Revision Ryerson Station - Pennsylvania · Revision Ryerson Master ... Once DCNR and the mining...
Transcript of Revision Ryerson Station - Pennsylvania · Revision Ryerson Master ... Once DCNR and the mining...
Revision Ryerson Station State Park
3/24/2016
Revision Ryerson Station: Public Input Report
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources PREPARED BY DAWOOD ENGINEERING, 2016
Revision Ryerson Station State Park: Public Input Report
Contents Acknowledgements
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Revision Ryerson Station State Park – The Public Participation Process .............................................................................. 3
Revision Ryerson Station Task Force Kick-Off Meeting ................................................................................................... 5
Consultation with Ryerson Station State Park Management and Staff ............................................................................ 6
Consultation with Greene County Commissioners and Staff ........................................................................................... 7
Ryerson Station State Park Heritage Days ...................................................................................................................... 8
Revision Ryerson Station Open House ............................................................................................................................ 9
Revision Ryerson Station Task Force November Meeting ............................................................................................... 11
Public Survey................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Student Engagement .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Summary of Public Input Themes ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Revision Ryerson Master Plan Concepts ............................................................................................................................ 23
Guidelines for Design, Improvements, and Programming ................................................................................................. 24
Appendices ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Revision Ryerson Station State Park Task Force ............................................................................................................ 25
Project Ground Team List.............................................................................................................................................. 25
Revision Ryerson Station State Park Task Force ........................................................................................................ 26
Project Ground Team List .......................................................................................................................................... 27
Revision Ryerson Station State Park: Public Input Report
Acknowledgements
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources would like to thank the following
individuals and organizations for their participation in the preparation of the Revision Ryerson Station
State Park-Public Input Study:
Revision Ryerson Station State Park Task Force members
Project Ground Team
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (Dam Safety and DEP Mining)
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (State Parks (BSP), Facility,
Design and Construction (FDC), and Recreation and Conservation (BRC) represented by personnel
from the following sites and/or Divisions:
o Ryerson Station State Park
o Raccoon Creek State Park
o Oil Creek State Park
o Jennings Environmental Education Center
o Bureau of State Parks - Region 2 Office
o Bureau of State Parks - Resources Management Division
o Bureau of State Parks - Directors Office
o Bureau of Facility, Design and Construction - Division of Dams, Bridges and Roadways
o Bureau of Facility, Design and Construction - Division of Environmental Engineering and
Architecture
o Bureau of Recreation and Conservation - Southwest Region Office
Ryerson Station State Park Staff
Friends of Ryerson Station State Park
Jefferson Morgan School District
Carmichaels School District
West Greene School District
West Greene High School
Greene County Commissioners & Staff
Greene County Conservation District
Center for Coalfield Justice
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Introduction
Located in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, Ryerson Station State Park is loved for its natural
setting, which encompasses over 1,000 acres in Richhill Township, Greene County. For over 50 years,
Ryerson Station State Park was home to Duke Lake, which had been created by damming the North Fork
of the Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek to create a 63 acre lake. Duke Lake was a favorite of area families
who enjoyed fishing from the banks or on non-motorized or electric powered boats. Several generations
enjoyed Duke Lake until the unfortunate discovery in 2005 of instability issues in the dam.
For safety reasons, the lake was drained and investigations into the cause of the failure began. Considering
that the dam foundation movement appeared to be related to recent nearby longwall mining activities,
the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) pursued litigation with
CONSOL, the mining company. The end result was a monetary settlement that included a donation of 506
acres of land to expand the park to a total of 1,670 acres.
Once DCNR and the mining company had reached an agreeable settlement, the work to restore Duke Lake
began. The first step was to satisfy the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Dam
Safety permitting requirements to construct a new dam. As a part of this process, geotechnical
investigations revealed that the earth was continuing to move. This presented serious safety concerns that
were compounded by ongoing and future mining activities. As a result, in 2015, DCNR was forced to
withdraw the permit to build the dam and canceled
restoration plans for Duke Lake.
