AOAA News

[Jeepnharleymomma]

I will post news for the AOAA as I receive it.

[Jeepnharleymomma]

Volunteers clean up trash on AOAA land

BURNSIDE - Volunteers filled a 30-yard roll-off container to the brim this weekend with trash strewn about Burnside Mountain.

"It's overflowing, so everybody did a great job," Kathy Jeremiah, planning department grants manager for Northumberland County, said of the container and the efforts of volunteers.

The cleanup was organized by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and Northumberland County Planning Department and was held Saturday and Sunday. It included participation of about 30 volunteers, some of whom came as far away as Philadelphia and the Washington, D.C. area.

Some volunteers were locals, others were members of out-of-area off-road clubs.

The cleanup was the second coordinated by the nonprofit organization and the county department on the land being developed as the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area.

The volunteers concentrated on picking up burn piles filled with household trash and construction debris, Jeremiah said.

A skid loader was instrumental in the cleanup and was donated by Jeff's Auto Body and Recycling, Paxinos, while the roll-off was donated by Waste Management.

[Jeepnharleymomma]

Benefit ride for Geisinger Children's Miracle Network at AOAA

 COAL TOWNSHIP - Something happens when Shawn Fenstermacher rides his ATV through trails such as the ones at the proposed Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Sunday morning.

"It's nice to get away and travel to new places. It's just you and the 4-wheeler. It's like there's nothing else," the 19-year-old Schnecksville man said next to his Yamaha Banshee 350 twin.

He and his parents and sister were out Sunday as part of the benefit ride for the Geisinger Children's Miracle Network (CMN).

Although he's been riding four years, mostly on Reading Anthracite property, this is his first time on the county land, and he said he looks forward to the park's official opening.

"Trying to find somewhere to ride is hard. It will be nice to know exactly where to ride, so we can feel welcome, so people don't look at us like 'you're a 4-wheeler, you shouldn't be here,'" he said.

The ride was sponsored by the Anthracite Trail Riders, a local ATV club that formed last year, and the AOAA, which is being developed on 6,500 acres of Northumberland County-owned land in Coal, East Cameron, Mount Carmel, West Cameron and Zerbe townships. The land was open to all sorts of off-road enthusiasts, including people with all-terrain and utility vehicles, dirt bikes and recreational vehicles.

The event brought in 245 participants. Registration fees were $15 for operators and $10 for passengers, and all proceeds benefit children at Janet Weis Children's Hospital, Geisinger Wyoming Valley and more than 40 medical groups and outreach clinics.

The ride was nearly 25 miles total through trails filled with rocks and deep mud puddles, and offered an easier paths for beginners and a more advanced path for experienced riders.

"We want to promote this park and raise money for the network. It's a good opportunity to show the park off and show the positive influence it can have on the area," Matt Schiccitano, president of the Anthracite Trail Rides, said.

Local vendors, businesses and organizations benefited as well, Schiccitano said.

Friendship Fire and Hose, One Smart Cookie Anthracite Trail Riders were on site to offer food, Forest Hill Fire Company offered ATV washes and Gap Racing, of Locust Gap, and Randy Schreffler's Equipment, of Pitman, and Valley Ag and Turf, of Watsontown, and Advanced Machining Services, of Mount Carmel, had display booths.

It was the first benefit of its kind for the miracle network, and it was right up her alley for off-highway vehicle enthusiast Cally Kailie, assistant coordinator for Janet Weis Children's Hospital.

"It's a great turn out. We can only build from this. It's a great thing and a great family activity," she said.

She said they provided a $7,500 grant for a safety program in relation to the park, which would provide helmets and goggles for riders.

"We want to promote safety. We want to make sure people are wearing helmets and eye protection," Kallie said.

All participants were required to wear a securely fastened helmet with eye protection, proper clothing and foot attire during the trail ride. Safety restraints in a side-by-side had to be securely fastened and young riders had to be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. People under the age of 16 were not permitted to operate an ATV unless they had completed an ATV safety training course, and no one under the age of 12 was allowed operate a machine.

