Updates on our 2017 CCWA Activities
Our activities will celebrate the Allegheny River as the 2017 PA River of the Year!
May 8 – Water Well and Septic Workshop for Rural Landowners
People often move to the “country” without realizing that they are now responsible for the safety and maintenance of their own water and waste water systems. Most have no idea what that entails. Some don’t even know where their well and septic are located on their property. This a workshop for the homeowner with practical information about what the systems consist of, how to inspect and maintain these systems, and when to call a specialist. Every rural landowner should have this information.
There will be two workshops and both will cover water systems and waste water systems. One will run from 1- 3 pm and will be held at the Jamestown Audubon’s Community Nature Center on 1600 Riverside Drive. The second workshop will be held at the Jefferson Defrees Center, 207 Second St, in Warren from 6-8 pm.
Pre-registration will be required. CLICK HERE to use online registration form.
The speaker is Bryan Swistock. Mr. Swistock is a Water Resources Extension Specialist in the College of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at Penn State University. He received a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Environmental Pollution Control from Penn State University. For the past 29 years he has conducted research, teaching and extension programs on emerging water resources issues throughout Pennsylvania. Over the past ten years, Bryan has focused on projects related to the proper construction, testing and management of rural drinking water supplies. He has authored numerous referred journal articles and presented hundreds of educational programs on drinking water issues.
Topics will include description of wells, springs and cisterns; proper construction and protection of water supplies; testing and interpretation; water treatment and solving water problems; types of septic systems; typical regulations and maintenance; causes of failures; fixing septic system problems. Light refreshments will be served, and participants will receives some information to take home as well as a discount coupon for drinking water testing at Penn State Water Lab.
May 20 – Chautauqua Lake Cleanup
Preregistration is required. Click the Chautauqua Lake Cleanup Registration Tab at the top of this page to register now!
Chautauqua Cleanup Celebrates PA River of the Year
The Conewango Creek Watershed Association, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, and Chautauqua County Soil & Water Conservation District announce plans for the Third Chautauqua Lake Cleanup. The Annual Cleanup will be held Saturday, May 20, 2017 with registration at 8 am. Preregistration is required for the event. Participants could be on the water or going to their on-land sites by 9 am and the event will end by 3 pm. Participants are asked to meet at the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association at 9 Chadakoin Street, Celoron, NY. This event is part of the 2017 PA River of the Year celebrations for the Allegheny River, as it is a receiving water for Chautauqua Lake.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Volunteers can work on-land or on-water. Volunteers are required to sign a waiver, check-in and check-out at the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association in Celoron, NY. Preregistration is required. Volunteers can go to CLICK HERE to register online. Click on the tab towards the top of the page labeled “Chautauqua Lake Cleanup Registration” and complete the form. Registrations will ensure there will be enough food and boats. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Waivers for children must be signed by their parent or legal guardian. For quicker registration, please print them out ahead of time, fill them out completely and bring them with you to the event. CLICK HERE to print the waivers. If you wish, you can scan and email the completed forms to info@conewangocreek.org. Volunteers can participate in the entire event or any portion of it.
Coffee and doughnuts will be provided in the morning and a hot dog lunch will be provided at 1 pm by the Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association. We will be out rain or shine so please dress for the weather. Only stormy weather will cause the event to be canceled or have a delay in the starting time. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Other desired items to bring would be a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain coat, warm layers, water and snacks as well as any medications, you may need. Gloves and plastic bags will be provided. Be prepared to get wet and muddy.
Boats will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot guarantee a boat for everyone. So early registration is recommended if you want to borrow a boat.
Other sponsors and partners of this event are Bestway Container, Chautauqua Lake Fishing Association, Chautauqua Lake Association, Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance, Cornplanter Council of Boy Scouts of America, Evergreen Outfitters, Hands-On Jamestown, and Rock of WNY.
May 21
Water Safety Training– Details to be announced. This will be a limited registration event with priority going to CCWA Members first. Any open slots, if any, will be offered to the public later. The attendees will receive a wallet card stating that they completed the 6-8 hour course. Cost of the course will be partially covered by a grant and a registration fee will cover the rest of the cost. In exchange for this, attendee will be required to provide safety training or be an on-water safety person at our events for a predetermined no. of hours. On-water events could include: cleanups, member paddles, 2017 Allegheny River Sojourn and others. Those hours can be fullfilled over a several year period. All these details will be finalized before people commit to the training.
June 22-23 and June 24 – Allegheny River Wilderness Sojourn
There will actually be two sojourns. The first on will be a two-day primitive camping trip from June 22-23, 2017. It will start at the Buckaloons Campground on Thursday Morning and end at Tidioute Friday afternoon. Since camping ill take place on an island in the Allegheny, camping spots are limited, so register early for the camping.
The second sojourn will be Saturday, June 24. It will begin just below the Kinzua Dam and end just east of the city of Warren.
There will be fascinating speakers on all three days. A person can attend one or both sojourns. A person can bring their own canoe/kayak or rent one as part of the package.
More details to come.
July 8 – CCWA Member Paddle
The location will be Cassadaga Lakes. Watch for more details.