Category: Uncategorized

 

Action Alert: Please contact your PA House members today and ask them to stop the pending raid on state funding committed to conservation, recreation, and preservation projects across Pennsylvania, including important projects right here in the Susquehanna Riverlands. Click here to find contact info for your House member: goo.gl/j3gBHz

We fully support the statement below from the PA Growing Greener Coalition and have joined the sign-in letter to our legislators with the same message:

Susquehanna Heritage is proud to host the work of local Columbia artist Diana Thomas at Columbia Crossing this September. The exhibit, titled Current Color: A Year on the River  chronicles Thomas’s year long journey creating an acrylic painting per week.  “Making art can be a healing experience.  I’ve always known that but not until last year did I know it to the depths I do now.” explains Columbia artist, Diana Thomas.  “After all that happened I still marvel that I was able to paint fifty-two paintings of the lower Susquehanna River, one painting a week for a year.”

Though the paintings are the most visible part of her unique project, ‘Current Color – A Year on the River’, there is more to this presentation.  Thomas decided to keep a weekly journal entry that portrays a strong current of life lessons flowing through her body of work.  She writes of the River’s beauty and peaceful healing presence when her life was touched by tragedy.

Thomas initially began the project in December 2015,  to practice allowing herself the time to create art on a more regular basis than she had been doing.   “I wanted to create a challenge that would stretch me but one that was also realistic enough to complete,” she explained.  “I set up an album for each quarter of the year for all the photos I would take several times a week.  It seemed fitting to keep a written record of the progress, the process of making the art, and any particulars about the river itself.”  She started to work just before Christmas, 2015.

“As the body of work began to grow I had a strong sense that the paintings had a message of some kind and were telling it in a way that a single painting or two could not.  It seemed as if they were becoming something like a visual choir.  By the time I had finished the first quarter I knew the pieces would need to remain together as a group to share their message.”

Three quarters of the way through the project, on September 14th, 2016, Diana’s 41 year old daughter died tragically, losing her long battle with substance overuse.  Less than a month later the same tragedy befell her daughter’s mate of ten years, leaving behind their then 8 year old son.  “I don’t really have any words to express what our family went through in the first weeks and months after that but I felt compelled to try to ‘say’ something to my daughter or for her through painting.  Our daughter was an artist and singer, and I knew she would have wanted me to keep going with the project.  I created a piece called ‘River of Tears’.  I also created a painting in honor of our son-in-law called “Even the Moon Cried.”  Though both pieces are included in the ‘Current Color’ presentation, Thomas at first did not think she would show these two paintings.  “But by then ‘Current Color’ had taken on a life of its own and this sad time needed to be part of the whole”, she said.

In April all the paintings were seen for the first time at a brief showing at Historic Mount Bethel Cemetery in Columbia, PA and the response surprised Thomas.  So many people who love the Susquehanna were telling her their own life stories about places represented by many of the scenes.  She also told how touching it was that many people wanted to see ‘River of Tears’ and say how sorry they were and that they too were familiar with that kind of tragedy.  “Of course I had no way to know what was in store when the year began but I can truly say painting through it was a blessing in disguise.  I pray it will also have a healing effect on others.”

“The Susquehanna River has brought me peace many times through the sad events our family has faced in the recent months. I’m grateful for the experience of observing her and painting her.”

Enjoy this compelling exhibit at Columbia Crossing River Trails Center during September. Exhibit hours are 10 am to 5 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9 am to 6 pm Fridays through Sundays. Handmade greeting cards featuring these beautiful works are also available from the artist with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Susquehanna Heritage.

Funding for PA Conservation, Outdoor Recreation & Farmland Preservation in Jeopardy Once Again!

 

With negotiations still going on in Harrisburg about a Fiscal Code bill to pay for the state budget approved earlier this month, there are new efforts underway this weekend to divert funding away from three major dedicated conservation funds that are critical to the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people and communities across Pennsylvania – the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, and the Farmland Preservation Fund.

These special funds help support everything from greenways, trails, community parks, water cleanup, and wildlife habitat protection to historic sites, libraries, and farmland conservation easements. It’s possible that up to $100 million could be diverted from these programs!