Furthermore, Kailie said, the proposed park is an attraction that will be a "great boost for the area."

Kathy Jeremiah, planning department grants manager for Northumberland County, said the ride was fantastic.

"We thought everything went very well. There was a lot of positive feedback from the riders. Everyone had a great time. Everything went smoothly," she said later Sunday afternoon.

The only downside was the dreary weather, which she said kept their number of participants down.

The benefit ride committee and the hospital coordinators will be meeting again in two weeks to decide on a date for next year and determine the final amount of money raised from the event.

[Jeepnharleymomma]

No fee, waiver to hunt AOAA


SUNBURY - Hunting will be allowed at no cost at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) between the middle of November and end of January and the county planning department will be responsible for enforcing rules and regulations for the park until an authority established Monday by the county commissioners takes over operation of the off-highway vehicle park in January.

Outside of hunting season, the AOAA land will be open only to formally organized groups.

Operating hours for the AOAA will be from dawn until dusk and nobody will be granted access to the park after dusk unless they obtain a special camping permit.

A policy to establish rules for the AOAA and the advertisement of a proposed ordinance enforcing regulations involving use of the county-owned land were approved on a 2-1 vote at Monday's special meeting.

Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy approved the policy and advertisement of the ordinance, while Commissioner Richard Shoch voted against them.

The rules and regulations are the same set forth in the AOAA master plan adopted by the commissioners Dec. 6, 2011.

Hunting season at the AOAA is defined in the policy as the period of time, excluding Sundays or other days prohibited by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, between the beginning of black bear archery season (typically mid-November) and the end of deer archery season (typically the end of January) as determined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission calendar.

However, in the event the beginning or ending dates set for those seasons are significantly altered, the planning department shall be authorized to alter the beginning and ending dates of the AOAA hunting season.

During the AOAA hunting season, the AOAA, which is defined in the master plan as approximately 6,500 acres in Coal, East Cameron, West Cameron, Mount Carmel and Zerbe townships, hunters and fishermen will not be required to request permission, obtain permission slips or execute waivers of liability as required by the policy for other activities. Hunting will be unsupervised and a walk-in only activity; no parking will be allowed on AOAA property.

All other activities on the AOAA during the AOAA hunting season shall be prohibited, except for Sundays or other days when hunting is prohibited.

Handicapped and disabled hunters who have obtained proper clearances and permission from the game commission and/or state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to hunt with a motorized or assistance vehicle will be permitted to hunt on the land during the AOAA hunting season.

Other activities

The planning department will receive and review all applications for usage of the AOAA. All applications will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and may be denied by the county planning department if it is determined an application conflicts with other previously scheduled events.

So as to prevent one group from monopolizing usage of the AOAA, once an applicant has been granted permission to use the land, that applicant shall not be granted permission to use the land to the exclusion of another applicant for three months. Applications for usage shall not be for a period longer than 48 hours.

The planning department shall make all reasonable attempts to accommodate multiple usages of AOAA lands. It shall be the goal of the policy to accommodate as many different types of activities and organizations as possible in an effort to help promote the AOAA.

If it is determined by the planning department that an applied for time, date, location or activity cannot be accommodated, another time, date, location or activity may be suggested.

All applications for usage of the land must be received by the planning department at least one week prior to the date of the applicant's requested use. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

The following parties shall not be required to file applications with the planning department to gain access to the AOAA:

- Northumberland County employees or officials who receive permission from the planning department to enter the AOAA.

- Contractors hired by the county to perform work on the AOAA land, and subcontractors hired by the contractors as long as they are acting within the scope of their work.

- Any utility company employees, security personnel engaged by the county, police, fire or other emergency officials acting within the scope of their duties.

- Any person appointed as a guide who is acting at the direction of the planning department.

