Spring 2010 The somewhat regular publication of the Mid SPRING 2010 State Association. www.hike-mst.org Brushwhacker installation along with contingent wa- The MSTA Voices tershed and habitat degradation, water Important Its Concern About withdrawal and 'frac' disposal issues, Information for and concerns regarding water table con- Gas Drilling in Our tamination and air and noise pollution all Mid State Trail need to be closely examined. State Forests "In the past year the Mid State Trail Maintainers by Ed Lawrence has received recognition for the quality By Ed Lawrence The following was sent in late Janu- of experience that it offers to hikers from Each year the Mid State Trail Asso- ary to our state senators and appeared regional, statewide and national publi- ciation enrolls in DCNR's Conservation in over a dozen newspapers across the cations. We fear that the dramatic and Volunteer Program on behalf of all our state as a "letter to the editor", making unprecedented increase in the numbers trail maintainers. This very important the MSTA one of and locations of areas leased for gas program, which was authorized by the the first organiza- extraction on public lands poses a real Conservation and Natural Resources tions to publicly and serious threat to just that "quality of Act of 1995, states that volunteers in voice concern over experience" available to, and most valued the program are to be treated as DCNR the impact of gas by, hikers and other traditional forest employees for the purposes of workers' drilling on our users across the spectrum of outdoor compensation and general liability. If state forest sys- recreation. you are injured while doing trail work for tem. DCNR has "We suggest that rather than leasing the Mid State Trail Association this law said that with the more public lands for development, the provides you with certain specific medi- amount of state enactment of a reasonable severance cal benefits. forest land currently under lease, they tax on gas extraction, which would bring In order to comply with the law volun- expect to see over 1000 new wells devel- in line with every other teers must sign and complete two sepa- oped. state that hosts a viable gas industry, rate forms on a yearly basis. If you are "Our all volunteer organization, The would be a more appropriate and sus- a trail overseer, your Regional Manager Mid State Trail Association, is dedicated tainable way for the state to achieve will be contacting you with additional to building, maintaining, protecting and a just compensation from this natural information about these forms. It is very promoting Pennsylvania's longest and resource. This sensible approach would important that you take the time to fill wildest trail. The majority of the protect our state forest ecosystem from out these forms and return them to the Mid State Trail's 334 miles of treadway further compromise as well as help to Mid State Trail Association. is located on public lands and traverses minimize the negative impacts on tradi- some of the state's most scenic and tional outdoors recreation and the many remote areas. We are, therefore, un- people in the commonwealth who enjoy derstandably alarmed at the scope and it." pace of the current gas lease programs that have been mandated within our state forest system. "We strongly believe that, at a mini- mum, there needs to be a careful and thorough assessment of the full range of short term impacts and long term conse- quences to the forest ecology itself, and on traditional recreational opportunities, of the leases already in place before more state forest acreage is offered for gas exploration. The implications of for- est fragmentation resulting from pad site clearing, road construction and pipeline 2 BRUSHWHACKER Spring 2010 - The somewhat regular publication of the Mid State Trail Association.

