Photo by Joseph Bell Elk Conservation District chairman Les Haas reviews the agenda last night during their regularly-scheduled meeting.

By Joseph Bell

Staff Writer

Elk Conservation District chairman Les Haas reported last night that the directors are facing a $20,924 budget deficit and are exploring various avenues to resolve the margin.

According to Haas, district manager Bob Dippold and other directors have offered several different solutions, including cutting back to four-day work weeks or taking voluntary one-month leave of absences.

No immediate decision was rendered regarding the budget.

Elsewhere, watershed specialist Kim Bonfardine discussed the current status of the restoration plan of Bennett Branch Watershed.

As of July 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and project partners had completed 20 of 37 identified projects in accordance with the restoration plan.

Bonfardine also discussed the status of the West Creek Wetland Learning Center, a project that recently came to fruition as Allegheny Contracting, LLC was awarded the bid.

"I wanted the work to start this fall but work will be completed as weather permits," Bonfardine said.

Also, Allegheny Power recently purchased the property where the center is to be located and some negotiations remain to ensure that the project is completed adequately.

From the DEP environmental education grant, students from St. Leo's Elementary School engaged in macroinvertebrate studies at the Sandy Beach Recreational Park (Big Mill Creek). Students from St. Marys Area High School also explored the wetlands at Kersey Park and Elk County Catholic students participated on a field trip to the 'Dents Run site located at the old mining town called Wilmer.'

"Students were taught about the history of the area from Native American days to present, including logging and coal mining," Bonfardine said. "Students analyzed water samples deriving from mine shafts and were then able to analyze samples after treatment."