Volunteers weren't deterred by cool weather and fog to make a big improvement along the Laurel Highlands Trail near its northern terminus in the West End section of Johnstown on November 16, 2002. The cleanup was facilitated by the Cambria County Chapter of PA CleanWays.
Local volunteers joined forces with PA CleanWays members and state park employees to pull more than four tons of trash and 150 tires from six dumping areas along the road.
Eleven volunteers worked as a team, forming a human chain to hand trash and tires from one to another from the bottom of a steep slope. DCNR employees then picked up the trash and hauled it to a waiting roll-off box and gathered the tires and hauled them to a centralized location for transport later. Together, they donated 48 hours of labor to return the area to its natural beauty.
"Without the generous donation of equipment and trucks from the state park, the cleanup would not have been as efficient, safe or successful," said Mary Vibostok, executive director of the Cambria County Chapter.
Lunch was provided by Zeke's Pizza of Johnstown, who donated some of the pizzas for the hungry volunteers. St. Therese's Church donated the use of their social hall, welcoming volunteers to warm themselves and eat lunch there.
The trash was hauled by Waste Management to the Waste Management Southern Alleghenies Landfill in Davidsville where it was properly disposed. Tires were recycled by S&S Recycling of Boswell.
Alternative Demolition of Northern Cambria was contracted to remove accumulated brush and trash along with heavy roofing shingles after the volunteer cleanup. They collected an additional 3.44 tons of trash, taken to the Waste Management Laurel Highlands Landfill at Vintondale, where tipping fees were waived.
DCNR encourages Cambria County residents with disposal and recycling questions to contact Kristen Panek at the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority at 814-472-2109 or by e-mail.
Items found during the cleanup are being investigated as evidence to trace the ownership back to the person or persons responsible for illegally dumping the material. The county has hired an enforcement officer to assist with the enforcement of the municipal waste ordinances, particularly the problem of illegal dumping.
The cleaned area is frequented by visitors and residents from Seward and Johnstown as well as hikers using the Laurel Highlands Trail who find shelters there.
Laurel Ridge State Park is a linear park, featuring the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Trail which spans five counties, from the picturesque Yougiogheny River Valley at Ohiopyle in Fayette County to the Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown, Cambria County. Shelters are provided at various sites for overnight camping.
Learn about other illegal dump sites in state forests and parks.
This page last updated January 2, 2003.
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