Author Archives: SeanO

SRTA’s Season Opening Celebration

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Our friends at the Susquehanna River Trails Association (SRTA) promote sustainable use of the Susquehanna and they would like to invite you to their 5th annual Season Opening Celebration for a festive buffet dinner celebrating their friends and supporters at the Ranch House Restaurant.  Stop by on Thursday, March 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to learn more about this organization and enjoy a top quality buffet dinner.

The buffet costs $15 if you’re not an SRTA member, $8 if you’re a member, or it’s free if you’re an Island Steward (Limited to two steward representatives per campsite). The price includes:

  • Buffet dinner with the Ranch House’s legendary desserts.
  • Remarks by Brook Lenker, President, SRTA.
  • Presentation by Erin Pierce, Program Coordinator, Susquehanna Greenway, celebrating the greenway and sharing images from their annual photo contest.
  • Island steward recognition.

Please RSVP by March 14th to susquehannarivertrail@gmail.com to secure your reservations.  Payment will be taken at the door.

Camping Impact on the AT

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Camping Crush

ATC LogoThe Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) has an interesting study of “Camping Impact Management on the AT” (in PDF format) written by Jeffrey L. Marion and published by the Appalachian Trail Conference in 2003.   The study notes the challenges we face as more and more people hike and gather to camp along the AT.  In this regard, the AT can be seen as a microcosm of society and, similarly, it must learn to deal with its increasing population while preserving its natural resources.   We hope the crush of camping crowds can be overcome with wisdom, education and dedication.

Here are a few suggestions you can follow to help preserve the AT while camping:

  • Follow Leave No Trace principles.
  • Camp only at designated locations.
  • Camp on the exact location where someone else camped.
  • Locate campsites on durable surfaces.
  • Camp away from other campers and trails.
  • Camp during off-peak periods.
  • Never cut trees and keep campfires to a minimum.
  • Travel in smaller groups.
  • Don’t take your pet on camping trips.
  • Follow advice of local guides and authorities.