Ghost Town Trail crossing Laurel Run in Indiana County. Photo by Bob Eppley

This year's Pennsylvania Conference on Abandoned Mine Reclamation in State College is only six weeks away, but you only have until July 28 to take advantage of early registration rates. And, as they say, when the deals are gone, they're gone!

The conference's primary audience is watershed groups, particularly those who want or need some basic training or refreshers on subjects important to watershed groups. The theme is "Back to Basics" and will offer workshops on a variety of timely subjects... surely something for everyone.

The conference will be at the Atherton Hotel in State College August 24 – 26.

This is the 8th year for Pennsylvania's Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Every year it's a bit different from the year before, but always a very worthwhile event. Volunteers from around the state and from many organizations work hard to organize a conference providing relevant, useful information to those working to reclaim abandoned

mine land and waters.

The Conference will feature some special entertainment: singer-songwriter

Keith Pitzer and his wife Joan on Friday night. Keith's day-job is the executive director of the Friends of the Cheat, a very successful watershed group in northern West Virginia, but his talent most definitely extends to his music.

Now for the savings: Anyone who knows State College can tell you that $45 per night plus tax ($55 per night double occupancy) is a great rate for a State College hotel. That's what we've negotiated with the Atherton Hotel for the conference -- but that rate is good only if you register by July 28.

We've also worked hard to keep the conference fee to a bare minimum: just $50 for both days which, includes your meals.

If you wait, you will pay the hotel's regular rate and conference registration increases to $75.

So register today. Do it for the volunteers, do it for your organization, do it for yourself, do it for fish, but register today for this year's Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference.

For questions and more information, contact Bruce Golden, Regional Coordinator

Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, by sending email to: bruce@wpcamr.org or call 724-837-5271.

Session Schedule

CHANGE: The Senate returns to session September 19 and the House on September 25.

Senate Fall Schedule: September 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

October 3, 4, 16, 17, 18

House Fall Schedule:

September 25, 26, 27

October 2 (non-voting), 3, 4, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24

November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27 (non-voting)

On the Hill

· July Environmental Synopsis Now Available from Joint Conservation Committee

Other News

· Rising Nation River Journey 2006 Moves Down the Delaware August 4 to 17

· River Sojourn to Highlight “Rivers of the Year” Designation by DCNR

· Barnes & Tucker Mine Water Treatment Project Will Benefit Farmers

· French Creek Project Announces Golf Outing to Raise Needed Funds

· 2006-2007 Global ReLeaf Grant Applications Due Now, January 15

· Latest Water Monitoring Matters Newsletter Available Online from POWR

· Agencies Compile Lists of Projects Funded Under Growing Greener II

· Pittsburgh Voyager Environmental Adventure Camps Going Fast!

· PJM Region Sets New Record for Energy Use During Heat Wave

· Oil & Natural Gas Industry Help Make Low-Income Homes More Energy Efficient

· PUC Proposes Rules for Electric Suppliers Under Alternative Energy Portfolio Act

· Applications Due for Community Wind Energy Projects August 16

· August 14 Deadline for $500 Hybrid Car Rebates

· Penn State Finds Corn Waste Potentially More Than Ethanol

· Little Conservation Changes on Farms Can Make A Big Difference

· DCNR Awards $4.8 Million in PA Wilds, Recreation Trail Grants

· New Recreation Plan for the Pennsylvania Wilds Unveiled by DCNR

· Commonwealth Finance Agency OKs Agriculture, Tourism, Brownfields Grants

· PENNVEST Awards $73 Million in Water Project Grants, Loans

· 2006 Blue Ribbon Passport AgriTourism Brochure Now Available

· Game Commission Mentored Youth Hunting Program Takes Effect July 22

See & Hear

· Mayflies Cause Mayhem in Kittanning, But That’s Good News!

Environmental Heritage

· State Historical Marker to Be Dedicated at Quecreek Mine Rescue Event

Feature

· Backyard Bird Oases, By Joe Kosack, Pennsylvania Game Commission

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

7/21/2006