It is important that our state House and Senate members know that even in tough budget times these special, dedicated funds must be protected. We encourage our friends to contact your representatives today and ask them to leave these funds intact and not divert them to make up for other budget shortfalls.  Please use this link to find your legislators and contact them today: http://conservationadvocate.org/2017/07/08/call-now-to-save-conservation/

Thank you!

Susquehanna Heritage

The 2017 Susquehanna Heritage Flatwater Challenge Canoe & Kayak Event will be held on Saturday July 15th at East Donegal Riverfront Park, along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. 

 

This fun canoe and kayak event on the Susquehanna River is for paddlers of all ages and abilities. The event features a 1-mile course for youth and novices, a 4-mile course for great family fun, and an 8-mile course that is a USCA & PACK qualifying course. Check-in and/or registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office’s Roving Ranger will also be making an appearance at the event. The Roving Ranger is the new mobile visitor center for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail that will be on hand to entertain and educate the public at the event.

 

Click here to find out more about the Susquehanna Heritage Flatwater Challenge and to register for the event.

Download the Susquehanna Heritage Flatwater Challenge brochure here.

 

We look forward to seeing you on the river July 15th for the Susquehanna Heritage Flatwater Challenge!

 

 

Bringing National Heritage Area Designation to our Region

 

Susquehanna Heritage is pleased to announce that Congressman Lloyd Smucker, with Congressman Scott Perry and Congressman Pat Meehan have introduced H.R. 2991 to establish the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act. This new legislation is a companion to Senator Casey’s bill (S.400) which was introduced earlier this year.

 

Here’s a link to a press release from Congressman Smucker:

http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Smucker-Press-Release.pdf

 

And here’s the link that can be used to track the legislation:  

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2991?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22Susquehanna+national+heritage+area%22%5D%7D&r=1If

 

The introduction of H.R. 2991 is a big step forward in our effort to achieve national designation!

 

To learn more about our National Heritage Area effort follow this link:

http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/about-us/our-work/national-heritage-area-designation/

 

Susquehanna Heritage’s Current Requests For Proposal

 

Interpretive Master Plan

http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/RFP_SH-CAJO-Interpretive-Master-Plan-6-17.pdf

 

Land & Water Connections Study

http://www.susquehannaheritage.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/RFP_SH-CAJO-Land-Water-Shuttle-Study-6-17.pdf

 

Susquehanna River Rally Calls for Clean Water

Organizations join together for upcoming event in Harrisburg

 

Environmental organizations and activists are joining together for a Susquehanna River Rally on Saturday, June 17 in Harrisburg to create a mass call for clean water funding as state budget negotiations commence.

There is a water crisis in Pennsylvania, and a united voice of citizens is needed to inspire and enact change at the state level. State elected officials have failed to protect the water we drink by failing to protect our waters and streams, and as a result, Pennsylvania ranks third — behind Texas and Florida — for most reported drinking water safety violations.

On Saturday, June 17 — before the start of crucial state budget negotiations — participants will wave paddles and rally signs from kayaks and canoes with the state capitol as our backdrop. As we urge our state legislators and Governor Wolf’s administration to prioritize clean water, we’ll have a raffle, music and a river paddling. Let’s come together on our beloved Susquehanna River and speak up for clean water!

The health of the Susquehanna River, part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (America’s first water trail) and the source of drinking water for more than 6 million people, is threatened by animal waste and eroding soils. The river attracts locals and visitors from near and far and is a vital resource to our communities and a boom to our local economies.

 

Event Details

What: Susquehanna River Rally: Paddles & Signs in the Air!

When: Saturday, June 17, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: City Island, Harrisburg, PA 17101 – Beach House Area

Who: National Parks and Conservation Association, PennFuture, Choose Clean Water Coalition, The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, Pennsylvania Parks and Recreation Society, The Conservation Fund, Susquehanna Heritage, clean water activists and PA tap water drinkers.

Other Info: You are encouraged to bring your own rally signs and your own kayak or canoe, if you have one. Please dress for the weather, bring sun protection and wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting wet. Free parking is available.

