You can help improve the Sinnemahoning watershed

Residents of the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed will soon have an opportunity to help decide on stream restoration activities and recreation projects for years to come.

A watershed conservation plan for the Sinnemahoning Creek and its three main tributaries, the Bennett Branch, Driftwood Branch, and First Fork, is being developed by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy through a DCNR grant. It's being guided by a steering committee comprised of about 20 local residents.

Goals include assessing the watershed's resources; promoting responsible recreation; educating and encouraging stewardship to protect and restore natural resources, and fostering an appreciation of cultural and historical legacies.

A series of public meetings will be held soon. Whether you're an angler, camp owner, canoer, hiker, or just someone who enjoys the beautiful scenery and tranquility of the Sinnemahoning Creek watershed, please plan to attend.

Meetings are scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as follows:

• Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Sinnemahoning Sportsmen's Club;

• Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the DCNR District Office along Route 155 in Emporium;

• Thursday, Oct. 18, at St. Joseph Church Parish Hall, Force;

• Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Austin Firehall.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided at each meeting.

Attendees will be asked for their views on perceived watershed threats and problems. They'll also be asked to identify potential stream work or recreational projects related to the watershed's resources.

Once the conservation plan is completed, local municipalities and non-profit groups will be able to apply for grants to implement the projects.

These public meetings are a great opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas. In fact, any work that is done will be based primarily on the input received during the public comment process.

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I have been out archery hunting three times so far, seeing deer on two of the outings. One morning I had a doe and button buck close under my stand. It's a thrill having deer so close, yet oblivious to your presence.

On my second outing I was fortunate to spot two bucks, but they were well out of bow range.

The widespread acorn crop really seems to have deer spread out, making it good for the deer, but tough on the hunter.

Every moment I have spent on the stand has been a jewel. Surrounded by the brilliant reds and oranges of maples and the bright yellows of hickory, there could be no more gorgeous setting. The distant call of the raven, acorns falling in the breeze, and the constant chatter and rustling of chipmunks and gray squirrels add an audio aspect to the visual feast.

To seal the deal, a ruffed grouse sporadically drums in a nearby witchhazel thicket. The shortening photoperiod has kicked his hormones into gear and deceitfully convinced him it is spring breeding season.

If there has been a downside to the hunt the last few days, it is the unseasonably warm weather and the resulting swarms of mosquitoes, gnats, and "no see-'ums" that continually are molesting me whenever the breeze dies off.