A History of the Mid State Trail - The Central Allegheny Trail by Scott Adams that a bridge would be built near Tea The initial plan was to utilize the Back in the early 60’s, the 50 mile Spring at the western end of Sugar Val- state forest roads for most of the trail hike craze was spreading across the na- ley that would cross over Interstate 80. through Rothrock. These roads would tion, even affecting the students of Penn This bridge is used today by the MST as it be linked by short sections of trail along State. Several hikes were organized, but crosses over route I80. with three new sections of trail that as there were no real trail systems near Another hurdle encountered was would have to be cleared. State College, these hikes were mostly the connection of the Central Allegheny In the summer of 1969, after what done on state forest roads. It was dur- Trail with the Loyalsock Trail. In order to seemed an eternity of exploring for pos- ing this time that Dr. Boon Sumantri reach the Loyalsock Trail, the trail would sible routes, it was time to start putting conceived the idea of a long trail running have to cross the Susquehanna River. the Central Allegheny Trail on the ground. through the Seven Mountains. This could be accomplished by using the In anticipation of state approval, the Out- In 1966, Dr. Sumantri proposed a route PA 405 bridge, and then following ing Club began to stockpile tools during ridge-top hiking trail, the Central Allegh- the Muncy Trail up towards the Loyalsock the spring and summer. eny Trail. He founded the Central Alleghe- Trail. However, older maps showed the The proposed trail route was ap- ny Trail Hikers and had many meetings at Muncy Trail crossing private land. This proved during the summer of 1969. After his house to discuss his proposal. It was land was owned by PA Department of consulting with the district forester, the during 1966 that Dr. Thomas Thwaites Corrections and was the location of the only changes made to the plan was to attended one of these meetings and be- state prison for women. This put an end use orange paint instead of white paint came a member of the Central Allegheny to any ideas of having the Central Allegh- to blaze the trail, as white paint was be- Trail Hikers. eny Trail meet up with the Loyalsock Trail. ing used to mark the forest boundaries. The proposed trail, roughly sketched In August of 1967, Dr. Thwaites went The orange blazes were to be diamond out on 15 minute topo maps hanging on to England on sabbatical leave. When shape, similar to metal tag trail markers Dr. Sumantri’s living room wall, started at he returned a year later he was disap- used by the Outing Club some fifteen the Colerain Picnic Area along Route PA pointed to discover that no further prog- years earlier. The day for the first real 45. The other proposed trailhead was to ress had been made with the trail. Dr. trail clear, and the birth of the Mid State be at a roadside rest on route US 15, just Sumantri had developed a severe case Trail was rapidly approaching. south of Williamsport. The plan, at least of rheumatism that kept him from hiking. at the northern trailhead, was to connect Other members of the CATHs had de- the Central Allegheny Trail to the Loyal- veloped other interests. Dr. Thwaites re- Trail Maintenance sock Trail. turned to discover that not an inch (nor a Events on the MST In 1967, Sumantri began exploring a millimeter) of the trail had been cleared route for the trail by consulting with vari- or marked, and only a fraction of the trail by Ed Lawrence ous state forest officials. The first hurdle route had been determined. The Keystone Association will encountered along the proposed trail During the brief life of the Central Al- be sponsoring two more trail cares and route was Interstate 80. It was learned legheny Trail Hikers, the Cabin and Trail Division of the Penn State Outing Club one trail crew on the Mid State Trail this became involved. It was the Penn State year. The July trail care, 9-11, will be in Outing Club that continued exploring a the Tioga region camping at Ives Run route for the trail, and again Dr. Thwaites overflow at Hammond Lake, contact became involved with this latest group to Pete Fleszar [email protected] and the develop the Central Allegheny Trail. August trail care, 13-15, will be in the The Penn State Outing Club soon Woolrich region camping at Ravensburg realized that the original route proposed State Park, contact Joe Healey jnlhea- by Dr. Sumantri was too much to tackle, [email protected]. A week long trail crew will so they focused on the route through the be held in the Everett region from June . It was close to 22-27 camping at Tenley Park with all State College but presented formidable meals provided. Deb Dunkle (dhdunkle@ problems as most of the original trails in embarqmail.com) will be leading the the area were perpendicular to the pro- crew but you must pre-register with Ed posed Central Allegheny Trail. Lawrence ([email protected]). BRUSHWHACKER Spring 2010 - The somewhat regular publication of the Mid State Trail Association. 3