RYERSON STATION STATE PARK
ENCOMPASSES OVER 1,000 ACRES
IN RICHHILL TOWNSHIP, GREENE
COUNTY.
DUKE LAKE WAS CONSTRUCTED IN
1960 FOR A COST OF $520,000.
RYERSON STATION WAS DEDICATED
IN 1968 AFTER TEN YEARS OF LAND
ACQUISITION FUNDED BY THE
PROJECT 70 PROGRAM, THE LAND
AND WATER CONSERVATION AND
RECLAMATION FUND, AND THE
PENNSYLVANIA OIL AND GAS
LEASES FUND. Duke Lake, DCNR Bureau of State Parks, 2000
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The decision to cancel the restoration plans for Duke Lake was made only after consultation with the
departments of DEP Dam Safety and DEP Mining as well as a detailed independent third-party analysis of
the engineering and geotechnical studies. Knowing they had a responsibility to the local community and to
the citizens of Pennsylvania, DCNR embarked upon an ambitious public participation process to plan for
the future of the state park with the goal to make it an exceptional park.
Sediment Removal Duke Lake, 2015
Duke Lake Dam breach, 2015
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Revision Ryerson Station State Park – The Public Participation Process
The public participation process to Revision Ryerson Station State Park required strong leadership from
DCNR coupled with a community-driven engagement process. The high-profile nature of the project
necessitated the involvement of executive level staff at DCNR while allowing the community itself to
establish public involvement goals. To accomplish this, DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn, organized a robust
and accountable process that would expedite results and emphasize the commitment of DCNR to provide
an exceptional recreational resource to the citizens of Pennsylvania.
DCNR had a longstanding relationship with the
Duke Lake Task Force, which was a local group
formed to keep attention on the rebuilding of Duke
Lake. The Task Force was identified as the
appropriate community group for DCNR to partner
with to identify a new future for Ryerson Station
State Park. Led by Harry Gillispie, a long-time park
advocate and local resident, and Jeff Anna, Park
Operations Manager for DCNR State Parks Region
2, membership of the Task Force included local
residents, township officials, legislators from
Pennsylvania’s House and Senate, along with
conservation partners and park staff.
Duke Lake Sign, 2015
Revision Ryerson Station State Park Task Force & Project Ground Team, 2015
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Navigating the announcement to cancel restoration plans for Duke Lake and then initiating a public
involvement process to identify community goals for Ryerson Station State Park required a project
manager who could work with the community while ensuring that DCNR goals would be met. To serve as a
project management entity, the Ryerson Station Project Ground Team was formed. The Ground Team
consisted of DCNR staff and the project consultant, who were responsible for overseeing the process from
beginning to end. In order to be responsive to local concerns, the Ground Team was purposefully kept
small and consisted of Alan Johnson, Ryerson Station Park Manager; Jeremy Rekich, Region 2 Assistant
Regional Manager; Ray Zomok, Division Chief of Design for the DCNR Bureau of Facility Design and
Construction; Frances Stein, Natural Resource Program Specialist, and Joy M Ruff, Director of Planning,
Dawood Engineering.
On July 24, 2015, DCNR held a meeting with the Duke Lake Task Force to inform them of the decision to
cancel restoration plans for Duke Lake. There were many who questioned the settlement with CONSOL,
the engineering studies, and the removal of the sediment that had occurred in anticipation of rebuilding
the dam and restoring Duke Lake. Additional questions were raised regarding future mining activities and
the potential loss of the stream or impairment to water quality. Secretary Dunn along with John Hallas,
Director of State Parks, and other DCNR leadership assured the community that they remained committed
to Ryerson Station State Park and would work with them to identify improvements and new facilities for
the park. The Task Force agreed to continue working alongside DCNR to reimagine Ryerson Station State
Park and think of new recreational offerings.
Following the meeting with the Task Force,
DCNR held a press conference to inform the
community of the geotechnical findings and
its decision not to rebuild the dam. As
anticipated, the meeting generated a
considerable response from local residents
who feared that the park would be
abandoned. It was announced that the Task
Force would continue its work and that a
public involvement process would begin
immediately to focus on the future of
Ryerson Station State Park.