Formally organized groups only

An applicant must be a formally organized group and verification must be provided. Adequate proof shall include articles of incorporation, bylaws, proof of 501(c)(3) status or other similar documentation.

The applicant must have liability insurance in an amount to be set for all applicants by the planning department and provide proof of the insurance at the time of application.

The applicant must read and acknowledge all of the rules of the AOAA.

The total number of participants in an applicant's group must be greater than six adults and all participants must be listed on the applicant's application.

The applicant must have a designated contact person and must agree to have each participant sign a waiver of liability, which must be signed and submitted before any permit will be granted. Failure to have the designated minimum number of people participate on the dates of usage will result in the applicant being banned from future usage.

Due to dangers associated with the AOAA, a list of approved guides will be provided to applicants if requested. The planning department shall advise all applicants whose participants do not include an approved guide that a guide be consulted prior to use.

In the event of an emergency, the planning department may close the AOAA to everyone other than emergency personnel for a period no longer than until the next meeting of the county commissioners.

All applicants granted permits must stay within the confines of the AOAA, excluding normal ingress and egress at the main entrance. They will be provided with an AOAA map and must park their vehicles not being used in AOAA activities in a designated area of the AOAA.

Applicants approved for permits must agree to abide by all rules as provided to the contact person, who must review the rules with participants prior to use of the property. The contact persons must agree that they are the responsible party for the conduct of the applicant group.

All applicants approved for permits must follow all local, state and federal rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, statutes or laws.

The planning department shall have the authority to adopt further rules to reasonably regulate the conduct of users of the land and the ability to promulgate the rules shall be considered an administrative function of the planning department.

Under a proposed ordinance adopted by the commissioners, any person violating the rules and regulations of the AOAA will be ordered to pay the county a fine of not more than $600 plus court costs for each violation, and/or face possible imprisonment of not more than 10 days.

[Jeepnharleymomma]

Hunters ask for more access


 SUNBURY - In what may have been their final action before turning over decisions regarding the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) to a five-member authority that takes office in January, Northumberland County commissioners enacted an ordinance on a split vote Tuesday that enforces regulations outlined in a policy adopted last week by the commissioners.

The policy and ordinance formally in place, it ironically leaves David M. Kaleta, 54, of 146 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin - who sued the commissioners and county last month for banning him from the AOAA property and allegedly violating the Sunshine Act - as the lone individual with full access to the AOAA until the authorized hunting time begins next month.

That's because Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor last month approved Kaleta's request for an injunction that stops the county from banning him from the property while his lawsuit proceeds.

However, Kaleta's access may be short-lived, too.

The commissioners, on the same 2-1 vote, with Stephen Bridy and Vinny Clausi approving and Richard Shoch opposed, authorized Attorney Robert Hanna of Harrisburg to file a motion in federal court to lift the injunction involving Kaleta so the same rules and regulations pertaining to others for the AOAA will apply to him as well.

Two weeks ago, Hanna filed a motion in federal court to dismiss Kaleta's suit with prejudice, claiming he doesn't state a viable First Amendment retaliation claim in the complaint and that Saylor erred by stating Bridy and Clausi violated the Sunshine Act by taking action to ban Kaleta from the property.

Too quick

Shoch said the policy was put together too quickly and doesn't accommodate enough hunters and bikers. He also claimed too much power was given to the planning department in developing the rules and regulations.

As Shoch was finishing his comments, Clausi accused the commissioner of being a "troublemaker" for inviting people to the meeting to voice opposition to the AOAA rules.

The 6,500 acres of county-owned land that will make up the AOAA has been open to hunting for decades, but development of the off-highway vehicle park and a controversy over access to the property this fall has resulted in action on the new policy.

Hunting will be allowed, at no cost, on all AOAA land, but only between the middle of November and end of January.

The county planning department will be responsible for enforcing rules and regulations for the park until the authority takes over.

The ordinance states that any person violating the rules and regulations of the AOAA will be ordered to pay the county a fine of not more than $600 plus court costs for each violation, and/or face possible imprisonment of not more than 10 days.

