Westmoreland Conservancy News

The following are some of the comments made by our new president, Mount Fitzpatrick, at the April 28 annual meeting:

I ask each of you to think of Conservancy goals for the coming year that are important to you. My list is as follows:

Develop Pleasant Valley Park usage by the public.

Increase attendance at our monthly meetings and thereby develop active participants in our many projects.

Increase our general membership. If we apply for grand money, this is an essential way to show community support.

Further solidify our relations with the municipality. For example, develop hiking trails in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department.

Please bring your goals to the may meeting for discussion. It would be great if they were also in writing.

On Saturday April 24th construction of the bridge over Pearson's Creek was begun. At various times there were five to six scouts and three to five adults (including Don Harrison and Theo van de Venne) involved in the project.

The telephone poles were chain sawed to 20 foot lengths and the abutments were cut to five foot lengths.

Trenches for the abutments were dug and 2B limestone was tamped into the trenches.

V notches were cut into the abutment and with much effort the two 20 foot poles were laid into place across the stream.

Scout Scott Ackman did an excellent job of directing the activities.

Off site fabrication of the decking and guard rail is the next scheduled step.

On April 6th Don and I attended a meeting dealing with the future of agriculture in Westmoreland County, sponsored by the Westmoreland Conservation District and the Penn State College of Agriculture. The main thrust was the preservation of our economically important farm lands via a direct survey done by Penn State of farmers needs, concerns and methods of helping. Much of the meeting seemed to be focusing on direct sales to the public. Although a subsidiary outcome would be to preserve rural lands, I didn't see how we would substantially benefit from participation.

Last night a number of our members attended a meeting of groups interested in developing usage of Pleasant Valley Park. There was concern that the park could still be lost by future actions of council, if the park isn't sufficiently used. Attendees were from SLAM, FORM, EAC, Westmoreland Conservancy and scouting; as well as individuals who have an interest in the park. Initial goals will be to develop minimal parking, hiking trails, and establish liaison with the Municipality of Murrysville. The group is planning to meet on the third Monday of each month at 6:30pm in the library conference room.