation zone which could be developed.

The legal status of local Marcellus legislation is in limbo.  If you are interested in this issue as it impacts Indiana county, you may want to follow the activites of the Coalition for a Healthy County.  http://coalitionforahealthycounty.wordpress.com/

Marcellus Shale

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comMarcellus ShalePosted on Comments are Disabled

 

watewater in Yellow Creek Protected Zone

DCNR has received a request to drill a Marcellus gas well within Yellow Creek State Park.

 

MDS Energy began drilling a Marcellus gas well within the Yellow Creek Conversation Zone; it is now seeking a zoning exception from the county, in order to be able to legally continue this drilling.

The well site located on private property,  approximately 1500 feet from the shore of the lake, and within 1/2 mile of both Boy Scout Camp Seph Mack and the DCNR cabins.   Many years ago, Indiana County established a buffer zone around the state park, thus the need for an exception before MDS could drill in this area.  

 

 

 

 

 


View Larger Map

 

Hydro Fracking in the Yellow Creek Conservation Zone

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comMarcellus Shale, NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

 

MDS Energy has resumed drilling at the Ray Road site within the Indiana County Conservation Zone just 1500 up hill from the lake. After beginning this well illegally, they have now been granted permission to drill, with some conditions, by the Indiana County Zoning Hearing Board which held that the operation would not be in violation of the Conservation ordinance.

Ray Road, Penn Run Pa. Y

Unfortunately, the current law does not explicitly prohibit drilling within the zone, even though its intent is “to ensure adequate protection for the quantity and quality of the park waters and to prohibit any use that poses a potential to degrade the park waters. Additional environmental concerns include air pollution in the forms of particular and noxious odor, noise pollution, and aesthetic incompatibitities, any one of which can destroy the rural park setting if allowed to operate at an abusive level. (4.600 Intent of Conservation (C) Zone)”

As many FOYC members will know, this well is close to both the Boy Scout Camp and the DCNR cabins.  If you would like to become more informed and participate in the effort to get this 30-year old law revised, please visit Coalition for a Healthy County.

Earth Day Spring Clean-up – Sunday 4/27

by friendsofyellowcreek@gmail.comEnvironmental, EventsPosted on Comments are Disabled

Earth Day Spring Clean-up

Date 4/27/2014 Time 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST

Location North Shore Pavilion Yellow Creek State Park 170 Route 259 Highway Location Phone 724-357-7913

Come join us to celebrate Earth Day this year at Yellow Creek State Park. We need your help to upgrade the trails, construct a new trail to the North Shore Amphitheater, upkeep of Native Species and Herb Gardens, and erect a Purple Martin Box and much, much more. Bring sturdy shoes, work clothes, work gloves and bring a friend. We have projects for all ability levels and the work party will be on, rain or shine.

This event is sponsored by Friends of Yellow Creek and Yellow Creek State Park. Food and refreshments will be on hand thanks to the generosity of Friends of Yellow Creek. Pre-registration is required, so we know how much food to get and provide enough work projects for everyone.

To register call the Park Office at (724) 357-7913.

Sponsors Friends of Yellow Creek Contacts Mike Shaffer Contact Email mishaffer@pa.gov Contact Phone 724-357-7913 Activities Earth Day Volunteer Work Day