We've got mail!
Another take

on stream

improvement

To the editor:

"Stream improvement" to benefit fish populations is a rather new phenomenon, starting after World War II. We've gained a wealth of knowledge about what works and what doesn't.

The key is not to directly manipulate fish or habitat, but to make human activity less destructive. Where a stream now lacks the habitat it once had, the reason is usually that human activities destroyed it.

Lightening our tread on the landscape, especially pulling our activities back far enough from the water's edge to let riparian zones function, can put streams in a position to largely restore themselves.

Artificial rearing and stocking of fish has often made things worse; inadvisable stocking continues on massive scales.

Early state and federal stream improvers tended to aim their work at creating pools by building small dams or dredging deep "holes" along stream courses.

Also, as streams had become shallower by bank erosion and "silting in" with mud and sand, managers stabilized banks and concentrated current into swifter, deeper flow.

Compared with building things outright, restoring vegetation seemed too uncertain and too lacking in glory for some.

Structural work tends to be overdone because it appeals to instincts of control (dominion over nature) and immediate action. Construction is easier to understand than the passive approach and attracts more attention from the public and politicians.

Putting streams in position to restore themselves is the way to go wherever possible. Often, pulling livestock grazing or other harmful activity back puts the stream in position to restore itself.

We must increasingly take the tack of putting streams in position to heal themselves.

Habitat and populations of wild animals can recover from devastation if we remove or reduce the causes. Riparian zones snap back from overgrazing. Bald eagles rebounded after DDT was banned.

Fish habitat will recover in cold waters to the extent that human society allows it. Habitat restoration is largely a social issue.
Ray J. White
Pa. Trout Unlimited

Reuqest to business owners

To the editor:

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce is planning Weekend in the Wilds Aug. 15-17. Last year's turnout was great, and we are hoping for an even bigger event this year. We're planning many activities throughout Cameron County for people of all ages.

Please consider staying open until 3 pm on Saturday, Aug. 16, and bringing your items onto the sidewalk for better display. Businesses are strongly encouraged to advertise any sales or promotions. Any advertising done for this weekend through the Chamber will be at no cost to the business.

We are asking each business for their support. This may include just having a sidewalk sale or business sale, decorating your business, running an activity or fund-raising event of your choice, or simply allowing us the use of your storefront for an activity or display.

We are also looking for volunteers of all ages to lend a hand with activities, as well as organizations willing to run activities in downtown Emporium.

Please direct any questions or comments to the Chamber office at 486-4314. A Chamber representative will soon visit you to further discuss Weekend in the Wilds.

Together, we hope to generate a fun and exciting weekend for all of Cameron County.

Thank you in advance,
Cameron County
Chamber of Commerce

Honoring

Rev. Simpson

To the editor:

On Sunday, July 27, at 6 pm everyone is invited to a celebration, as we give thanks and honor to a man who has probably touched every family in Cameron County with selfless love and service for 25 years.

This event will take place at the Emporium Firehall. Your attendance is greatly encouraged by the Cameron County Ministerial Association.

Pastor Dwight Simpson has done so much for all of us, now it is our turn to do something nice for him. He will be deeply touched by your presence at this event.

We are asking all of you to write a note or a story expressing your appreciation of how Pastor Simpson has touched you or your family. Mail these to Rev. Simpson, c/o Rev. James Eastman, 1945 Moore Hill Rd., Emporium PA 15834 by July 15.

A few of these messages will be read aloud at the celebration and all of them will be presented to him.

Cameron County, let's do this big! Thanks for your cooperation and God bless you.
Rev. James Eastman
Emporium