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February 2013
The Keystone Hiker
Preserving Pennsylvania's Footpaths since 1956
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NEWS & EVENTS
HOW TO HELP
QUICK CLICKS
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THIS ISSUE OF
THE KEYSTONE HIKER
IS SPONSORED BY:
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KTA SPRING HIKING WEEKEND: POCONOS
Keystone Trails Association will be hosting our annual
Spring Meeting and Hiking Weekend at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) in Dingman's Ferry, Pike County, PA, from April 26-28, 2012. Local hikes in the beautiful Pocono region of Pennsylvania will be guided by the Pocono Outdoor Club. Lodging options include cozy cabins, spacious lodges, rustic yurts, and tenting.
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AROUND THE CLUBS: APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB
AMC's Mid-Atlantic office recently launched the Marcellus Shale's Greatest Treasures map and guide, which highlights over fifteen first-hand accounts of public parks, trails and waterways that have been impacted by natural gas development or are imminently threatened by these activities. Utilizing an interactive Google map platform, the site also includes stunning pictures and take action elements, encouraging visitors to become better educated and engaged.
AMC and The Trust for Public Land have completed an analysis to determine the future conservation potential in the Sand Hills area in Dauphin County, PA- an identified Pennsylvania Highland's conservation priority area. The report identifies core conservation areas, priority lands for protection, and potential public funding options to help make land and water conservation priorities a reality.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
by Thyra Sperry, President, KTA Board of Directors
It's true that natural gas is cleaner than other fossil fuels. But don't be fooled, it is only cleaner after it reaches your home. Before it reaches your home, the process of "fracking" and extracting is an environmental nightmare. Years from now, when you are hiking and camping, I don't think you will be able to purify the water in our streams due to the level of contamination from fracking operations. Read more.
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JEFF'S JAUNTS: LAKAWANNA STATE PARK
by Jeffrey Mitchell, KTA Board Member
Whenever I look for a place to go for a quick hike, I often find myself at Lackawanna State Park. Although the park doesn't feature expansive vistas or waterfalls, it does offer a surprising diversity of scenery with deep ravines, hemlock forests, meadows, streams, pine plantations, and old stone walls. Read more.
KTA Members: Come meet Jeff at his next speaking engagement, on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, PA. During this free presentation, you will explore hidden waterfalls, expansive vistas and isolated wild areas known to only a few people. Click here for more information, or call 570-996-1500 for details.
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100-MILE CHALLENGE PROFILE: GINGER ROBERTS
by Cassandra Romanawski, KTA Intern
Born into a military family, Ginger Roberts moved around quite often, but considers Tennessee to be home. For Ginger, it is the journey - not the destination - that matters the most. Read more.
Ginger took the Challenge. Will you? Any hiker seeking a personal challenge, while also helping to protect Pennsylvania's hiking trails is invited to participate in KTA's 2013 100-Mile Challenge! Click here for more information.
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SUPER HIKE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
The mileage of the 2013 Super Hike has been increased from prior years, due to the recent re-route of the Mason-Dixon Trail of .7 miles. Additional re-routes are currently under consideration (including the exciting potential for eliminating the road walk after the Norman Wood Bridge, and getting the course back in the woods like the first Super Hike!). These changes could possibly add up to an additional 1.6 miles to the Super Hike course, making it a 30.5-mile course.
Is your business looking for ways to increase exposure and to give back to the community? Consider joining Super Hike sponsors Backcountry Edge, PPL, Susquehanna Bank, Treks & Trails International, and other local and regional businesses in 2013! Sponsoring the Super Hike is a great way to promote your business! Click here to learn more.
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A.T. HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
Do you know someone who has made a significant contribution to the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)? The Appalachian Trail Museum in Gardners, PA invites the hiking and trails community to nominate worthy individuals for induction to its "Hall of Fame."
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HIKER'S CORNER: NEW TICK-BORNE DISEASE
A new infection caused by ticks has been found in eighteen people in the northeastern U.S. A study suggests that this new sickness could be infecting more than 4,300 Americans a year with flu-like symptoms and relapsing fevers. Read more.
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SAVE THE DATE
10th Annual Prowl the Sproul Camping and Hiking Weekend: July 19-21, 2013, Western Clinton Sportsmen's Association, Renovo, Clinton County, PA. Registration opens May 1.
KTA Fall Meeting & Hiking Weekend: October 11-13, 2013, Doubling Gap Center, Newville, Cumberland County, PA. Registration opens August 1.
The complete 2013 Trail Care and Trail Crew schedule is now available! Click here.
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YOUR SOURCE FOR FINE, USED BOOKS
 Interested in naval, military, and transportation/ railroad history? Check out this online bookstore run by KTA Board Treasurer, Ernie Werstler (see photo on right). Werstler Book Sellers has a large inventory of books on a wide variety of topics, including the Appalachian Trail. Ernest says, "We like to read real books with real pages to turn, and if you do too, I hope you will find something of interest in our inventory. Our offerings cover many subject matters and we are always finding additional books to add, so please keep checking back." Books are shipped within 24-48 hours.
Do you have a business or product you'd like to promote to the Pennsylvania hiking community? The Keystone Hiker accepts paid advertisements! For more information, please contact us.
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Newsletter Submissions
This newsletter is published monthly by Keystone Trails Association. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Opinions expressed are those of the listed authors. The Editor encourages submissions reflecting all viewpoints, but reserves the right to edit material. You are encouraged to submit your material via e-mail to Program Administrator/ Interim Newsletter Editor, Shanna Filizzi, at ktaadmin@verizon.net. Want to advertise in The Keystone Hiker? E-mail Curt Ashenfelter, Executive Director, at ktahike@verizon.net for advertisement benefits and rates.
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