Kaleta only one, for now

Hunters object

Prior to the ordinance being adopted, Kaleta and several others questioned the commissioners about hunting restrictions on AOAA property and other concerns.

Kaleta advised the commissioners to "take a step back" from the ordinance so other residents can use the land for hunting before the authority takes over operation of the property in January.

Kaleta's wife, Kathi, told the commissioners to put aside personal grudges and do what's right for the county. "We must unite the county instead of creating a wedge between people," she said.

She also said there are special days set aside by the state game commission for hunting, which would be prohibited under the policy for the AOAA.

Bridy responded, "We need this proposed ordinance so we aren't open to lawsuits that will hurt the taxpayers."

Patrick Bendas of Kulpmont, an avid hunter and ATV rider, said he is opposed to not allowing hunting until mid-November because it leaves out the fall turkey and archery deer seasons.

Richard Post of Shamokin told the commissioners they were "pushing for big money" while "pushing little people out" by developing the AOAA.

James Koharski of Coal Township asked if there are any activities planned for the AOAA before January. Pat Mack, county planning and industrial development director, said there are a few events planned.

Kallie Liendo of Coal Township said enforcement of the rules for the AOAA will be very difficult and could lead to taxes being increased if police patrols are utilized for added security.

Year round hunting?

Clausi, who repeatedly told citizens the policy and ordinance could change when the authority takes over, said there are plans in place for next year for approximately 500 acres of AOAA property to be set aside for hunting year-round. Although he didn't specify what area, Mack said after the meeting that he expects the 342-acre Alaska site near Excelsior to be included in that 500 acres.

[Jeepnharleymomma]

Zerbe looks to future with boost from AOAA

ZERBE TOWNSHIP - Mountainside Motorsports began business on West Shamokin Street in Trevorton in 2010.

On July 4 of this year, Kandie's Place opened just a few blocks away - and that restaurant is just down the block from Dal's Pizza, another relative newcomer to the business community.

Meanwhile, landlords are sinking money into homes along Shamokin Street (Route 225), with new siding, porches and sidewalks evident from one end of Trevorton to the other.

And, just this week, township supervisors voted to change the zoning ordinance for the first time in 46 years - a move they believe is necessary to spur even more economic development.

Why all the buzz in Trevorton and Zerbe Township? In short, the AOAA.

The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area under development on 6,500 acres of Northumberland County-owned land includes a large chunk in Zerbe Township.

The park's primary access is planned just off Route 125 south of Shamokin in Coal Township, but the master plan notes three possible secondary access points in Zerbe Township, two along Route 2044 on the road to West Cameron Township, and one right in Trevorton.

While "ATV" is a bit of a dirty word in Zerbe Township, the community facing regular complaints about riders kicking up dust at Coal Hill at the west end of town. The prospects of a controlled environment on AOAA land is enticing, township leaders say.

"This could be the biggest opportunity we see in Zerbe Township since the mining days," said supervisor board Chairman Michael Schwartz. "The people that have opened new businesses are confident that it will happen."

$80,000 investment

Kandie Rebuck and her husband, Harry, invested $80,000 in Kandie's Place, located in the former Trevorton Odd Fellows Lodge.

They remodeled the building and installed restaurant equipment with the intent of leasing it to someone else.

"That deal fell through, and it was something that I always wanted to do, so here I am running the place," Rebuck said in a recent interview.

"There were so many possibilities we thought of for it," her husband said. "Using it for storage, starting a hardware store or gun shop, but the restaurant seemed like the best fit."

Although there are several food outlets already established, including Dal's a stone's throw away, and the well-established Hannah's, also nearby, the Rebucks believe there is room for everyone, especially once the AOAA opens.

"Some people prefer to go to a hoagie or pizza shop and some will pick up food at the supermarket," Kandie Rebuck said. "Everyone's different. We have so much to offer when the riders come down from the mountain."

