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Taking Pride in Pymatuning
By Producer, Kelly Meinhart
 his
months Watershed Hero story really spotlights a group of folks
rather than one individual — this time we're focusing on
the positive impact that Pymatuning Lake Association has had
on their local community in Jamestown, Pa.
  t's
especially timely to spotlight them because this past September
they were recognized on a national level through a program that
aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers to work to improve
our national parks, wildlife refuges, public lands, cultural
and historic sites, playgrounds and other recreation areas.
he
national program, which is awarded though the U.S. Department
of Interior, is called the Take Pride in America Campaign, and
it aims to encourage citizen stewardship of public lands and
resources. This year the Pymatuning Lake Association was one
of 15 groups to win the Take Pride in America award. Over 100
groups and individuals throughout the country were nominated,
but only 15 chosen.
 ale
Norton, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior comments,
"These winners epitomize good citizenship and volunteer stewardship.
They give all of us an example of what it means to be good stewards
of our lands and our history."
he
Department of Interior recognized the awardees by inviting all
15 groups to visit the nations capitol for an awards ceremony
and special VIP tour of the Washington D.C. monuments and some
government buildings.
rian Pilarcik, Watershed Specialist for Crawford County works
very closely with them on a number of projects, and comments:
" It's not everyday that a local group is recognized on such
a national level — we're very proud of the group, and lucky
to have them working in our community. The guys are truly dedicated
to the lake and its surrounding watershed. They think nothing
of giving up a day to build habitat structures, clean up the
shoreline, or drive several hours to a sport show to promote
the reservoir. Pymatuning Lake and its many varied users are
truly fortunate to have these guys looking out for their best
interest. "
he
Lake Association is certainly worthy of the national distinction
and honor. They've been working together for 15 years to improve
the habitat, enhance the water quality, and protect the shorelines
of the Pymatuning Lake. They see the connection between preserving
the lake for the health of the wildlife that it supports, for
the benefit of the community that uses it, and the local economy
that depends on it.
 orking
in partnership with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
as well as the Ohio Fish and Game Commission, and the PA Bureau
of State Parks they've been able to complete a variety of projects
including enhancing fish habitat by creating rubble spawning
areas and introducing wooden cribs to the lake bottom. The group
was recently featured on a Watersheds.tv weekly feature program
for their wooden cribbing project. You can learn more about
the group and their work by checking out ' Providing
Habitat for Pymatuning '.
 roviding
hands-on volunteer work isn't the only thing this energetic
group accomplishes. They also support the local economy and
community by spending countless hours at community events passing
out literature and encouraging tourism to the area. Along with
that, they produce a magazine that advertises local businesses
and tourism, features articles on area wildlife and environmental
issues, and has an introductory article from the group - all
to support the lake and increase awareness.
 ncouraging
community involvement, and educating youth are also a major
focus for the group. Last year they sponsored a fish derby to
connect kids with the natural world through fishing. This two-day
event proved to be a big hit — over 350 kids participated
in the event. Along with that they participate in an annual
Pioneer and Arts Festival to help the Bureau of State Parks
to help distribute information about the park and surrounding
area.
recently visited with four of the board members from the Lake
Association to talk with them about the award and their volunteer
work and what I found most evident were a strong sense of comradery
between the men, an even stronger sense of love for their area,
and a real passion to protect and improve it for future generations.
Congratulations to the Pymatuning
Lake Association for their achievements and for their recent
national award!
More information:
 Watersheds.tv feature 'Providing Habitat for Pymatuning Lake'
Pymatuning
Lake Association
Take Pride in American Campaign
Pymatuning Lake
See past Watershed Heroes here!
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