| Headwaters had a very active
2003. In summary, the Council initiated 13 projects and joined
statewide efforts on 5 additional projects. The Council
completed 24 projects, and in partnership with the Headwaters
Charitable Trust, completed 6 grants that totaled
$l,633,896.00. With these grant dollars, Council efforts
provided the match through local dollars and on the ground
project effort by volunteers. There are currently 17 active
grants. There are 45 active projects.
The Council office staff participated in numerous training
sessions. These training sessions have provided the
information and guidance to bring many changes in daily
operation of the Headwaters RC&D and Headwaters Charitable
Trust. To assure that we are meeting all requirements in
operation as a tax exempt organization, we have created an
"in house" checklist to keep track of yearly IRS and
Commonwealth regulatory obligations. As a result of the new
information, we will be instituting a cost allocation plan for
2004. This plan will provide the procedure for reimbursing our
indirect costs. A financial policy has been developed for
Council approval and we have updated our audit needs.
Super big project efforts that need recognition this year
include the completion of the Toby Creek Kyler Run Abandoned
Mine Drainage Treatment System. As with any field project,
there were numerous surprises, but thanks to excellent NRCS
engineers, District Conservationist Gary Swope, and local
watershed volunteers – we completed our portion of the
project.
A second super project was the construction of 5 bridges on
the SnowShoe Rail to Trail. With this we have gotten
additional money from PennDot TEA 21 funds – now totaling
$555,195.00 - to complete the safety construction on the
tunnel and viaduct, hopefully in summer of 2004.
Trailhead development will also begin this year at
Gillintown. That Pennsylvania DCNR Recreational Trails Grant
was also awarded this year for $100,000.00.
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| A third large effort has been
the feasibility study for a possible future trail from
Brockway to Brookville, continuing from Brookville toward the
Clarion River. This feasibility study has been very inclusive
and generated many partners!
The Alleghany Trail Association and the TriCounty Rails to
Trails Association have added great impetus to this project.
The two trail associations and Pennsylvania Environmental
Council have joined forces to start acquisition steps.
Headwaters can continue to work with local groups to get them
up and managing as successfully as the Snow Shoe Trail Group
and the TriCounty Rails to Trails Association. The final draft
of this feasibility study will be available in late Spring,
2004.
Agricultural efforts have included Grass Unlimited II where
10 farms have completed some construction on the best
management practices utilizing grant funds through Headwaters.
The cooperating farms were identified by NRCS and Conservation
District Offices. This partnership is invaluable in getting
anything done by Headwaters.
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
A great grazing conference was held March 4, 2003. The
Northwestern Pennsylvania Grazing Conference was Held in
DuBois Ramada Inn. Attendance was high and speakers very
successful!
We have continued to utilize students in our project work.
Work Study and AmeriCorp/Vista have provided many positions
for work experience. Though we have utilized the maximum
allowed on the AmeriCorp/Vista eligibility, we continue with
Pheaa workstudy. These have both been very successful
programs. Many of our Conservation Districts and local
partnerships employ our former Vista participants!
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