out onto State College while taking the Hiking the MST stuff out of our shoes. Near Jo Hays The next time we go there, we will BRUSHWHACKER Spring 2010, Published make a sign for Campbell Trail and put it by Mid State Trail Association, PO Box at the end of the trail so that people can 885, Huntingdon, PA 16652. Free to Vista all members and friends of the MSTA. by Adam Bucynski find their way! POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mid State Trail Association, PO Box 885, Adam is the 7-year old son of MSTA Huntingdon, PA 16652. Copyright 2010 Treasurer, Kirk Bucynski. As part of a State of the by Mid State Trail Association. All rights reserved. homeschool project and also as a scrap- Treasury book kind of thing, Adam is keeping a log by Kirk Bucynski of all the hikes he and his Dad do. Here is trail report of a recent hike on the MST Account balances as of 4/10/10 are from Adam's perspective. CONTACT THE MID STATE TRAIL ASSOCIATION as follows: Money Market Checking Ac- For additional information about the Mid count $42,567.60 and YCB Savings Ac- State Trail Association, the Mid State Trail, We got to the trailhead at about a count $7,236.00. or any articles written in this newsletter, quarter after 9. The weather was fairly When our one year CD with First please send all inquires (via postal or cold but beautiful and very sunny. We National Bank matured in early March, I electronic mail) to: said “hi” to some guys watching for rap- called the bank to get new rates. I was tors that were coming back north. At Mid State Trail Association going to renew the CD into a slightly lon- PO Box 885 the top, we passed the sign for Campbell ger term to get a better rate; but when I Huntingdon, PA 16652 Trail and went on to the Indian Steps went into the bank to do the paperwork, [email protected] Trail. It actually didn’t have any steps I found the bank had failed to update PRESIDENT there. At the bottom of Indian Steps, the authorized signers on either one of Ed Lawrence we walked on Kepler Road. We couldn’t the CD's we had with them. Only one [email protected] find the sign for Campbell Trail. When current officer was still on the accounts VICE-PResident we got to the power line, we knew that and it was going to be a major hassle to Tom Kelliher we hiked too far. We went back to try to get things fixed. I contacted the rest of [email protected] find Campbell Trail but still couldn’t find it the MSTA officers and we made the deci- and so we hiked an extra mile. Then, we Secretary sion to just close both the CD's into our chose to go up over the power line. It was Scott Adams checking account for now and look at [email protected] a good thing that we didn’t choose to go other options this spring. The CD rates in the summer because the ferns would treasurer were so low that we really are not losing have been up to my neck! Kirk Bucynski that much interest just letting the funds We said “hi” again to the guys who [email protected] in our Money Market Checking Account were still looking for raptors! We got Regional Managers and we have easy access to them. I will back to the car, sat on the bench to look Deb Dunkle - Everett Region keep everyone updated on my progress [email protected] in this area. Thomas Thwaites - State College Region Kevin Busko - State College Region [email protected] Joe Healey - Woolrich Region [email protected] Peter Fleszar - Tioga Region [email protected]

Membership Membership in the Mid State Trail Associa- tion runs from January 1st to December 31st. Individual and Family membership dues are $10. Lifetime membership dues are $200. Trail overseers are also needed for sections of the trail. Please contact one of the regional managers if you have inter- est becoming a trail overseer.

© 2010 Mid State Trail Association. All rights reserved. 4 BRUSHWHACKER Spring 2010 - The somewhat regular publication of the Mid State Trail Association.

