More than 27 tons of trash and 8.5 tons of scrap metal were removed from Mine 42 Road, Cambria County, in Gallitzin State Forest during a two-phase cleanup in late October and early November, 2001.
Contractor Mike Paronish, owner of Alternative Demolition, used heavy equipment to pull discarded appliances, furniture, and construction debris from the deep ravine. Then, on November 3, 32 volunteers bagged additional trash and helped to gather a total of over 1600 tires along Mine 42 Road and the banks of Paint Creek.
In addition to local residents, volunteers were comprised of Paint Creek Watershed Association members, Cambria County Conservation District employees, and PA CleanWays of Cambria County, donating 131 hours of their time to make the cleanup a success.
Refrigerants were recovered from the discarded refrigerators for recycling, and then they were recycled along with other scrap metal and the tires. A unique find in the cleanup was a 1940 Alien Registration Form for a Polish immigrant which was donated to the Johnstown Area Heritage Association for preservation and display.
"We are extremely grateful to not only the volunteers who gave of their time, but also to the many local businesses and agencies that donated to this cleanup," said Cleanup Coordinator Mary Vibostok of the Cambria County Chapter of PA CleanWays. Donors included Shade Landfill, Rollock Inc., Sheetz Corporation, and Valenty's Water.
Those who helped with the cleanup pledged support in monitoring the site to prevent further dumping. To ensure proper disposal of waste, DCNR encourages residents to contact Tanya McCoy-Caretti, director of the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority, at (814) 472-2109.
Gallitzin State Forest is comprised of two separate areas of state forest land located in Cambria, Indiana, Northern Bedford, and Northern Somerset counties. The total area is 15,336 acres. The lands are open to hunting, fishing, and general recreation.
Attractions include the scenic Babcock State Forest Picnic Area located along Route 56, four miles east of Windber; Clear Shade Wild Area; John P. Saylor Trail; and the Charles F. Lewis Natural Area. The two-mile Clark Run Trail, winds through the scenic Clark Run Gorge with its numerous small waterfalls and interesting geologic features.
Learn about other illegal dump sites in state forests and parks.
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This page last updated November 26, 2001.