Stay a while

Jacob Shingara said when he opened Mountainside Motorsports that he saw possibilities with the planned AOAA park and other local ATV riding. The new zoning ordinance should help his business even more. A change from residential to commercial-heavy for his shop's location allows him to not just service, but to sell ATVs or any type of vehicle.

Township supervisor Mike Mazer said Shingara has also put up storage units at the former Sigafoos Auto Wreckers salvage yard and has discussed building rental cottages in the area.

Supervisors think bed-and-breakfast lodges, too, could cater to those who come to the AOAA.

"I've heard there's an out-of-town family that purchased a home in Zerbe Township and uses it specifically on the weekends when they come in to ride their ATVs," Mazer said.

"I think it will all depend on getting a good access point to the park," said Gene Geise, the third supervisor. If it goes elsewhere, "we might not see the traffic here."

Switching gears

Schwartz, who was recently appointed to the AOAA Authority Board by Northumberland County commissioners, said support for the park is not the same as supporting the kind of ATV riding for which the township is currently known.

"We are an advocate of the AOAA, but not an advocate of Coal Hill," Schwartz said. Supervisors want to stop all riding on Coal Hill, but that would require assistance from the property owner, Reading Anthracite Coal Co., which sells permits to ride on company-owned land for $100 a year.

"Once the AOAA is operational, there are some indications that Reading will come to the table and work with us," Schwartz said.

However, there will likely still be persistent local riders that use Coal Hill because they don't want to pay any fees for the AOAA.

"That is when Reading will have to step up and enforce it," Geise said.

County commissioners, who were under pressure to name municipal representatives to the authority but did not, stressed that Schwartz was named more for his association with the ATV industry and his career in banking than his role as Zerbe supervisor.

All could benefit

The three supervisors hope the outdoor enthusiasts who visit their community will see what they see.

"I've been here all my life, was born and raised here," Schwartz said. "Zerbe has always been a friendly town."

"As a resident for 24 years, I've seen a lot of people that take pride in their community," Mazer said.

"We have a great school district in Line Mountain; that gives a lot of opportunity for our youth," added Geise. "Trevorton also has the last volunteer ambulance service running in Northumberland County."

It's not about supporting one particular idea, they said, but about spurring economic activity that will have wide-ranging impact.

"New and successful businesses will create revenue for the township that will enable us to improve our infrastructure without raising taxes," Mazer said. "If the AOAA comes in, everyone in Zerbe Township could benefit."

[Jeepnharleymomma]

Zoning change aimed at helping promote growth in Zerbe Township

TREVORTON - Zerbe Township supervisors have approved a zoning change in anticipation of further economic development related to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA).

Monday night's 3-0 vote by Gene Geise, Mike Mazer and Michael Schwartz came after some opposition at a 45-minute public hearing. Township leaders, however, said there was a need to update outdated zoning designations, last changed in 1966, while also allowing business growth along the main township thoroughfare, Route 225, or Shamokin Street, in the village.

"There are things happening in Zerbe Township that made it necessary to update the ordinance and make it more consistent with what is going on around here," Todd Kerstetter, zoning solicitor, said during the hearing.

Schwartz was recently named to the five-member AOAA Authority, which will begin formal operation in January to govern the off-highway vehicle park.

The 6,500-acre property, owned by Northumberland County, stretches across five townships, its western end starting in Zerbe.

What changed

The key changes are as follows:

- The "commercial-neighborhood zone," which previously extended along Route 225 at the west end of Trevorton for 4 1/2 blocks - from the midpoint of Sixth and Seventh streets at Trevorton Fire Company west to 11th Street - was extended east all the way to the border with Coal Township. In its new territory, a distance of about 3 miles, it replaces the previous "multi-family residential" designation.

Those living along the highway now don't have to do anything, because the new designation allows businesses and homes to be in the same area.

