 |
|
The Keystone Hiker - July 2016
|
|
Prowl the Sproul with KTA!
Join us in Renovo: camping and camaraderie, feasts at every meal, and hikes on the many trails in the stunning Sproul State Forest! Read the hike schedule (you can sign up in advance once you register) by following the link below.
|
|
KTA is seeking submissions for our 2016 Fall Photo Contest. Please e-mail your favorite autumn photo of a Pennsylvania hiking trail to [email protected] by 10 PM on August 15, 2016.
There is no limit on photographs included in the contest, but entry is limited to 2 photos per person.
Keep Reading...
|
A letter from Joe Neville, KTA Executive Director
On April 21, 2016, Representative Brian Ellis (R-Butler) introduced HB 2013 known as the Conservation and Natural Resources Act, providing for the Public-Private State Park Partnership Pilot Program. The legislation as originally proposed would create a politically appointed board to oversee DCNR's Public-Private Partnerships including possible development of facilities such as amusement parks, golf courses, hotels, office buildings and other facilities on our state parks.
Learn more...
|
Keystone Trails Association and Conservation Community Oppose House Bill 2013
"The undersigned members of the environmental and conservation community write to express our strong opposition to House Bill 2013...[It] would have a profound negative impact on how the Commonwealth's award winning park system is managed and potentially lead to significant environmental degradation of our public lands."
Read more and see who signed on...
|
|
On Monday, the recipients of KTA's Action Alerts mailing list got the opportunity to reach their elected officials to speak out against HB2013, and HB 2188 (which would require that four golf courses be built in PA State Parks).
|
by Joe Neville
At approximately 6:50 PM, on June 28th, the emails, phone calls and letters from KTA and all of the groups involved led to the defeat of HB 2013! This very misguided and unwanted piece of legislation was defeated by your efforts on a vote of 77-123.
The coalition of groups opposed to this legislation then sent the
following thank you letter (dated June 29) to the legislators who stood with us and opposed this bill.
|
by Joe Neville
At the time of this writing it seemed like we had been victorious... However, as the voting ended on the evening of the 28th, the House implemented a procedural maneuver which allows the bill to be reconsidered.
For regular updates on this issue, check Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonetrails/
|
|
Letter from the Admin,
Many years ago I was hiking in Zion National Park, Utah. The trail was rocky in a granite sheet sort of way. There were telltale markings from dynamite where stairs had been blasted to ease our climb. I heard a woman behind me say, "Isn't it amazing that they found this trail way out here in the middle of the mountains?" I chuckled because, to me, the trail had obviously been built. The Civilian Conservation Corps built that trail and many others in the park.
Now that I'm at KTA, the memory informs and inspires my work. Trail maintainers should be recognized for their magic. As more people come to KTA's Mechanicsburg office inquiring about hiking and how to access the trails, I know that first they will learn to love the footpaths of Pennsylvania. Then, thanks to our incredible network of clubs, advocacy groups, and conservancies, the curtain will be lifted. The new hikers will learn about the gift of service-how it improves the experiences of all and is a font of pride for the volunteers providing accessible trails.
How? Simple. We welcome them and share stories. We offer opportunities for everyone to chip in, reminding ourselves that not everyone knows it takes loppers to clear the way, and word will spread.
Happy Trails!
Sara
|
|
KTA is all about hiking trails. We hike 'em, we run 'em, we build 'em, we take care of 'em. Since 1956, KTA volunteers have dedicated their time, money, and collective energy to the state's hiking trails.
We welcome you to become a volunteer trail maintainer with KTA and join one of the many events we've scheduled throughout the next few months. Read more please!
|
|
Free T-Shirt and Picnic Ticket for all "Super" Volunteers!
Want to cheer on those amazing 25k/50k trail runners and hikers while helping KTA pull off its biggest annual event?
