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Sunday, December 19, 1999 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Helping grouse
Trustees of the R. K. Mellon Family Foundation have allocated a second 1999 payment to the Ruffed Grouse Society as a match for special contributions from the society's membership. The most recent disbursement of $107,094 brings the foundations total donation for the year to $220,652. Another $29,348 in special member gifts will put the society at $250,000, the maximum foundation has agreed to match this year. The R. K. Mellon Family Foundation matching grant offer was one of the first major steps in the Ruffed Grouse Society's campaign to build a $6 million endowment for its conservation efforts.
Officer honored
The Pennsylvania Driving Under the Influence Association has awarded Mifflin/Huntingdon County Waterways Conservation Officer Alan Robinson its "Top Gun Award" in recognition of his record of apprehension and prosecution of alcohol/controlled substance impaired boaters. Robinson netted eight boating under the influence cases in 1999 while patrolling Raystown Lake. In addition to a plaque, the association presented Robinson with a new portable breath testing device to help him in his work.
Trails to open
The cross-country ski trails on the Erie National Wildlife Refuge, Guys Mills, Crawford County, will open on Jan. 1. Skiers have the choice of two trails, the 1.5-mile Tsuga Trail and the three-mile Deer Trail. Both trails pass through a variety of habitat, including hardwood and hemlock forests, pine plantations, marsh, brush, bottom lands and open fields. The ski trails are open only during daylight hours. Refuge regulations prohibit snowmobiling, horseback riding, unleashed dogs and campfires along the trails.
Fly-tying classes
Penn's Wood West Chapter of Trout Unlimited will conduct two 10-week beginner fly-tying classes starting January 18 at the Doorway in Avalon and Jan. 20 at the Crescent Township Municipal Building in Glenwillard. Class size is limited. For more information, call (412) 364-2412.
Fly-tying classes II
Fly Tyer's Vice, 2225 Swallow Hill Road, Pittsburgh, offering three beginner fly-tying courses, two on Jan. 16 at 1 and 6 p.m. and one on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. The classes will run for three hours each for nine weeks. There also will be a Saturday seminar and Sunday outing to Slippery Rock Creek. The cost for the courses is $40. For information or to register call Tony Marasco at (412) 278-2831.
Nature camp
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is offering a holiday nature camp for children ages six to 10, Dec. 28-30 at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Fox Chapel. The cost is $50 for Audubon members and $65 for non-members. For information, call (412) 963-6100.
Mountain bike trails
Menasha Ridge Press has just released "Mountain Bike! The Mid-Atlantic States: New York to West Virginia" by Joe Surkiewicz. The book profiles over 100 trails of all types and distances. Among them are three in Laurel Highlands near Hidden Valley and Kooser State Park: Race Loop, North Woods Ramble and Kuhntown Loop, and several in West Virginia's Canaan Valley. Major trails profiled include the 184-mile Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath. Maps and photographs illustrate the book which is available for $15.95 in bookstores or by calling Menasha Ridge Press at 1-800-247-9437, extension 152.
Snowmobile season
The winter season for snowmobiles on Allegheny National Forest opens on Monday. Changes to trails this year include the relocation of a three-mile section of trail near Kellettville and a new connector trail to the Flying W Ranch and the Whig Hill Store where snowmobilers can obtain accommodations, food and gasoline. The snowmobile hotline, 1-877-766-6253, provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources updates trail conditions on Tuesdays and Fridays. Trail information also is available on the Allegheny National Forest Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny.
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