WAYNESBORO- “Plans to build a boardwalk in the Happel’s Meadow Wetland northwest of Blue Ridge Summit are moving more rapidly than we could have hoped” according to committee Chair Frank Shockey.
The committee, appointed by the Washington Township supervisors, is tasked with preserving, protecting and enhancing the Happel’s Meadow wetland. It is also to provide for recreational and educational uses without degrading the integrity of the wetland.
“A boardwalk will make it possible for more people, including those with special needs and / or limited mobility, to learn just how rich the wetland is in plants and animals.” said Melodie Anderson-Smith, also a committee member.
Since last November the committee met and has walked the area several times while formulating their plans. “There is more to planning for Happel’s Meadow than just a boardwalk” said Shockey. “There is already an entrance to the wetlands directly off Route 16 across from the Monterey Pass Museum. That leads to a series of trails in the wooded part of the wetlands. There is a whole other ecology at play outside that area. We want to provide access to both the wooded and non-wooded sections.”
“There is also a lot of permitting that needs to be done before we can move forward” said Anderson-Smith. “Although the wetlands are owned by Washington Township, the Army Corps of Engineers is highly involved. We walked the area with representatives of the Corps and the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) over a year ago. While they were very supportive, neither could offer a fast track for permits.”
The committee has taken all of that into account while planning how to proceed. They’ve gathered a dozen or more people who’ve expressed interest in the project. “We need people to do everything from trails cleanup to engineering design” said Shockey. “A small group is preparing the total scope of work, others are working on fund raising, a few have offered to do repair work on the existing trails and bridges, and still others contribute when and as they can.”
According to Anderson-Smith, “The biggest hurdle six months ago was permitting. That was a deal breaker because it was well beyond committee member abilities. Nothing could proceed until we’d figured out how to get that done. We asked contractors Skelly & Loy what it would cost for them to do the permitting and a delineation study. Those came in at $15,000.”
With that amount and a few other potential jobs in mind, Anderson-Smith and project friend Lisa Donohoe, met with Summit resident, Sylvia Bloom, whose family has lived by the wetland for generations. Bloom has committed funds to cover near-term expenses.
“That donation is a big lift,” said Shockey. “A draft plan for an environmentally safe boardwalk and other enhancements is close to being completed. When the full committee is ready, they’ll take the plan to the supervisors and other interested parties. We’re very grateful to the supervisors for their clear guidance giving us a free hand to make plans, subject to their approval and that of the Corps, and to use their grant writer as the need for future funds arises.”
The committee is still looking for more volunteers with a wide range of skills and interests so they can continue making progress. If you have an interest in shaping and managing how this biological gem is prepared and shared with people throughout the area, contact the committee at happelsmeadow@gmail.com.