 

RSVP Today! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-susquehanna-river-rally-raise-your-paddle-your-voice-tickets-35187240985

For More Information:   https://www.facebook.com/events/1473775269352278/

 

We hope to see you there!

Funding for PA Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Programs in Jeopardy

 

As the official Pennsylvania Heritage Area for Lancaster and York Counties, Susquehanna Heritage is very concerned about the impact of the recent budget bill passed by the PA House of Representatives (HB 218) on the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR.)

DCNR is an essential funder and partner in planning and developing outdoor recreation projects in our region. We see the positive impact of DCNR investments firsthand along the Susquehanna River. Check out this great article in Lancaster Chamber’s Thriving Magazine to see how DCNR-funded projects like Columbia Crossing and the Northwest River Trail benefit local residents and businesses: http://www.nxtbook.com/hoffmann/LancasterThriving/LancasterThriving_Summer2017/index.php#/32.

Our Zimmerman Center facility with its programs for kids and families is also a great example of what can happen with DCNR funding support.  Check out our Facebook page to see our recent school field trips at the Zimmerman Center: https://www.facebook.com/SusquehannaHeritageArea/

Although we are pleased that HB 218 continues funding for PA Heritage Areas, it also includes major cuts to other DCNR funding that will jeopardize the agency’s ability to keep helping local partners make great things happen in our communities, particularly for trails, parks, and conservation projects.

It’s now up to our State Senators to make things right with DCNR funding as they consider a final budget bill. We encourage our friends to contact your Senators and ask them to restore DCNR’s funding in the final budget.  See the list below for Senate contact information. Senate support is critical to ensure that good, sensible investments in conservation and outdoor recreation continue to enhance our quality of life and economic well-being for the next generations of Lancaster and York Countians.

Thank you!

LANCASTER COUNTY SENATORS

Scott Martin (District 13)
smartin@pasen.gov
Senate Box 203013
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3013
Room: 183 Main Capitol
(717) 787-6535

48-50 W. Chestnut Street
Suite 308
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 397-1309

Ryan P. Aument (District 36)
http://www.senatoraument.com/contact/
Senate Box 203036
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3036
Room: 15 East Wing
(717) 787-4420

301 East Main Street
Lititz, PA 17543
(717) 627-0036

YORK COUNTY SENATORS

Mike Regan (District 31)
mregan@pasen.gov
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3031
Room: 460 Main Capitol
(717) 787-8524

1 East Harrisburg Street
Dillsburg, PA 17019
(717) 432-1730

2151 Market Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 975-1985

Scott Wagner (District 28)
http://www.senatorscottwagner.com/contact/
Senate Box 203028
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3028
Room: 9 East Wing
(717) 787-3817

218 North George Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 846-2828

Mike Folmer (District 48)
http://www.senatorfolmer.com/voice-your-concerns-2/
Senate Box 203048
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3048
Room: 337 Main Capitol
(717) 787-5708
(877) 222-1897

400 S. 8th Street
101 Municipal Building
Lebanon, PA 17042
(717) 274-6735

Richard L. Alloway II (District 33)
http://www.senatoralloway.com/contact-me/
Senate Box 203033
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3033
Room: 172 Main Capitol
(717) 787-4651

37 South Main Street
Suite 200
Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 264-6100

Join us May 9th in Harrisburg, PA for Keep PA Growing Greener Capitol Day!

Take part in the rally on the capitol steps or attend the reception to support the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition and Growing Greener III which is vital to the work Susquehanna Heritage does along the river.  We hope to see you there!

 

 

 

Susquehanna Heritage is proud to be part of places2040 – the exciting initiative to chart a shared vision for Lancaster County’s future.

“We’re a regional organization, and being focused on quality of life and economic development through heritage and outdoor tourism, we want to ensure that our goals are reflected in places2040…We would be an implementer of initiatives to advance the goals of the plan.” – Mark Platts, President, Susquehanna Heritage

Check out Mark’s full comments here: https://youtu.be/d3-WcAbXwVU…