The mayfly was selected as the symbol for this award because its presence in a stream signifies clean water.
The Conference was attended by a record 185 people and 30 exhibitors, the highest attendance since the first Conference in 1996.
Bill Reichert
The nomination submitted by the Schuylkill River Greenways organization for Bill Reichert’s recognition included this description of his many accomplishments--
Bill likes to state that his first ever “conservation project” was when he was 8 years old and a group of locals tried to pump out the lower level at Auburn Desilting Dam (1956) to save the fish before they pumped the dredged material into the lower level when the dam was dredged.
He has always been a huge supporter of the Schuylkill River Greenway and has used his skills and influence to promote efforts to improve the Schuylkill River Watershed.
Some of his efforts that have the most impact in our watershed are--
-- Understanding, educating people on, and addressing water quality issues – especially in the upper watershed.
-- Leading the Porter Floodplain restoration project and associated Schuylkill River Trail – Auburn Bridge connection that fills the gap in the Schuylkill River Trail between Berks and Schuylkill Counties.
-- The Schuylkill River Acts and Impacts Youth Expedition.
The effort to clean up acid mine drainage in the Anthracite Region came into focus in the mid-1990’s. There were many dedicated folks from government agencies and private citizens that moved the effort forward as funding became available.
Bill Reichert joined the effort as a citizen focused on the Schuylkill River.
After the completion of assessments of the pollution sources the 20 year effort to seek funding and complete projects began.
Bill quickly established credibility as a level headed person whose motives were sincere. This was necessary to garner cooperation from property owners and coal companies.
The grant providers also recognized Bill's honesty and passion to restore the River.
Bill shared stories of his memory of the river throughout his life and his enjoyment of bass fishing.
Bill built a reputation as something who gets things done. He also is anxious to share the successes as well as the challenges by nurturing students, interns, the public and agency folks.
His focus is not just on the Schuylkill River or acid mine drainage. His interest in the environment, people, history and relationships.
He looks at things holistically and works to address stormwater, flooding, agriculture, fish habitat, land use, and drinking water as well.
Bill is a humble guy that doesn’t focus on his personal challenges, he is driven by a desire to make a difference.
He is persistent and he has the patience necessary to bring a project to completion.
Bill’s accomplishments cannot be understated since they are much more than physical projects.
He instills an attitude in the people that he works with that goals are achievable if you have credibility.
He has influenced many students to care about the environment and appreciate the potential of the effort. He is deserving of any accolades he receives.
Bill was very instrumental in getting a significant amount of fish habitat into Sweet Arrow Lake.
He got a hundred porcupine cribs built and sunk, many tons of rock installed by the Fish and Boat Commission, and hundreds of posts for clusters installed.
He also coordinated a mile of fish habitat/streambank improvements in Upper Little Swatara Creek.
Bill's demeanor needs to be mentioned. It has always been my belief that "he is the calm in the eye of the storm." His overall "level headedness" provides for opportunities for people to iron things out.
Among the groups Bill worked with are--
-- Conservation work for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
-- Schuylkill Headwaters Association President since 2000
-- BASS Federation
-- Schuylkill Conservation District E&S Technician
-- Schuylkill Action Network
-- Schuylkill River Greenway Board from 2013 to 2018
(Photos: Bill Reichert receives the Mayfly Award and a citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania in a special ceremony; And on the Schuylkill River Trail.)
NewsClip:
-- Republican Herald: Bill Reichart Presented Mayfly Award For His Longtime Work Promoting Clean Water [PDF of Article]
[Posted: November 4, 2024] PA Environment Digest
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