Protection of Streamside Land in Somerset County

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard J. Allan today announced that 137 acres in Jefferson Township, Somerset County, including about 2,000 feet of land along Laurel Hill Creek, is being transferred from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and will be added to Laurel Hill State Park.

"By conserving this land, we are protecting much more than habitat and open space," Allan said today at a ceremony on the property. "With 2,000 feet of frontage on Laurel Hill Creek, this property has significant recreational value and will be open to fishing and hiking with its addition to the Laurel Hill State Park.

"This acquisition also helps to protect the water quality of Laurel Hill Creek and the scenic views of Laurel Ridge, all priorities of the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape effort," Allan said.

DCNR invested $250,000 through its Community Conservation Partnerships Program to acquire the land - known as the Countryman property - through the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The funds were matched with $465,000 in private donations from the family of B. Kenneth Simon and the Colcom Foundation.

"This is a special property to us," said Tom Saunders, president of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. "It took two years to do the transaction, starting with the day that one of our staff members went to the original auction for the property. Then the conservancy worked with a family, a local Pittsburgh foundation and DCNR, who all put in funding. All it took was our land conservation staff walking the trail along Laurel Hill Creek, and hiking up the ridge to see the view back toward the existing state park, and we knew this was a property to be protected.

"DCNR has an exceptional asset in Laurel Hill State Park ? it's a beautiful, fun destination, and much-used for all types of recreation," Saunders added. "This adds a new hillside, woods and a long stretch of this endangered creek to the park."

The vision of the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative is to protect the unique character of the Laurel Highlands and recognize its communities as world-class heritage/recreation destinations as well as wonderful places to work and live.

Located an hour east of Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands is defined by three Allegheny Plateau ridges (the Chestnut, Laurel and Allegheny) and portions of several watersheds. The rolling hillsides, rushing streams with waterfalls and picturesque farmlands span at least part of four counties (Somerset, Westmoreland, Fayette and Cambria).

With this recent addition, Laurel Hill State Park now encompasses more than 4,100 acres of mountainous terrain in Somerset County. The 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake is a focal point of the park, and a trail system invites visitors to hike and explore the park and observe the diversity of plants and wildlife.

For more information on Pennsylvania's Gold Medal State Park system, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

Source: http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/news/201108/protection-of-streamside-land-in-somerset-county.asp

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New Park: NASCAR RV Resorts At Westward Ho Glenbeulah, WI

NASCAR RV Resorts At Westward Ho is now a participating Passport America Discount Campground. Highlights: 300+ RV sites. Primitive, tent, partial, and full hookup sites available. Spacious wooded sites available. Pull thrus, 20/30/50 amp electric, dump station, laundry, restrooms, 3 heated swimmg pools, clubhouse, game room, handicap access, playgrounds, miniature golf course, basketball courts, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, petting farm, fishing pond, store, ice, propane, and much more! NASCAR RV Resorts delivers an at the track experience for race fans of all ages. Guests will enjoy unique pre and post-race coverage all on our oversized jumbo television screens, race day BBQ's, special events such as driver appearances and contests to win NASCAR Officially Licensed Prizes!

Source: http://www.passportamerica.com/campgrounds/wi/nascarrvresortsatwestwardho

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New Park: Aqua Isles La Belle, FL

Aqua Isles is now a participating Passport America Discount Campground. Highlights: Enjoy a relaxing environment with the best year round weather and loads of amenities. We have our adult RV park nestled alongside our active 55+ Adult Manufactured Home Community where you lease a private home site and own your own quality home, or bring your RV and settle down for the winter months with our delightful weather. There is plenty of activities to keep you as busy as you want to be. 70 total RV sites. Full hookups w/ 30/50 amp. Wi-Fi, Cable TV, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, heated pool, BBQ, boat ramp, boating, canoeing, chapel service, clubhouse, fire rings, fishing, fitness center, game room, handicap accessible, horseshoes, picnic area, recycling, security, and shuffleboard. Located 30 miles from Ft. Myers and 32 miles from Clewiston.

Source: http://www.passportamerica.com/campgrounds/fl/aquaisles

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Disney Hannah Montana 3/4 Acoustic Guitar Review

Wow! Very impressed with this 5out of 5 insanity213 from Denver on Aug.132011 I found one of these at a garage sale for $5 and didn’t think twice about it as my 4 year old has been asking for a “real guitar with strings”. I got it home, tuned it up to 440, played a [...]

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Construction of USA?s first large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage facility begins

The drilling of an injection well in Decatur, Illinois that will be part of the first larg...

While some see carbon capture and storage as akin to sweeping CO2 emissions under the carpet, others believe it is a necessary short-term solution in the transition to a clean energy future. Last week, ground was broken on construction of the U.S.'s first large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage (ICCS) facility that aims to demonstrate that CO2 emissions can be stored permanently in deep underground rock formations... Continue Reading Construction of USA’s first large-scale industrial carbon capture and storage facility begins

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Sierra Designs Men?s Jive Jacket Review ? Episode 229

The Sierra Designs Jive Jacket is a high end shell/jacket that is made specifically with backpacking in mind. Waterproof and breathable, the Jive Jacket features natural Cocona fabric. Pockets in the right place for backpacking, big and robust pit zips, and lots of other features.  Check out the review and be sure to visit SierraDesigns.com [...]

Source: http://campinggeartv.com/2011/08/sierra-designs-mens-jive-jacket-review-episode-229/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sierra-designs-mens-jive-jacket-review-episode-229

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