Sediment Removal, 2015
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Revision Ryerson Station Task Force Kick-Off Meeting The Task Force and Ground Team met again on August 19, 2015 to discuss next steps for Ryerson Station
State Park. Almost immediately, the Task Force reorganized under the Revision Ryerson Station moniker
to visibly demonstrate their desire to think about a future for the state park without a lake. Questions were
asked regarding the binding nature of the settlement and if the settlement money was required to be used
exclusively for Ryerson Station State Park. John Hallas emphasized the commitment of DCNR to Ryerson
Station State Park and assured the Task Force members of the allocation of funding through the
settlement.
The Task Force discussed the geotechnical findings of the third party review of the dam and asked if DCNR
had considered other types of dams, and if it was feasible to have ongoing monitoring of the earth in
hopes of restoring the lake at some point in the future. Ray Zomok provided an overview of the dam
monitoring and results of the independent third party review. He discussed the findings of the research
including geologic aspects of the soils in Greene County, safety features of dams, and how monitoring
occurs. The Task Force agreed that due diligence had been made to investigate the feasibility of
constructing a new dam and that the best course of action was to plan for a future without a lake.
With this decision, the group talked at length about water quality and stream flow given ongoing mining
activities. Several Task Force members asked about the sediment removal project and discussed stream
restoration and habitat improvements. Finally, the Task Force identified the goals and approved the public
involvement activities proposed by DCNR.
North Fork of the Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek, 2015
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Consultation with Ryerson Station State Park Management and Staff On August 6, 2015 the Ground Team met with the Ryerson Station State Park Manager and park staff. The
goal of this meeting was to understand day-to-day issues and hear perspectives from those who work at
the park and interact with the local community on a regular basis. The Ryerson Station State Park staff
shared their concerns and thoughts for the future of the park. They confirmed the importance of the park
to the area as demonstrated by the longstanding and positive relationships with local residents. Ryerson
Station State Park has served as a destination for several generations of families who visit the park
annually for family reunions, opening day of trout, as well as for general recreational purposes.
Additionally, park staff felt that the park’s historic and cultural value should be capitalized upon as it has a
variety of interesting aspects including the presence of native populations, the colonization of America,
and the industrial legacy of mining.
The meeting also identified concerns with maintenance
and staffing that would influence future operational
improvements and programming including:
Future improvements should be designed to
reduce energy consumption and be more
environmentally friendly
The lack of internet and cell reception could pose
challenges for programming and users
The park has aging facilities and limited
infrastructure
o Pool is built in 1971 and a retrofit
completed in 1998
o Pool House needs to have floor redone,
gutters, and other upgrades
o Pavilions need to be updated to meet
demand and offer better amenities
o Day camp needs to have storage and
place to keep food/drinks cold
RYERSON STATION STATE PARK HAS
SERVED AS A DESTINATION FOR SEVERAL
GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES
THERE IS HISTORIC AND CULTURAL VALUE
WITH A VARIETY OF INTERESTING ASPECTS
INCLUDING THE PRESENCE OF NATIVE
POPULATIONS, THE COLONIZATION OF
AMERICA, AND THE INDUSTRIAL LEGACY
OF MINING
NEED TO KEEP IT KID FRIENDLY,
ACCESSIBLE, AND AFFORDABLE
Original Lazear Homestead, photo 2015
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Consultation with Greene County Commissioners and Staff On August 27, 2015, the Ground Team held a meeting with Greene County officials to explain the role of
the DCNR Ground Team, Task Force, and oversight of DCNR regional and Harrisburg personnel. The public
participation process was explained and the various methods that would be used to gather public input
were presented in detail to the County Commissioners (Archie Trader, Blair Zimmerman, and Chuck
Morris), Jeff Marshall, Chief Clerk; Jake Blaker, Greene County Recreation Department; and Lisa Snider,
Greene County Conservation District.
