Friends Of The Wissahickon Host Public Meeting On Trails Initiative February 23

The Friends of the Wissahickon will host a public meeting to discuss work on the Sustainable Trails Initiative set to begin in April, 2009, and continue through the fall. The meeting will take place on February 23, at the New Covenant Campus (7500 Germantown Avenue) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

 

The meeting will focus on a recap of the 2008 trail work completed near Bell’s Mill Road, and offer a preview of the upcoming 2009 trail work surrounding Devil’s Pool.

 

The 2009 project site was selected in consultation with the Fairmount Park Commission and encompasses the length of the Orange trail extending south from Valley Green Road to Livezey Lane, as well as a segment of the White trail leading from Livezey Lane toward the Cresheim Creek.

 

The section of the Orange trail slated for improvement this summer is designated as a hike-only trail by FPC and is popular with park users and in great need of repair; the White trail segment is designated as multi-use, permitting hikers, bikers and equestrians.

 

These trails and their surrounding habitats have suffered severe degradation from over-use by park visitors, worsening the impact of stormwater runoff in the area.

 

According to FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy, the 2009 project scope will include invasive plant removal along with trail work that will improve access to Devil’s Pool. The project will also increase safety for park visitors, improve the environmental sustainability of the trail, the biodiversity of the surrounding habitat, and the health of the Wissahickon Creek.

 

Those wishing to attend the meeting should register with FOW’s business manager at 215-247-0417 or send email to: office@fow.org. Those wishing to volunteer to work on the Sustainable Trails Initiative project should contact Kevin Groves at 215-247-0417 or send email to: groves@fow.org.