Montour Trail-Letter

Volume 11, Issue 2

March/April, 2000

The first round of public meetings was held during the last week in January for the Lower Chartiers Creek Watershed Conservation Plan. The meetings were held in South Fayette Township and Carnegie Borough to gather opinions and ideas from residents of the watershed, and to present preliminary findings by the environmental consulting firm of Skelly & Loy. More than 130 people attended the meetings sponsored by a Steering Committee, made up of members from various local conservancies.

This study is similar to the one completed recently for the Montour Valley by the Hollow Oak Land Trust (HOLT), the Monour Valley Alliance (MVA) and the Montour Trail Council (MTC). It will cover 140 square miles and extend from Canonsburg Lake in Peter's Township to the mouth of Chartiers Creek at McKees Rocks. Large portions of the Montour Trail and the Panhandle Trail lie within this watershed. Part of the planning project will study the feasibility of a trail route along the mainstream of Chartiers Creek to connect downtown Pittsburgh with both the Montour and Panhandle Trails.

Because of abandoned mine drainage and overflow of municipal sewage into the streams during storms, Chartiers Creek is one of the most polluted watersheds in the state. Urban sprawl occurring in the middle region and headwaters of the watershed is another major threat. Simultaneously, there are great opportunities for greenways, trails, canoeing, wildlife habitat and an improved quality of life for all who live in or visit the area.

The Steering Committee welcomes the active involvement of any trail enthusiasts to the Council during the planning process and beyond. The next round of public meetings will be in early May, when the Draft Plan will be presented.

To get on the mailing list or for more information, contact Larry Ridenour, E-mail address: landesign@aol.com.