Appalachian Coal Country Team News

Two OSM/VISTAs Awarded WREN Grants

by ACCT Support Office
May 8, 2012

Two hardworking OSM/VISTAs were awarded Water Resources Education Network (WREN) grants.

OSM/VISTA Von Holguin, with the Clearfield County Conservation District in Clearfield, PA, applied to WREN to create a virtual tour of the Upper West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The project will create an interactive map of the 102 miles of the West Branch Susquehanna River located in Clearfield County. The map will highlight GPS points that detail basic water quality levels, river bank conditions, riparian zones, trails, launch sites, historic information and photos of each point. The map will be used for outreach and education around the points of interest, getting people connected to the river and letting them know about the success of the existing AMD treatment projects in the county. The project will received the full $3,000 that was requested.

OSM/VISTA Mike Bloom, with Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in Hazleton, PA, applied after recognizing the need for better storm water management – along trails in and around Hazelton, and in the greater Hazleton area – following the devastation from Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene in fall 2011. The funded project will offer a workshop open to the public that will instruct interested participants about riparian buffers and natural flood prevention methods. Participants will also receive booklets and can opt to take plants home to use to prevent nonpoint source pollution, including runoff. An interpretive sign will also be placed at the trail along which grant workers will improve drainage from the trail by digging new or cleaning existing ditches. Mike’s project will receive the full $3,900 requested.