Despite intermittent rain showers, eight volunteers joined with Tuscarora State Forest personnel and PA CleanWays staff to tackle an illegal dump site along Second Narrow Road, spanning Perry and Franklin counties.
Donating 24 hours of labor, the volunteers cleaned a mile of roadway, removing 1.46 tons of construction debris, appliances, household trash, and 12 tires. More than a truckload of scrap metal and the tires were recycled by Beecher's Auto Salvage of Fayetteville.
"The weather wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination!" exlaimed District Forester Ed Bortzfield. "Because of that, it was especially gratifying to see the number of volunteers who did turn out to help clean up this site. The enthusiasm that they bring to the task and the respect and appreciation that they have for our precious resource is thrilling."
The trash degraded the water quality of Conococheague Creek, and provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The roadway is located in Fannell and Toboyne townships.
Waste Management Pine Grove Landfill donated trash hauling and disposal. Advanced Septic Service provided sanitary facilities. The volunteers enjoyed lunches from Book's Market of Blain.
"It's very rewarding to see the partnerships that have developed through this program between local volunteers, businesses, sportsmen's groups and state and local government agencies," added Mr. Bortzfield.
DCNR encourages Perry County residents with disposal questions to contact Mary Lou Moyer, county recycling coordinator, at 717-582-8988 or by e-mail. Franklin County residents should contact Sherri Clayton, county recycling coordinator, at 717-261-3857 or by e-mail.
Tuscarora State Forest is comprised of 91,165 acres, located in Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties. Many of the forest's bridges and trails were constructed by men who worked in six Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in the forest, starting in 1933.
The vast acreage offers numerous recreational opportunities. There are four state parks in the forest, Big Spring State Park, Colonel Denning State Park, Fowlers Hollow State Park, and Little Buffalo State Park.
