To see this drawing in its original quality, click HERE

County Conservation Districts Taken Out Of The Loop By DEP

By DAVID THOMPSON dthompson@sungazette.comSun Gazette
The state Department of Environmental Protection said recent changes to its policy regarding the review of sediment, erosion and stormwater control plans for gas exploration will enhance environmental safeguards.
Some environmental groups said they fear the changes will give the oil and gas industry a free pass to do as they please regarding those safeguards.
Under the new policy, county Conservation Districts will no longer review the plans. The reviews now will be done by DEP staff, according to the agency.
The department also is making plans to streamline its erosion and sediment and stormwater permitting processes as they pertain to gas drilling.
A letter from the DEP's Office of Water Management notified the agency's regional offices and Conservation Districts about the changes. More...

Cameron County Genealogy Club sponsors hike

A dozen area residents hiked into the remains of the Smokeless Powder plant and Aetna Picric plant Saturday near Route 46 outside of Emporium. Inez Jordan of Emporium looks at what is left of one of the structures. With the onset of World War I, explosives had been in great demand in Europe, giving Emporium the opportunity for growth and the nickname “Powder City." The Cameron County Genealogy Club sponsored the trek.

Cameron County Genealogy Club leader Wendy Davis takes a picture of one of the structures. With the onset of World War I, explosives had been in great demand in Europe, giving Emporium the opportunity for growth and the nickname “Powder City."

material contributed by Alex Davis

Pizza as sport? Miss. siblings competing in Italy

OXFORD — For one Oxford family, pizza is not just a culinary delight but also the center of a globally competitive sport.
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Chris Green and his sisters, Missy Green and Caroline Felker, are in Italy to take part in the World Pizza Championship, which runs Monday through Thursday. Chris Green is the U.S. Pizza Team Trainer and has been training new and upcoming recruits since 2004.

.....................David Smith II, a “renaissance” pizza man from Emporium, Pa., will be representing the United States in all categories spanning culinary, fastest pizza, largest stretch and acrobatic dough-tossing..........MORE

2009 Canoe and Kayak Classic a huge success

The 2009 Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic was a huge success. Despite cold temperatures and a biting wind, over 180 boats entered the frigid waters. More than a few didn't finish the 11 mile course, deciding to go swimming instead, but most braved the conditions all the way to the finish line at the Driftwood bridge. A big thank you to Randy Bailey and crew for once again putting together a first class event. Lots of photos at http://camconative.dotphoto.com/

PA Forests Could Provide Energy

Nearly 500 million tons of low-use wood, poor quality or damaged wood are estimated to exist in Pennsylvania's forests. The portion of this resource that is available economically could be used more extensively in an environmentally friendly way as an alternative energy resource."Pennsylvania has an exceptional opportunity to look at homegrown alternatives to meet our energy needs," said (Agriculture Secretary Dennis) Wolff. "Using renewable materials like low-use wood as fuel sources will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, keeping more of our hard-earned money at home benefiting our local communities rather than sending those dollars abroad."For more information, click HERE.

I don’t just drink water,I paddle it

The snow has melted, rivers are flowing, and the paddling season is soon upon us. Experience one of the fastest growing recreations—kayaking and canoeing—in guided fashion on one of 12 organized river sojourns this spring and summer, coordinated by the Pennsylvania Organization for Rivers and Watersheds. Immerse yourself on our greatest treasures—our waterways. Get treated like royalty on this year’s chosen queen—the middle and lower sections of the Susquehanna River, recently named Pennsylvania’s River of the Year. Explore a portion of this 103-mile section on a five-day sojourn in June, sponsored by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Enjoy the ride.