A hulking, bleached sandstone outcropping in Fayette County, known as White Rocks, is part of a 875-acre acquisition by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The conservancy conveyed ownership of the forested tract along Chestnut Ridge to Pennsylvania's Bureau of Forestry, and it will remain open to the public for recreational use.

White Rocks provides some of the best habitat for several animal species important to Southwest Pennsylvania, including the Allegheny woodrat, timber rattlesnake, copperhead and green salamander, which is endangered in the commonwealth.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources plan to work together to maintain and increase habitat for the salamander.

A popular White Rocks hiking path has been officially designated Pine Knob Trail. The site includes Redstone Canyon and the White Rocks formation, known for its high quartz content. With a steep face that rises from 1,400 feet to 2,100 feet, White Rocks is well known among local rock climbers.

Bassmasters plans tournament

Washington, Pa. Bassmasters will host the 21st annual Big Bass Buddy Tournament Aug. 18 at Cross Creek Lake in Washington County.

The entry fee is $70 and entry forms can e downloaded from www.washingtonpabassmasters.com.

Roddy Award winners

Several nonprofit groups that promote area waterways were lauded with 2006-2007 Roddey Awards.

Accolades went to Venture Outdoors, Friends of the Riverfront, Pennsylvania Cleanways of Allegheny County, Point of Pittsburgh Sailing League and Visit Pittsburgh.

The awards are sponsored by Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta, which awarded grants to the winners recognizing their efforts in promoting regional rivers as recreational resources.