A general discussion was held following the project overview and concerns were heard regarding the
viability of the park without a lake and the lack of infrastructure in and around the park. Specific concerns
were mentioned regarding the lack of cell service, public water/sewerage, and poor condition of local
roads. It was noted that the popularity of Geo-Cache activities require access to internet and cell phones,
which is lacking at Ryerson Station State Park.
The Commissioners emphasized that Greene County has invested in recreational facilities and that future
improvements at Ryerson Station State Park need to avoid duplication. Greene County prepared a
Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (2008) that designates the West Greene region as
appropriate for “Rural and Wilderness” recreational offerings. The plan identified travel preferences of
residents as being around 16 miles and documented the general challenge to find personnel who are
willing to work in such a rural area.
The need to focus on the children was stressed as an important issue for the county. Jake Blaker had high
praise for the County-State partnership for the Children’s Day Camp and thanked DCNR for their
partnership. He stated that kids respond well to activities allowing them to interact with the natural
environment and suggested installing an obstacle course, climbing, or rope course similar to what the
county is doing through the “UpSteam” – STEM + Arts initiative.
The popularity of fishing and hunting was mentioned as an
opportunity that DCNR should take into consideration. The
residents of Greene County are passionate about both and these
outdoor pastimes are often family traditions that are passed
down over generations. Additionally, both hunting and fishing
can support economic growth, which is needed in Greene
County.
MAKE RYERSON STATION STATE
PARK A DESTINATION
PROVIDE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
DCNR SHOULD SET THE BAR HIGH
AND INVOLVE OTHER STATE
AGENCIES AND PARTNERS
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Ryerson Station State Park Heritage Days Members of the Ground Team also participated in the Ryerson Station State Park Heritage Days on
September 12, 2015 in order to interact with local residents and gather input. At this community event,
DCNR staff Jeremy Rekich and Frances Stein distributed information about the project and the public
survey.
These activities helped establish a baseline of information for the Ground Team to build upon or
investigate further. Through this initial outreach, the concerns of the local community were identified but
more importantly so were ideas for future park improvements.
Ryerson Station State Park Heritage Days, 2015
Ryerson Station State Park Heritage Days, 2015
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Revision Ryerson Station Open House A dynamic public meeting was held on
September 22, 2015 at West Greene High
School. The format included a formal
presentation by DCNR explaining the findings
of the geologic study and why DCNR could not
restore Duke Lake.
The presentation was followed by an open
house staffed by DCNR professionals at five
tables focused on the following priority
improvements ideas: Pool & Spray Park
Improvements; Stream & Fishing
Opportunities; Trails & Picnic Areas; Camping
& Overnight Accommodations; and,
Programming & Environmental Education. The
importance of this project to DCNR was
demonstrated by the depth of personnel
assigned to participate in the open house with
three Bureaus from DCNR: State Parks (BSP),
Facility, Design and Construction (FDC), and
Recreation and Conservation (BRC)
represented by personnel from the following
sites and/or Divisions:
Ryerson Station State Park Raccoon Creek State Park Oil Creek State Park Jennings Environmental Education
Center Bureau of State Parks - Region 2 Office Bureau of State Parks - Resources Management Division Bureau of State Parks - Directors Office Bureau of Facility, Design and Construction - Division of Dams, Bridges and Roadways Bureau of Facility, Design and Construction - Division of Environmental Engineering and
Architecture Bureau of Recreation and Conservation - Southwest Region Office
Over 80 people participated in the public meeting providing numerous ideas for the future of the park.
Common themes at each of the visioning areas emerged and central to all improvements were suggestions
to improve accessibility, make connections between park amenities, restore the stream and provide new
Revision Ryerson Station State Park Public Meeting,
2015
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fishing opportunities, and to improve the existing facilities. The public input revealed a strong desire to
replace the lake with other types of water features that would support fishing and wetland restoration to
support habitat improvements. New and improved trails were identified as a way to increase the use of the
park. Trails to connect to a new water feature, camping areas, and an improved swimming pool area
appeared as priority concepts supported by the public.
