Stonycreek-Quemahoning Initiative received the 2006 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Conservation Award along with Edwin VanSant and Ron Fretts who received individual Humanitarian and Youth Mentor Awards.

The Stonycreek-Quemahoning Initiative, the collective efforts of business, political, economic, recreational and community leaders, help manage and protect a watershed of over 90 square miles and more than 5,000 acres of land now open to public use.

The Quemahoning Reservoir tract in northern Somerset County was purchased from Bethlehem Steel with the aid of a $1.5 million land acquisition grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The grant sealed the needed purchase price of $6.2 million, and in August 2000 the sale was completed to the newly formed Cambria-Somerset Authority.

The Stonycreek-Quemahoning Initiative was formed in 2003, with the aid of the Connemaugh Valley Conservancy, to provide assistance to groups planning for the responsible development of natural, cultural and historical resources.

Besides the reservoir, initiative projects in Somerset County include Greenhouse Park, Whitewater Park, and the Benson/Hollsopple Community Revitalization.

The award recognizes a grassroots movement grown from local sportsmen’s club and Trout Unlimited chapter meetings to the offices of elected state and federal officials. Joining in this bid to obtain the land and water for public use were Somerset and Cambria county commissioners, the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, and DCNR.

Howard M. Picking III, chairman of the Stoneycreek-Quemahoning Initiative, accepted the award.

Also on hand to accept individual awards were Edwin “Tiny” VanSant of Shoemakersville, who received the show’s Humanitarian Award for his work in promoting the sport of muzzle loading, and Ron Fretts of Scottsdale, recipient of the show’s Youth Mentor Award who was honored for his efforts in getting young people interested in hunting and other outdoors pursuits. (Courtesy Feb. 15 Resource, DCNR)

The Stonycreek-Quemahoning Initiative also won a 2002 Governor’s Award for Watershed Stewardship and a 2000 Three Rivers Environmental Award.

NewsClip: River Project Saluted

2/17/2006