On
April 12, 2003, three sites were cleaned in Laurel Ridge State
Park, two on SR 56 and one at the top of Decker Ave. It was
a beautiful, sunny morning as volunteers gathered at 9am to
receive gloves, bags and hear the safety talk.
Volunteers split
into two groups, removing and properly disposing of 3.69 tons
of trash, 136 tires and recycling 2.58 tons of scrap metal.
PA CleanWays
of Cambria County and employees from Sheetz Broad Street,
Johnstown were among the 36 volunteers from the community
who took part in the cleanup, donating 180 hours to the event.
One
of the dumpsites on SR 56 was located on a very steep slope
adjacent to the Conemaugh River. The other site, located on
the Cambria/ Westmoreland county line, contained large batteries,
old television sets, and tires. The third site, situated at
the top of Laurel Hill in Laurel Ridge State Park, bordered
an area known locally as Vassil Fields. This open area, once
used for recreation, provides a beautiful, scenic overlook
of the entire Conemaugh River gorge entering Johnstown. Hikers
veering off the Laurel Ridge trail can stop here for the wonderful
views and the quiet scenery. Shelters for visitors hiking
the trail are also located near this area.
Laurel Ridge State Park Cleanup Team
Laurel Ridge State Park Employees
Local Volunteers
PA CleanWays of Cambria County
Rollock, Inc.
St. Therese's Church, Johnstown
Sheetz Employees (Broad Street, Johnstown)
Sheetz Corporation
Waste Management
Stopping only
to share the wonderful scenic view offered at the top of Vassil
Fields, the group not only cleaned the area of trash, but
also brought a strong sense of community involvement and pride
to the day. When all was said and done, there was much laughter
and enjoyment from everyone involved.
St.
Therese's Church, Johnstown, donated the use of the church
hall for volunteers to meet and have lunch. Sheetz Corporation
donated the lunches, refreshments and drinks. Waste Management
donated a rolloff box and the trash disposal for the cleanup
and Rollock Incorporated donated a rolloff box for the scrap
metal recycling. Alternative Demolition of Northern Cambria
Borough completed the portion of the cleanup that required
the use of equipment. BRAT Towing & Recovery of Johnstown
collected the tires for recycling.
For information
about recycling and proper disposal in Cambria County, contact
the Recycling Coordinator and Solid Waste Authority Director
at (814) 472-2109.
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 for overnight camping.
On
April 12, 2003, three sites were cleaned in Laurel Ridge State
Park, two on SR 56 and one at the top of Decker Ave. It was
a beautiful, sunny morning as volunteers gathered at 9am to
receive gloves, bags and hear the safety talk.
One
of the dumpsites on SR 56 was located on a very steep slope
adjacent to the Conemaugh River. The other site, located on
the Cambria/ Westmoreland county line, contained large batteries,
old television sets, and tires. The third site, situated at
the top of Laurel Hill in Laurel Ridge State Park, bordered
an area known locally as Vassil Fields. This open area, once
used for recreation, provides a beautiful, scenic overlook
of the entire Conemaugh River gorge entering Johnstown. Hikers
veering off the Laurel Ridge trail can stop here for the wonderful
views and the quiet scenery. Shelters for visitors hiking
the trail are also located near this area. 
St.
Therese's Church, Johnstown, donated the use of the church
hall for volunteers to meet and have lunch. Sheetz Corporation
donated the lunches, refreshments and drinks. Waste Management
donated a rolloff box and the trash disposal for the cleanup
and Rollock Incorporated donated a rolloff box for the scrap
metal recycling. Alternative Demolition of Northern Cambria
Borough completed the portion of the cleanup that required
the use of equipment. BRAT Towing & Recovery of Johnstown
collected the tires for recycling.