Summary of public meeting themes:
Accessibility
Restore fishing opportunities
Improve swimming area
Link areas to each other (campground to stream, picnic to play areas)
Provide more opportunities to enjoy natural setting
Offer more programming
Provide more “group gathering” areas and activities
Upgrade existing trails and provide new trails – including paved
Upgrade camping, provide other lodging opportunities
DCNR Public Meeting Facilitators, 2015
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Revision Ryerson Station Task Force November Meeting The Task Force and Ground Team met again on November 5, 2015 to review the results of the initial round
of the online survey and discuss the findings of the public meeting. Joy Ruff and Frances Stein summarized
the public participation process to date and facilitated a discussion of public input trends.
After the discussion of the public input and results to date, the Task Force requested that the Ground
Team strive for a higher level of engagement with the youth in Greene County and achieve a wider
distribution of the survey. The Ground Team agreed to contact the superintendents of the schools to
provide more information on the public survey and determine the interest to have formal presentations
made to the student body.
Task Force members overwhelming expressed concerns regarding the ongoing longwall mining activities
and its effect on water supplies. They stressed the importance of stream and floodplain restoration as a
means to improve water quality and provide fishing opportunities. DCNR staff assured the Task Force that
they would continue to investigate the issue and identify technical experts to assist in this effort.
Intergovernmental cooperation with the DEP and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was
identified as a way to expedite restoration activities and implement best management practices.
The Task Force also raised questions about the settlement and the cost of improvements. The group
discussed aspects of the settlement, costs of projects that have occurred (i.e. sediment removal), and the
desire to have a sustainable park for the enjoyment of future generations. DCNR also provided an update
on the land donation from CONSOL and emphasized that environmental and legal due diligence was
ongoing. No property would be accepted until it is deemed safe.
Ryerson Station State Park Swimming Pool, 2006 (Source: Charlene Reinhart)
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Public Survey An online survey was developed to extend the
reach of the public participation effort. The survey
was hosted at the DCNR Ryerson Station State
Park website and promoted in a variety of ways.
The local media, the Greene County Conservation
District, Waynesburg University, Greene County
Commissioners, Friends of Ryerson Station State
Park, and other stakeholders were instrumental in
promoting the public survey and encourage people to have input into the visioning process.
The public survey was made available September 12 through October 30, 2015 with a summary of the
findings presented to the Task Force in November. The initial response of 400 surveys was determined to
be lower than desired and a decision was made to provide a second opportunity to respond to the online
survey.
The second round for the public survey began December 1 and ended December 18, 2015 during which
time a DCNR Environmental Education Regional Program Coordinator contacted all five school districts in
Greene County to promote the survey and identify interest to involve the youth in the Revision Ryerson
Station process. The effort generated just over 100 responses contributing to the final tally of 516 surveys
completed.
The first question sought to understand the use and visitation of the park by asking “How often have you
visited Ryerson Station State Park?” Reponses allowed were Never, Once, 1-5 times per year, more than 5
time per year, and many times for more than ten years. The results of the data indicate that most people
who completed the survey were frequent visitors of Ryerson Station State Park. Over 42% of people
responding indicated that
they visited the park many
times for more than ten
years. A significant number
of people have visited the
park at least once a year
(34%) with 10% of
respondents indicating that
they visit more than five
times per year.
While the survey did not
address detailed
demographic data, the
OVER 500 PUBLIC SURVEYS WERE
COMPLETED
5.04%8.72%
33.53%
10.47%
42.25%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
1
Q1: How often have you visited Ryerson Station State Park?
Never Once
One to five times per year More than five times per year
Many times for more than ten years
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survey allowed respondents to identify their place of residence. Out of the 516 surveys received, 420 (81%)
people self-identified where they live with 68% stating that they live in Greene County.
In response to the question “What is important to you during your visit to Ryerson Station State Park?” the
majority indicated that a Nature Experience, Scenery, Relaxation, and Pleasant Memories were the most
important aspects of the park. Fishing, Swimming and Meeting with Family ranked just below in the
number of people who identified these activities as most important.
There are a number of “somewhat important” responses that range from activities such as fishing or
swimming to interacting with the natural setting of the park. This suggests that planned group activities
and environmental programming would be valued by park visitors.