KTA has scheduled a weekend Tail- Care on August 13 to 15 for a Woolrich In The Regions.... Region section. Camping will be a Ra- vensburg State Park. Hope you see you there. with this task. Turn off that television, get State College off the internet and get out there on the Everett Region trail. Being a trail overseer can be one Region by Deb Dunkle of the most satisfying and healthy activi- by Tom Thwaites and Kevin Busko ties you will be proud of doing. Right now Trail Awareness Student and March Trail Care there are several opportunities in the Mentor Program by REI and MSTA Three sections were worked on State College Region. Please check out We held the February work day with during the March Trail Care. Mountain http://hike-mst.org/overseeropp.html for Herb Brambley presenting his informa- Laurel and other brush were cut in a current listing. tion about the Iditarod sled dog race Greens Valley but a days worth of cutting competition in Alaska. Herb, an MST remains. Long Mountain was cleared overseer from Breezewood, PA was se- from Eagle Trail junction to US 322, but Woolrich Region lected as the Target Teacher of the Trail. the overlook remains to be brushed out. In this national competition for teachers, by Joe Healey Poe Paddy reloca- Herb was selected for his specialty in tion was opened On a really nice sunny day towards Environmental Education and Computer for business and the end of March, our newest overseer, Technology. His twenty minute presen- old signs adjust- Diane Buscarini, rounded up a crew of six tation turned into two hours of Alaskan ed as required. maintenance deprived souls to soak up history of the Iditarod, current racers, Geriatric Trail the great weather up in Blackwell. Diane junior championship races, and demo of crew worked from took over the first (or last) section of the his lesson plans from the TOTT. After raf- R. B. Winter to Mid State Trail in the northern end of the fling REI gifts, the crowd of 80 went out Oley Camp Trail Woolrich Region. The crew started their onto the snow covered golf course and and from top of Shriner Mountain to Cin- day at the river runners parking lot, con- watched Herb demonstrate his 4 sled der Pile spring. Much of this section was tinued up and over Gillespie Point, which dogs. Herb was able to show his hand- reblazed and brush was cut on top of is called the Matterhorn of Pennsylvania made sled, how to harness, and how to Shriner Mountain. At this time we don't by Tom Thwaites, and worked down to take care of the dogs We followed Herbs know of any area that requires work to Big Run Road. Those in the crew were Di- blog from Alaska for about a month: he be reopened after last winter's ice and ane, Bob Boettger, Joe and Lorraine Hea- had the experience of a lifetime. You wind storms. ley, Bob Mercando and Dave Walp. They can learn more about Herb's experience got that section in great shape by lopping under "Teachers" at http://www.iditarod. Trail Overseers Needed and applying a fresh coat of paint, finish- com. Keeping in mind that the Mid State ing by 3:00PM.Then all went for short Our March work day was held on Trail is volunteer maintained, it is up to hike up the old Mid State Trail, now the March 20, 2010, first day of vernal equi- us, the hikers and backpackers who use Bohen Trail, to check out the steps and nox: we went looking for wood pixies! We the MST to make sure the trail is still sidehill work the KTA Summer Trail Crew found 9 trail maintainers and 1 student. here for future generations. In case you built about five years ago. Everything The weather cooperated with tempera- are not aware, each section of the trail looks great and a Mid State Trail group is tures in the upper 50’s as we placed a has a volunteer that oversees its main- still going to take care of that section up car below Dunkard Path, Hall Farm then tenance. The overseer is responsible for to the . proceeded to the Civil War trenches monitoring the conditions on his or her For any overseer that needs help on the Snake Spring side of the Tussey section of trail and taking action to keep with their section, it is only a phone call Mountain. We started off with the civil the trail open. Maintaining a section or e-mail away. Let me know. I can get war history information to all then hiked does not require a huge time commit- a crew to help. I do have two sections back to the trail head. Rev Jack showed ment; it may only take two days a year. that need overseers. If you are willing up with his chain saw. He took two work- The Mid State Trail Association provides to adopt a section, that would be great. ers with him, and the others (Chuck, a valuable support organization and can Again, same applies, if help is needed at Wife, brother David , friend, Susan, provide many of the tools required. If you any time with that section, I can muster Jacob, Jane, Jonathan and Abby, and are not comfortable using a chainsaw or up a crew to help. Jake and myself) proceeded on up the power tool contact the regional manager and they can put you in contact with an- other overseer who would help you out BRUSHWHACKER Spring 2010 - The somewhat regular publication of the Mid State Trail Association. 5

