Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: Accepting nominations for 2027 Trail of Year

Harrisburg — Pennsylvanians now can nominate their favorite trail for the 2027 Trail of the Year. The commonwealth is home to more than 14,000 miles of trails, which serve as the backbone for Pennsylvania’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy.

Stewards of trails can visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website and fill out a nomination form and supporting documentation, which must be submitted online by July 31. The trail management organization will be recognized as the award recipient.

Visit the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year webpage for more information about where to submit the form and supporting materials. The Trail of the Year will be announced in early 2027.

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Catawissa Rec Area Dirt Bike Trails are Open

Delano, Pa. — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is opening 20 miles of single-track riding opportunities spanning 725 acres at Catawissa Recreation Area in the Weiser State Forest in Schuylkill and Luzerne counties.

Seasonal riding passes for Catawissa South will be $45 for residents and $65 for nonresidents, and are available for purchase through Sept. 27 at the Weiser District Forest Office.

Catawissa South’s single-track trails are open sunrise to sunset to dual sport motorcycles. These trails are designated difficult to expert-level and carry a 25-mph speed limit, unless otherwise noted. All dual-sport motorcycles operating on state forest roads and trails must have valid Pennsylvania registration.

Albino Cardinal Found in Lancaster County

Lancaster, Pa. — The Raven Ridge Wildlife Center in Lancaster County said in a Facebook post July 1 that it was caring for an albino cardinal that was found under a car.

The nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation center in Washington Borough said it received a call from a woman who found a white bird under her car that appeared to be injured. The bird was also trying to drink water from beneath the vehicle. The post said that due to the dangerous heat wave, it has been admitting any distressed or unusually behaving animals for examinations.

When Raven Ridge Wildlife Center’s team arrived at the scene, they said they were “instantly taken aback,” finding a fledgling albino cardinal.

The chances of seeing an albino cardinal are “extremely low,” the center said, adding that albino cardinals are considered one of the rarest bird sightings. Estimates suggest that seeing any cardinal displaying white feathers is about 1 in 30,000, the center said.

Forever Chemicals to be Monitored in Sewage

Harrisburg — The Department of Environmental Protection has proposed two permit updates that will prevent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “forever” chemicals in biosolids from polluting farm fields and groundwater. The updated permits introduce monitoring requirements for the first time for wastewater treatment facilities that produce biosolids for land application.

Farmers need reassurance that what they spread on their fields is safe, said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

Under the updated permits, wastewater treatment facilities would have to monitor forever chemicals in any biosolids they produce for land application. PFAS have been linked to health issues like cancer.

State Game Commission Met July 10

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners was to meet on Friday, July 10 – after this issue went to press – at the commission’s headquarters here.

The next issue will include full coverage of the meeting, which was to include the finalization of updated elk management units and hunt zones. A public commentary session preceded the meeting.

Keep Pa. Beautiful Leader Gets Lifetime Award

Harrisburg — Michelle Dunn, a longtime leader with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, recently received the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Environmental Achievement in recognition of more than two decades of dedicated service to communities across the state.

The award was presented on June 25 during the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence ceremony, hosted by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Dunn joined Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful in 2004 as a program coordinator.