Dog walking
Biking
Learning about cultural heritage/history of the park
Exercise
Learning about natural resources of the park
Photography
Hiking
Recreational programs
Exploring new areas
Camping
Meeting family and/or friends
Swimming
Picnicking
Fishing
Pleasant memories
Nature experience
Relaxation
Scenery
Q2: What is important to you during your visit?
very important somewhat important neither little importance not important
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Having a clean, well maintained park was by far the highest rated factor when asked “How important are
the following factors in your decision to visit Ryerson Station State Park” with over 80% of people selecting
this as a very important factor. The attraction of a state park was emphasized with 58% of the people
ranking “it is a Pennsylvania State Park” as very important closely followed by having a wilderness setting
(55%). Things to do for kids (58%), fishing (55%), and swimming (53%) were identified as very important
activities with camping (47%) and Hiking (42%) slightly lower but also ranked very important.
The number of responses that identify programs, a natural setting, and accessibility as “Somewhat
Important,” further demonstrates that planned group activities and environmental programming would be
valued by park visitors.
Q3: How important are the following factors in your decision to visit Ryerson Station State Park?
very important
somewhatimportant
little importance
not important
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The Public Survey sought to identify priority improvements by asking people what facilities were the most important to improve. Respondents were asked to rank, on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being most important and 5 being least), “What new or improved park facilities or services at Ryerson Station State Park are most important to you” for each of the following:
Fishing
Swimming pool
Hiking trails
Camping
Paved walking trails everyone can use
Hunting
Overnight lodging
Scenic views
New, kid-friendly, spray park
Picnic area and shelters
Sled riding and tubing
Cross-country skiing
Playgrounds
Recreational programs
Educational programs
Guided interpretive programming (demonstrations, hikes, re-enactments)
Fishing (44%) was overwhelmingly ranked as the most important thing to improve.
Q4: What new or improved park facilities are most important (ranked 1=most, 5=least)
Most Important More Important Important Somewhat Important Slightly Important Least Important
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Upon further examination of the survey question “What new or improved park facilities or services at
Ryerson Station State Park are most important to you,” the combination of the facilities ranked as 1/Most
Important and 2/More Important reveal that, after fishing, swimming was ranked as most important to
improve. Hunting closely followed in importance along with hiking and walking trails. The close ranking of
the facilities indicate that people want opportunities to interact with each other and have activities for
children.
Top Ten Facilities to Improve
Fishing
Swimming pool
Hunting
Hiking trails
Paved walking trails everyone canuseCamping
New, kid-friendly, spray park
Scenic views
Picnic area and shelters
Overnight lodging
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The question “What new or improved park facilities or services at Ryerson Station State Park are most
important to you” allowed people to select from a list of possible improvements and provide suggestions
for what they would like to have at the park. Out of the 516 surveys received, 109 responses were received
with ideas that ranged from building a water park to offering a year-around indoor recreational facility.
Not all comments identified improvements but rather reiterated the loss felt by the community as a result
of not restoring Duke Lake. Many people did however emphasize the need to replace the lake with other
fishing opportunities. The concepts of stream restoration and wetland habitat improvement were
suggested by many with a focus on bird watching and educational programs.
Group gathering and opportunities to interact with the landscape (trails, canoe, and kayak) were among
the ideas suggested most often.
Wetland/Habitat
Group gathering
Biking
Fishing
Horse TrailsTrail
Kayak/Canoe
Indoor / Year Around Facility
Campground Improvements
Ziplining
ATV
Rollerskate
Water Park
Bike/Canoe/Kayak Rentals
Outdoor theater
Summary of Suggested Improvements
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Student Engagement Gathering information and ideas from the next generation was an important goal for the Revision Ryerson
Station State Park public input process. At the request of the Revision Ryerson Station Task Force, DCNR
agreed to increase the effort to engage with area youth and tasked Heidi Solley, Environmental Education
Coordinator, to work with the Ground Team to achieve that goal. Heidi contacted each of the five school
districts in Greene County to ascertain their interest and availability to engage with the public involvement
process for the state park. Three school districts (Jefferson Morgan, West Greene, and Carmichaels)
accepted the invitation and agreed to have DCNR work with the students enrolled in the Envirothon
program.
