IN Shaler Spring 2018 | Page 48

GRAND REOPENING OF FALL RUN PARK vent Family Fun E 0 to 4:00 PM 6, 2018, 1:0 Route 8 y a M , y a d n u S rance at t n E d a o R n Fall Ru After much anticipation, the Township is pleased to announce the grand reopening of Fall Run Park, on May 6, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. In September 2015 the walking trails and bridges were severely damaged by a microburst storm. Many of the bridges were washed off their foundations, and stream erosion from the storm caused washouts along the trails rendering them impassible. Over the course of 30 years the Township has repaired the trail and walking bridges however, these repairs did not hold up to the storms we experienced in Shaler Township. After much discussion and a bid process, the Township awarded an engineering contract to Gateway Engineers to design new walkways and bridges anchored with secure foundations. In addition, the streambed was groomed to prevent continued erosion. A contract was awarded to Gregori Contracting for these repairs at a cost of $820,348. All of these plans were approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. The Township applied for several grants at the state level and were successful in obtaining two grants. With the assistance of Senator Randy Vulakovich, the Township received a $260,000 grant. Through the efforts of State Representatives Hal English and Dom Costa, the Township received another grant in the amount of $300,000. Both of these grants were from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County through the Gaming Economic Development Fund and were instrumental in providing the funds necessary to complete this project in a timely manner. The Township is grateful for the efforts of these elected officials for these grants. Family Fun Event Details: Join us for this fun filled day and help us to celebrate the reopening of our beautiful park. Activities: Children’s scavenger hunt, bounce houses and crafts. Crafts: Be creative and make your own “birdnoculars” to view birds along the trail, and your Fall Run Park memory “platescape”. Speakers who will highlight the nature and wildlife found throughout the park. . Informational Booth to explain the natural aspects of the park renovations. Cookout with light refreshments provided. Sponsored by: Shaler Township and Gateway Engineers 2017 Gypsy Moth Risk Assessment Report Data collected during the 2017 risk assessment surveys indicate that gypsy moth populations within Shaler Township are on the decline. The average egg mass density for the entire managed area of Shaler Township has decreased from an average of 12 egg masses per acre (EMA) that hatched in the spring of 2017, to non- detectable levels in 2018. The targeted release of the gypsy moth specific fungus, Entomophaga maimaiga, in the spring of 2017 reduced gypsy moth populations. No defoliation, tree mortality, or nuisance associated with caterpillars and their excrement was observed or reported. It is important to remember that gypsy moth is a cycle pest and cannot be eradicated. In the past, multiple years of low populations have preceded years of high and even outbreak levels. A continuation of the risk assessment and consultation program is recommended. 46 SHALER