trail with loppers, hand saws and grass KTA Trail Crew Week June 22-27 and Pennsylvania Game Commission whips. We were able to clean up the The former manager, John Stein, contacts. Bossman Joe thought our path, look for possible camp sites then will lead up the construction of new trail evening activity of bluegrass may not finished with the history of the Dunkard behind the Blue Triangle Hardwoods. be topped but the peepers are singing, Path. We built a cairn at the top of the After many years of working with the warm air is floating thru the park - just Dunkard Path so that the turn would be hardwoods company and the PA Game need the fireflies then Jake and I will be more visible to hikers. The cleanup and Commission, John finally received notice ready for trail crew 2010! hike was done early and all declared fun that the new relocation punched in by was had by all! Tom Scully was approved. John will Susan Higgins and myself scouted need a full crew possibly all week on this Tioga Region out the Snake Spring side of the Dunkard section. We were very glad to obtain by Peter Fleszar Path and also went up past Greenawalts approval of both the hardwood company A local hiker reported a trail block- to check on the access and trail further and the PGC. This will get the trail closer age on private land this winter and to the south. James Greenawalt has new into Everett instead of the road walk thanks to some quick detective work blue side trail blazes painted to make it around the valley. by Daryl Warren it was found that the easy to the top. The road was surpris- From last year, there were sections electric company's tree trimming crew ingly dry: not muddy for the most part. At that got worked thru one day but really had left a slash pile across the trail. the very end of the day, we both sighted needed more. This will be the time to Thanks to Daryl for clearing that up, and a cute brown pixie in the trunk of a tree – give those areas more TLC. Most of these a reminder to all that if you encounter a no it wasn’t Jake! This was prep work to areas are hard to access in one day but problem in your hike on MST, please let get ready for KTA Trail Crew week in June. with more time, general maintenance us know! Trail Scouting and Geocaching and painting of blazes are needed. We We have heard from one person hope to add the signs John Stein, Chris Dunlap, and Shirley about mowing but we could probably use once the forestry and game commission Lentz showed up late Tuesday, March one or two more volunteers to assist with approve. 23rd to scout out the Everett region for this task as many hands make light work. The camp will be set in Tenley Park, possible State Game Lands camping Remember July 9-11 KTA Trail Care Everett, PA again this year. Primitive sites. Early Wednesday morning, they will be returning to Ives Run Recreation camping, with showers for fellows at the met Susan Higgins and worked from Area at Hammond Lake, again many Everett High School, just 5 minutes up Rainsburg northward to Everett marking hands make light work. over the hill. Showers for gals will be downed trees, briars, water, signs, camp at the Everett Church of the Brethren sites and vistas. Shirley and John were as well as the homemade meals by the resident experts to GPS the sites. MSTA LifeTime the church ladies. These meals were The next day Debra was the substitute the highlight of last year's trail crew - Members for Susan as we went from Loysburg to homemade cake, pies, cookies plus Martinsburg Rt 164. This will not only as- jellies for morning biscuits. The ladies Tom and Barbara Thwaites sist for possible camp sites but will give a are looking forward to making food treats Jean and Gert Aron good idea of what kind of work crews will and are already calculating what to make William and Shirley Gross need to be available in June 2010 work for more "oohs and aahs" for our crew Greg & Deborah Grove week. Somehow Shirley and Laverne members. Don't forget to sign up early at John Stein found time to do 4 different geocaches the KTA website, http://www.kta-hike.org. Eric Freed in the dark and rainy evenings. Shirley is I hope to wrap up the year long Ed Lawrence such a diehard that after her two days student and mentor program at Thomas Kelliher of lengthy scout trips, she had time to this year's trail crew. I have asked Thomas Bastian geocache to the Loysburg flagpole by that students and mentors make a Rodney and Karen Hershberger bushwhacking through the Loysburg commitment of at least one day. Last Debby & Paul Meade rocks straight up to the pole. Getting year we enjoyed the camaraderie of Andrea Commaker close to 6pm we were ready to call out landowners one evening. Charles and Burgess Smith the search and rescue team not knowing Sara Jane Williams even jumped up to Harry Felton where Shirley was. She showed up tired, assist Tom with putting together one Debra Dunkle but happy as she found another cache! of his signs. Since this is a benefit to Kevin and Mary Busko Word is – go with another – don’t deviate our community, I hope to extend our Daniel Styer from the path – it wont give Laverne a thanks to our Marc and Pam Reese heart stopping scare this way! Betty Cambell Jan Unneberg Mid State Trail Association PO Box 885 Place Huntington, PA 16652 Postage Here.

Join us for our next MSTA meeting on June 26th at Tenley Park in

Everett, PA. www.hike-mst.org

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BRUSHWHACKER Spring 2010 - The somewhat regular publication of the Mid State Trail Association. Trail State Mid the of publication regular somewhat The - 2010 Spring BRUSHWHACKER 6