In December 2015, DCNR State Park staff presented programs to approximately 70 high school students in
the Carmichaels, Jefferson Morgan, and West Greene School Districts. State Park educators presented an
introduction to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Bureau of State Parks and an
overview of the current status of Ryerson Station State Park as well as the process currently underway to
gather public input on the future design of the park. Additionally, the educators presented an activity from
the nationally recognized Project Learning Tree curriculum.
Students were presented with a fictional scenario focusing on the future use and development of recently
acquired land in a community. Through the activity, students worked together using decision making skills
to assess each of the proposals submitted by community stakeholders. Students discussed the positive
and negative impacts of each proposal to humans and the environment and ultimately selected a proposal
for the development of the land. Upon conclusion of the activity, students were asked to work in small
groups to create a proposal for the future design of Ryerson Station State Park. Each proposal needed to
align with the mission of the Bureau of State Parks to protect the natural, cultural, and historic resources,
provide year-round recreational activities and amenities, and consider long-term maintenance and
sustainability.
Each school was given the
opportunity to identify additional
activities or interaction with DCNR
and Ryerson Station State Park.
Students from Jefferson Morgan
High School toured the park with
park manager, Alan Johnson, to gain
a better understanding of the park
resources.
State Park staff returned to the
schools to hear student
presentations in February 2016. In
STUDENT RECOMMENDATION THEMES: STREAM RESTORATION & FISHING OPPORTUNITIES HUNTING & HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS SWIMMING, PLAY & PICNIC IMPROVEMENTS ACTIVITIES TRAILS EDUCATION/INTERPRETATION (PLANTS, ANIMALS, ARTS) SUSTAINABILITY
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all, seven presentations were given by student teams. The level of professionalism and imagination were
apparent in the level of detail with some presenting cost estimates for suggested improvements. In
combination, the students felt that the following aspects should be a focus for Ryerson Station State Park
Stream Restoration & Fishing Opportunities
Activities
Trails
Swimming, Play & Picnic Improvements
Hunting & Habitat Improvements
Education/Interpretation (plants, animals, arts)
Sustainability
A plan to gather input from younger students in the
West Greene School District is currently in
development and is planned for the spring of 2016.
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Summary of Public Input Themes
The public input process to revision Ryerson Station State Park was an ambitious public participation
process to reimagine a future for the park without Duke Lake. DCNR was deeply committed to the effort
and sought to engage with diverse audiences to identify desired uses and improvements. The ultimate
goal was to ensure that public input sets the direction and tone for park improvements. The result can be
summarized as follows:
Ryerson Station State Park is well-loved and deeply valued by residents of Greene County.
People who visit Ryerson value a rustic, rugged, wilderness experience.
People want to fish and have opportunities to hunt.
Upgrades for swimming, picnic, playgrounds, and camping are needed.
Increase access to and within the park (ADA; interact with people, wildlife, nature; connect park
areas/facilities).
New trails are desired for varied interests (Hike, Bike, Paved, Horse, ATV).
Provide more “Group Gathering” opportunities.
Continue to offer (and expand) programming - Interpretive, wildlife, cultural, history.
Provide more opportunities to actively engage with the youth.
Using the public participation process and resulting information, DCNR staff prepared a Master Concept
Plan to visually represent the public input themes, which is presented on the following page.
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Revision Ryerson Master Plan Concepts
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Guidelines for Design, Improvements, and Programming
Future improvements to Ryerson Station State Park including facility upgrades, new facilities,
and/or programming should adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Have design and architectural elements that feature natural materials and themes.
2. Present plentiful opportunities to fish in a variety of settings and for people of differing
capabilities.
3. Be accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
4. Have facilities that offer unique experiences, encourage active play, connect visitors to
the natural resources, and which are sustainably designed.
