Bethel Finance: Registration Under Way for West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium

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Registration for the sixth West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium that’s being hosted by Trout Unlimited and the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition is now open.

The Symposium will be held April 27 – 28 at the Ramada Conference Center in State College. The purpose of the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration

Symposium is to promote the cleanup of abandoned mine drainage (AMD) throughout the West Branch Susquehanna watershed. This event serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information regarding AMD abatement in the region and provides an opportunity for networking among volunteers, policymakers, technical experts, students and others interested in restoring land and water impacted by AMD.

The first day of the symposium will kick off with a keynote address by John Arway, executive director of the state’s Fish and Boat Commission.

John Stefanko, deputy secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Active and Abandoned Mine Operations and Kelly Heffner, DEP deputy secretary for Water Management, will then be speaking about Utilization of AMD in Well Development for Natural Gas Extraction.

They will be followed by speakers from various state agencies, universities, non-profits and other conservation organizations that will offer a variety of presentations about new uses for AMD, innovative ideas for treatment and much more.

The second day will offer two options. The first option is a tour of AMD treatment systems. The tour will leave from the Ramada and head to the recently completed Lancashire #15 active treatment plant in the headwaters of the West Branch.

Participants will then have lunch along the shore of Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park. After lunch participants will tour the Glasgow treatment system in the Clearfield Creek sub-watershed. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but space is limited so register early.

The second option is a workshop for educators. This workshop will provide teachers with a brand new AMD curriculum geared toward middle and high school students and a hands-on learning experience that they can take back to their classroom. Teachers can earn six ACT 48 credit hours. Breakfast, lunch and training materials will be provided.