Launch Meeting
launched; launching; launches
Definition of launch
1a: to throw forward
b: to release, catapult, or send off (a self-propelled object)
2a: to set (a boat or ship) afloat
b: to give (a person) a start
c(1): to put into operation or set in motion
(2): to get off to a good start
Nathan’s Divide Launch Meeting
November 7, 2019
7:00-9:00 PM
YPCC Community Room
300 Prave Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
It is time to have a Launch Meeting to raise awareness of our projects and to ask our community to support our efforts to provide access for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, birding, and outdoor recreation.
Over the last several years we have been building the foundations to open the Upper Reservoir for use by the public. The property is owned by the Ebensburg Municipal Authority (EMA) and the water is used to supply drinking water for Ebensburg and the surrounding townships. Nathan’s Divide Watershed Education Center (Nathan’s Divide) was formed in 2016 as a 501-c-3 non-profit corporation to promote environmental education, outdoor recreation, and wellness. We have a long term lease agreement with the EMA to use the land and water for the above stated purposes and promising that there will be no harm to the drinking water supply.
With the generous help from our early supporters we had contracted with CJL Engineering of Johnstown, PA to provide preliminary plans and cost estimates for the next phase of development. The access road from North Center Street needs to be upgraded and a parking lot will be built for cars and boat trailers. Plans call for a boat launch for kayaks, canoes, and fishing boats (no gas outboard motors) and an ADA floating dock for handicapped access. Since the site has no running water or sewer service we have planned on having composting toilets and we will build a pavilion for shelter. To access more of the trail network we will have a footbridge to cross the headwater stream at the inlet.
Estimated costs are near $300,000 for general construction and the surveying, design work, engineering, and permits will cost about $45,000. I have been working with several state and local agencies getting information about grants and our project will definitely qualify for funding. All of the applications require that a “cash match” be provided to qualify for consideration for funding. “Shovel Ready” is the terminology that will make our project more likely to get funding, but we will need to have the site work and permits in place to be shovel ready.
What Do We Need To Make This Happen?
Up until now we have been doing as much as possible with our limited budget to raise awareness of our projects via social media and our website. Now is the time to call on our community leaders, politicians, neighbors, friends, and family to come together to support our efforts and volunteer to become part of this exciting asset for our region.
We are forming committees and are looking for leaders to step forward and take charge of creating a unique experience for all ages. Volunteers are welcome to contribute ideas, time and energy to work together with us to make this a safe and enjoyable destination to enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Help us build and maintain our trail system around the reservoirs, raise funds for this project and many future enhancements, and raise awareness of our efforts to have access to fish and boat on these beautiful site.
Goals
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Share our ideas and vision for the opening of the reservoir for boating
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Listen to suggestions, ideas and complaints from the public
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Ask for volunteer help with programs, trails development, fundraising, social media
Results
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Promote environmental education, outdoor recreation, and wellness
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Increase awareness of our projects
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Rise the funds needed for engineering and permits for shovel ready grants