5. Be traversed by trails that attract a variety of users, connect all areas of the park, and
intertwine thoughtfully with natural habitats.
6. Continue to be an affordable and attractive destination for families and for persons who
enjoy interacting with one another in group settings.
7. Enhance the park’s natural beauty through habitat improvements that attract a
diversity of wildlife and showcase native species while implementing appropriate
interpretation and educational programming.
8. Actively celebrate its rich natural, historic, and cultural legacy through design,
activities, programming, and interpretation.
9. Offer facilities that give visitors a high-quality and pleasing nature-based experience be
it – swimming or camping – with many options for play and picnic areas.
10. Provide learning opportunities and outlets for hunting and related outdoor experiences.
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Appendices
Revision Ryerson Station State Park Task Force
Project Ground Team List
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Revision Ryerson Station State Park Task Force Jeff Anna, DCNR, Bureau of State Parks, Matt Azeles, DCNR, Bureau of State Parks Kenneth Baldwin, Gray Township, Chairman Senator Bartolotta, Camera, 46th District Tonya Black, Friends of Ryerson Station Jake Blaker, Greene County Parks & Recreation Dave Bowers, Gray Township Tim Brady, Aleppo Township Thomas A. Chess III, Richhill Township Paul Cook, Center Township Veronica Coptis, Center for Coalfield Justice Eric Davis, PA Fish & Boat Commission Edward Deter, Center Township Kenneth Dufalla, Isaac Walton League, Harry Enstrom Chapter Michael H. Dufalla, Jeremy Febinger, PA Game Commission Harry Gillispie, Friends of Ryerson Douglass E. Grim, Richhill Township John Hallas, DCNR, Bureau of State Parks Charles Hunnell John Jaskolka, DCNR, Bureau of State Parks Jeffrey Johns, DCNR, Bureau of State Parks Alan Johnson, DCNR, Bureau of State Parks, Ryerson Station Park Manager Jeremy Kelly, Greene County Planning Commission Richard King, Richhill Township Janice Koss, Gray Township
Norman and Jo Lewis, Wind Ridge Sportsman's Club David Logan, Aleppo Township Rick Lorson, PA Fish & Boat Commission Tom Mannion, Richhill Township Vol. Fire Dept. Charles Martin, Aleppo Township Robbie Matesic, Greene County Economic Development Seann P. McCollum, Center Township Elizabeth Menhart, Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency Chuck Morris, Greene County Commissioner Colleen Nelson, Freelance Writer, Community Member Jeremy Rekich, DCNR, Bureau of State Parks Lisa Snider, Greene County Conservation District Representative Pam Snyder, 50th District Nate Regotti, 50th District Albert Thomas, DCNR, Field Engineering Archie Trader, Greene County Commissioner Rebecca Trigger, Isaac Walton League, Harry Enstrom Chapter Dan Wood, Friends of Ryerson Station Pete Zapadka, Indigenous Impressions, Freelance Reporter/Photographer Blair Zimmerman, Greene County Commissioner
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Project Ground Team List
PROJECT GROUND TEAM The Project Ground Team performs the Re-Visioning Project work providing management, direction and communication coordination. This team performs in service to the Task Force and regularly reports to the Task Force updates for vetting, consensus and direction. Jeremy Rekich – DCNR Lead Frances Stein, DCNR, Internal BSP public facilitator and planning lead Alan Johnson, DCNR, Ryerson Station State Park Manager Ray Zomok, DCNR, Technical project lead Joy M. Ruff, Dawood Engineering – contracted lead public facilitator WORK GROUPS In service to the Project Ground Team, work group members will be assigned tasks/duties at specific times related to meeting type, and audience. Individual and organizational participation throughout the project is fluid. All Project Ground Team Members DCNR Technical Staff External Stakeholders Contractors and Consultants as needed Other governmental entities COMMUNICATIONS Responsible for all public messaging and communications, serve as media contact and liaison to DCNR Executive staff, receives updates from Project Ground Team. Chris Novak – DCNR Lead Tamara Peffer, DCNR, State Parks Communications Liaison