- A one-block area from 11th to 12th streets at the west end of town, previously in the "multi-family residential," was changed to "commercial-heavy." That designation already existed from 12th Street west a short distance out of the village, to about the area of the township sewer plant. It now backs up one block into Trevorton.

Kerstetter noted that Union Bank and Trust Co., Angie's Market and a few restaurants were technically in a residential zone under the old statute.

"It is surprising that there were all those things in the residential zone," he said.

Regarding the second change, it was done to allow Mountainside Motorsports, an ATV service shop which opened in 2010, to also now sell ATVs and other vehicles.

Kerstetter said township leaders hope the zoning changes pay off.

"I drove through the area today and saw some empty garages, buildings that aren't looking so good," he said. "Hopefully, these changes will help economic development and people can buy these dilapidated buildings, tear them down and make something out of the area."

ATVs 'not too good'

Brient Wiest, of East Market Street, was among several residents in the group of 12 at the hearing to voice objections. A stenographer was present, and all who testified had to swear under oath.

"I just wonder why we have to change the zone. Why don't we keep it the way it was and give out variances?" Wiest asked.

Even with the AOAA, development may not occur, he said.

"What I see running around in Trevorton with the ATVs now isn't too good for a bedroom community," Wiest said.

Former township supervisor Edward Hull took an opposing viewpoint.

"I think it's a great idea," he testified. "When we went through the paperwork for the Dollar General store in 2005, we only had two people against running the (commercial) zone all the way through (the township). We have nothing in town now. It's not going to hurt a thing along Trevorton Road."

"I just can't see any good coming from the ATVs and what they bring to Trevorton," Wiest retorted. "I see it now in my neighborhood. I disagree with you, Ed."

After the meeting, Wiest approached supervisors and township solicitor Roger Wiest to further question the decision.

"So the three of you voted, and that's it? The residents don't get a vote?" he said.

"That's why you elected them," Roger Wiest calmly retorted. "To make the decisions in the best interest of the township."

A map detailing the zoning changes is posted for public display for 30 days. Appeals must be filed by Nov. 21.

[Jeepnharleymomma]

DCNR secretary visit good sign for AOAA
Published: November 11, 2012



The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) already awarded $1.5 million to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) one year ago, but it was encouraging nonetheless to have DCNR Secretary Richard G. Allan on the property Friday for a personal tour, in a Hummer, no less.

He couldn't, or wouldn't, say whether more state funding is on the way, but there's little doubt he better understands the excitement of off-roading: "It's amazing. Absolutely amazing," Allan said after his two-hour tour. "I can see why it's going to be a draw for people to enjoy. This is a tourist destination."

More than his personal experience, it's was Allan's comments that the Corbett administration has "rethought" where it invests money for economic development that sounds like more funding for the AOAA is a possibility.

"There is a lot of recreation here that we don't do in our state parks and forest lands," Allan said.

Hmmm.

It's worth repeating that last year's $1.5 million DCNR Christmas present came not from taxes but from a pot of money created by ATV and snowmobile registration fees, earmarked by law for development of riding trails. Of course, the park desperately needs such government funding, and private contributions, as Northumberland County commissioners rightly stick to their guns that no local taxpayer money will go toward AOAA development, other than its commitment of personnel within the county planning department.

The presence of members of Hummers Club Inc. from New York and New Jersey as hosts for Allan's ride is further proof that the interest in the park is broad - geographically and within the diverse off-road industry. The Hummer Club is the latest national organization to promote the AOAA through its club magazine, too.

After a difficult summer regarding the AOAA, these are positive signs that the project is still on track, and we look forward to what may come in 2013.

Meanwhile, we like state Rep. Kurt Masser's suggestion that those who still have disagreements about the park and its direction get together for some frank - but civil - discussions with park supporters. Perhaps he and state Sen. John Gordner, who were both part of Friday's touring contingent, could join with county officials and the new AOAA board to facilitate that meeting.

[Jeepnharleymomma]

The 2nd Coal mountain Jeep Jamboree will be Aug 1-3 , 2013 .