News & Updates
The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is seeking public input on a proposal to expand treatment methods for suppressing spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) outbreaks on the Allegheny National Forest. Previously known as the gypsy moth, this invasive species poses a significant threat to forest health.
Currently, the Forest Service uses Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (B.t.k.), a naturally occurring bacterium, for aerial applications to control spongy moth populations. The new proposal suggests expanding the range of approved treatment methods to include:
The Allegheny National Forest is working in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry. Together, they conduct egg mass surveys to monitor population trends and determine the best management responses to control the spongy moth and mitigate defoliation.
The Forest Service values public input and invites comments on the proposed activities. A draft supplemental environmental assessment detailing the proposal is available for review at Forest Service Project Page. Printed copies can be requested as well.
Comments must be submitted by April 25, 2022. Please provide specific feedback and include your name and physical mailing address. Comments can be submitted via:
For any questions or further information, please contact Forest Silviculturist Josh Hanson at 814-728-6161 or joshua.w.hanson@usda.gov.
The Entomological Society of America has discontinued the use of the name “gypsy moth” due to its offensive connotations. More information about this change can be found at Entomological Society of America.
Public participation is crucial in managing the health of our forests. Your comments and feedback on the proposed spongy moth suppression methods will help the Forest Service make informed decisions to protect the Allegheny National Forest. Visit the project page, review the assessment, and submit your comments by April 25, 2022.
News & Updates
The Lock Haven Levee Trail, also known as the William Clinger Riverwalk, is a 2.25-mile paved trail along the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. It's part of the West Branch Susquehanna Greenway.
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News & Updates
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is dedicated to helping our communities create, remember, and share stories and experiences of the river. To celebrate their upcoming 25th anniversary in service of this goal, they announced the beginning of their latest project: a coffee table book all about the Susquehanna River and the towns, trails, and humans who make it special! If you or someone you know has a story they would like to share, they are accepting submissions on a continual basis for review. They are collecting stories in all mediums. In addition to the coffee table book, selected stories may be shared across social media platforms and newsletters, giving your work a wider audience and adding to the shared narrative of the river’s importance in our community.
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Additional Grant Opportunities
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation assists local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding for projects related to: Parks Recreation Conservation Applications for the department’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants are accepted once a year. The application period for the recreation and conservation grants opens in January and closes in April each year: Opens: (Third Tuesday of January) Closes: (First Wednesday of April) There are exceptions for ATV and Snowmobile Trails Management Restricted Account Grants, which are conducted during the spring and fall: Spring: Always opens first business day in February and closes the last business day in March. Fall: Always opens first business day in August and closes the last business day in September. Peer and Circuit Rider Grants are open year-round
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