Keep reading...
or sign up NOW.
|
|
The Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Advisory Committee
Has an Open Seat
The PA AT Committee advises the Secretary of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in matters relating to the Appalachian Trail. If you're interested in serving on this committee, please email [email protected]. Thank you!
|
|
by Jim Foster
If you've been watching TV in south-central Pennsylvania lately, you may have seen a familiar face. ABC27 has produced a series of public service announcements (PSAs) called Take a Hike. See More...
|
Once again, Keystone Trails Association is offering preview hikes along the 25k and 50k courses. These hikes are perfect for training, learning the course, or deciding if you really want to try the whole 50k!
Read more...
|
Looking for another incentive? This year, all participants get a tech t-shirt, but just the finishers receive this medallion! You asked, and we listened. Then we went a step further: this is real, carved wood, to remind you of the natural beauty of the trails in Pennsylvania and the
mission of the Keystone Trails Association.
|
|
KTA is moving forward with designing and producing patches representing trails that currently do not have patches. So far we have designed patches for the Chuck Keiper Trail, the Donut Hole Trail and the Quehanna Trail - check them out in the KTA store.
|
|
Keystone Trails Association's 100-Mile Trail Challenge
Dream big! There's still time. Inspire others, raise funds for a worthy cause, get fit (or fitter) and make lifelong memories. How? Attempt our 100-Mile Trail Challenge! The KTA's annual 100-Mile Trail Challenge recognizes hikers that complete 100 miles or more of eligible Pennsylvania hiking trails between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016.
Click here for information.
|
by Jeff Mitchell, KTA Board of Directors
I love the Loyalsock. The Loyalsock State Forest is 115,000 acres of Appalachian bliss with its gorges, waterfalls, ponds, streams, vistas, whitewater, swimming holes, big rocks, numerous trails, deep woods, and superb camping. Keep reading...
|
|
by Ed Lawrence, KTA Trail Care Chair
...Dedicated and experienced volunteers Kathy Sieminski, Rick Stibgen, Tony Robbins, Tom Bastian, and Ed Lawrence put the TSTS on their priority list for 2016, and their efforts have had a significant, positive impact on the trail. Keep Reading...
|
|
KTA Work Week on the North Country Trail
by John Stehle
Because of muddy conditions, we spent 3 days putting together a nice mix of trail reroutes in the West Sunbury area, Butler County. In addition, we spent 2 days repairing some trails with switchbacks and improved treadways in State Game Land (SGL) 95 in the Parker area, Armstrong County.
Keep reading...
|
by Jim Foster, KTA Board of Directors, Secretary
We've accomplished a lot since we reported in the May Keystone Hiker that KTA has officially taken over the Lehigh Gap section of the Appalachian Trail (AT), near the town of Palmerton and straddling Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties.
|
Standing Stone Trail - Trail of the Year!
by Dan Glass, Standing Stone Trail Club
Not only is the Standing Stone Trail a survivor, but it's established a place in the pantheon of Pennsylvania's hiking trails due in large part to the Old-Timers, the great trail maintainers of the past and present.
|
KTA's newest member club's "goal is to inspire women in their trail running, outdoors adventures, wellness, and life goals, through trail runs, programs, and events."
|
|
(If you represent a member club and would like your event posted here, on the KTA website, or on our Facebook page, please email me about it at [email protected])
July 28: CVATC and ATC-MARO: Hiker Happy Hour, 6:00 PM, Allenberry Resort Inn, Boiling Springs
October 14-16: KTA Fall Hiking and Meeting Weekend, Emlenton, Clarion County
|
|
2 Ways to Shop and Support Keystone Trails Association
KTA publishes and sells maps, guidebooks, books, and patches related to hiking trails inPennsylvania. Members receive at least a 10% discount!
Or- choose KTA when you shop on Amazon Smile. Click the ad to sign up. It doesn't cost
you any extra: Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Keystone Trails Association.
|
|
|
Newsletter Submissions
This newsletter is published monthly by Keystone Trails Association. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Opinions expressed are those of the listed authors. The Editor encourages submissions reflecting all viewpoints, but reserves the right to edit material. You are encouraged to submit material (even just a trail closing or care alert!) to the Program Administrator, Sara Haxby, at [email protected]. The deadline for newsletter submissions is the 15th of the prior month. Submissions received after that time will be considered for the next month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
