DONATED ISLANDS TO BECOME PART OF STATE FOREST SYSTEM

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY – April 21, 2006 – PPL, Inc. donated several islands in the main stem of the Susquehanna River to the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. The islands, south of Sunbury, near Shamokin Dam, will be transferred from the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Bureau of Forestry (see map).

NPC worked with PPL on this project over the past several years. “This project is a great example of why we formed the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy,” said Board Chairman Dr. George A. Durrwachter. “Our staff worked with PPL on the donation, and at the same time worked with project partners to secure the funding to cover the cost of appraisals, legal fees, recording fees, and all those other things it takes to get a project done. I'm glad we could be here to coordinate this effort and secure these islands for the public to use and enjoy.”

PPL, Inc. purchased the islands at the time it was constructing the electric generating plant in Shamokin Dam. At that time, the largest island was being farmed. Now, the islands are a mix of trees, shrubs, and non-native invasive plants.

Local paddlers and fishermen who spend time on the river south of the Fabridam, probably know the islands well. The common names are Byer's Island, Big Island, Calf Island, Fishing Island, Little Sugar Island, and Big Sugar Island.

Once transferred to the Bureau of Forestry, the islands will be managed as part of the State Forest system. This will allow a portage trail to be built, providing canoeists, kayakers, and others an opportunity to carry their boats safely around the dam at the power generating plan. The islands will also provide a place for boaters and fishermen to stretch their legs or eat lunch.

These islands total over 225 acres and are a great example of how various Susquehanna River related efforts are combining to enhance the river and the communities along its banks. This project ties together the recreational benefits the river provides to canoeists, boaters, fishermen, and hunters with the educational research being done on the river's water quality and its tributaries impact. “By giving these islands to the conservancy, PPL is pleased to support preservation and recreational uses of the river,” said Robert J. Barkanic, director of Environmental Management for PPL Corporation.

An effort that is both recreational and conservation oriented is the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. The group is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) advocating for Susquehanna Greenway development in Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna Greenway is a developing land and water corridor encompassing the Susquehanna River and the West Branch Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania. It links cities, towns, and suburbs with natural areas, working forests and countryside. The greenway creates new opportunities for active and healthy living through land and water trails that connect people with nature and with the cultural heritage of the Susquehanna region.

"The vision for the Susquehanna Greenway is to create connections between people and the resources of the Susquehanna River.  The acquisition of Byers Island will allow improved recreational use of the river and create better river trail connections between the river towns of our region.  This is a great day for the conservation of the Susquehanna River and the Susquehanna Greenway," explained Brian Auman, with the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. 

This section of the river is part of the Susquehanna River Water Trail – Main Stem, a 51 mile water trail between Sunbury and Harrisburg where canoeists, kayakers, and other boaters can experience the Susquehanna River. This section of water trail was established in 1998 to promote environmentally-responsible recreation on the Susquehanna River and its islands and encourage resource awareness, stewardship, and conservation by river users. The trail is managed by the Susquehanna River Trail Association (a non-profit organization) in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the National Park Service – Chesapeake Gateways and Water Trails Program. Information on the Susquehanna River Water Trail Association can be found at www.susquehannarivertrail.org. Recently, Brady Stroh, First Co-President of the SRTA said, “Canoe camping on a river island is an unforgettable experience. It is the perfect outing for a family or a small group of friends,” Stroh added.

One of the environmental and conservation groups at work on and along the river is the Susquehanna River Wetlands Trust. SRWT was established to protect the environment, encourage research and educate the public about the value of wetlands along the Susquehanna River. It is a sister organization to the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association. SRWA spends time throughout the year banding geese with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, conducting spring waterfowl counts, observing and monitoring collared geese, as well as holding a spring and fall outing for waterfowlers.

SRWA and SRWT provided financial support to help offset costs associated with the transaction. Jason Nye, President of the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association commented, "The SRWT and the SRWA are honored to assist in the preservation of Byers Island. The action and contributions by all persons and organizations involved has showed the drive set forth by those who are still dedicated to guaranteeing wildlife habitat for the future."

The Susquehanna River Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies (SRHCES) is a newly formed watershed organization whose geographic focus is the entire Susquehanna River West Branch watershed and the lower portion of the North Branch watershed in Pennsylvania. At present, SRHCES partners include representatives from seven academic institutions (Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Susquehanna University, Bucknell University, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, Kings College, Lycoming College, and Mansfield University of Pennsylvania), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, SEDA-COG, The Forum for Pennsylvania's Heartland, and Geisinger Health System.

One SRHCES partner, Dr. Jack Holt of Susquehanna University, has utilized the eastern edge of Byer's Island for a number of years in his research. Dr. Holt and his students are examining the impact of Shamokin Creek on the river, and use Byer's Island as a reference point. “At first, we looked only at the eastern channel.  However, for the past two years, we have attempted to sample both channels of the Susquehanna with Byer's Island in the middle of the transect.“

The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy is a non-profit, regional, land conservation organization whose mission is to conserve the working lands and identifying waters in this area. NPC formed in 1990 and has conserved over 9,000 acres since that time. More information about NPC, how you can help, and what types of land conservation are available can be found at www.npcweb.org, or by calling 570-323-6222.