Mine Proposed Near Ohiopyle State Park

This mine would impact a wide range of recreational uses of the area adjacent to the jewel of our region, Ohiopyle State Park…plus impacts to the most important biological site in the region. Risks to public safety are of concern activities in the area, including biking, rock climbing, hunting, and even swimming in nearby Blue Hole. Below is information on the June 10 public hearing and also where to send letters to the editor

Environmental Protection Significance:
The Curry property is part of a large contiguous forested area that is very wild and remote. It harbors qualities of an interior forest that provides undisturbed habitat for many native animal and plant species and natural communities, some of which are dependent on a large, unfragmented forest ecosystem. The green salamander, which is listed as a PA Threatened species, is found in very few places in the state with a distribution limited to certain rock outcroppings in the southern portion of Fayette County. This species is known to occur on the Curry property and it might also live within the impact area of the proposed mine. The Allegheny woodrat, also listed as PA Threatened, inhabits similar habitat, but requires more area for foraging. Direct disturbance to habitat, removal of the nearby forest canopy or changes in hydrology will likely adversely affect these species. Development near and upslope of green salamander sites in Maryland have recently been implicated in the extirpation of more than one salamander colony.
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Winter Members’ Day: February 7

Join us at Ohiopyle from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM for outdoor winter fun and food!

Ohiopyle State Park encompasses 19,052 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Mountains. Weather permitting, we’ll feature cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the ever-popular snowcreature-making competition. There will even be an opportunity to relieve the winter stress with a chair massage. Kids will enjoy art activities with the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.

We’ll also feature the annual Camp Stove Cook-off, which allows you to show off your culinary skills by preparing your favorite dishes on an outdoor stove. Venture Outdoors staff will be on hand to judge entries and awards will be given for: best entrée, best appetizer, and best dessert.

This event is free and open to all Venture Outdoors Members and their friends and family.
Food will be provided (separate from the Cook-off) but please bring a potluck dish to share if you wish.

To participate in the Camp Stove Cook-off call the Venture Outdoors office by Wednesday, February 4 to reserve your spot as a chef or judge. Please specify the categories which you are competing in when you register.

Click the green sign up button below to register for this free event!

Special thanks to Wilderness Voyageurs for providing the winter party site!