Delaware RiverKeeper Seeking Volunteers To Document Natural Features Along PennEast Pipeline Route, Training Feb. 25

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network is recruiting interested volunteer naturalists who can help identify, map and document natural and unique features and habitats along the proposed PennEast gas pipeline route

The route in Pennsylvania includes portions of Bucks, Carbon, Luzerne and Northampton counties.   

A training workshop will be held on February 25 at the Natural Lands Trust’s Bear Creek Preserve Management Center in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

DRN is working with concerned landowners along the route to obtain permission to perform these assessments.  No experience is required but amateur naturalists, watershed groups, birders, herpers, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, and concerned landowners are terrific volunteers for this work.

Trained volunteer monitors will visit and hike along sections of the proposed pipeline route, ideally through several seasons in 2017. The workshop will provide protocols and basic habitat training so volunteers know what to look for.  

An app for smartphone users will also be provided to help with documentation.  DRN will compile and use the information collected to build a strong protective record and provide regulatory agencies with supplemental information at the appropriate time to ensure that all natural resources along the route are considered as agencies weigh the impacts of this pipeline project.

“This is the second year that DRN is training volunteers along the PennEast pipeline route and results have been positive.  Pipeline watch volunteers serve as an essential double check during the review of the pipeline project and have documented many gaps and missing habitats in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement,”  said Faith Zerbe, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

Registration for the workshop in advance is required by February 21 COB – you can sign up online.

If you have questions about the workshop or if you are an impacted landowner and you’d like a trained volunteer monitor to help document natural features on your property, contact Faith at 215-369-1188 ext. 110.

Related Story:

PennEast Pipeline Receives DEP Water Quality Certification