Thursday, October 15, 2009

Susquehanna River water gaps are re-recognized as a 'Natural Landmark' (Public Opinion)

From publicopiniononline.com
http://www.publicopiniononline.com/living/ci_13557053
Staff report


DAUPHIN COUNTY -- An ancient river got a brand new plaque Sept. 9 when the "five gaps" area north of Harrisburg was recognized once again as a "National Natural Landmark."

In a ceremony in Marysville, the river provided a scenic backdrop for a reminder of the Susquehanna's beauty and the gaps' singular geologic features.

"Over the years, I have paddled the entire 444 miles of Susquehanna from Cooperstown, N.Y., down to the Chesapeake Bay, 104 miles of the west branch and also the entire Juniata," said DCNR Deputy Secretary Cindy Dunn. "There's nowhere on the Susquehanna or its major tributaries as spectacular as this gap."

In 1968, the National Park Service officially designated the five water gaps along the Susquehanna River from Liverpool south to Harrisburg a "National Natural Landmark." The area was recognized for its unique geologic heritage and its outstanding natural beauty.

A plaque was installed at the time of the designation on the south side of Berry Mountain along U.S. 11-15 to commemorate the occasion. A number of years ago the plaque was stolen, and this area's designation as a National Natural Landmark largely forgotten.

The river is much older than the mountains, and the water gaps' formation still remains a bit of a geological mystery. The water actually cuts through five mountain ridges to form the gaps. Those ridges from south to north are, Blue Mountain, Second Mountain (known as Cove Mountain west of the river), Peter's Mountain, Berry Mountain, and Mahantango Mountain, (known as Buffalo Mountain west of the river).

"I grew up right across the Susquehanna in Fishing Creek Valley," Dunn said. "Like a lot of people, I'm afraid I took this view for granted. How would I know, or how does anyone know, that this place we call home is truly remarkable, and stands out as a national resource?"

Through the efforts of the Susquehanna Water Gaps Coalition, the National Park Service has been able to provide a replacement plaque. The ceremony's host, The Susquehanna Water Gaps Coalition, was formed in January 2007 by individuals, organizations, and agencies who are committed to protecting the natural, scenic, and cultural resources of the Susquehanna Water Gap's ridges, valley lands, and river islands.

"I want to congratulate Paul Zeph, Dana Lomma, Nina Ertel, the Save the Gap Coalition, the Borough of Marysville and all others who had the foresight to recognize the value of the Susquehanna Water Gap through a re-dedication of the gap as a National Natural Landmark, and to create a special place to note the designation, and create the opportunity for people to view the gap, and learn of the value, and to note the importance of its protection," Dunn said. "Our actions today to rededicate the Susquehanna River gap as a 'National Natural Landmark' designation will only be as significant as the actions we take to go forward and protect this treasure."

Also speaking at the event were Paul Zeph, co-chair, Susquehanna Water Gaps Coalition; Mayor Deborah Troutman, Marysville; Deborah DiQuinzio, National Natural Landmark coordinator, National Park Service; and Gary Fleeger, geologist, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, DCNR.

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Ride the river

Maps for canoe and kayak trails for the Susquehanna River Trail, Juniata River Trail and Conodoguinet River Trail are all available at http://www.susquehannarivertrail.org.