The Conemaugh Valley Conservancy has named a new leadership team, choosing Timothy Messer of Johnstown as its board president. Other officers include Douglas Beri Jr. as first vice president, Elena Kehres as second vice president, Jack Maher of New Alexandria as treasures, Kenan Kevenk as assistant treasurer, Richard Burkert as secretary, and Linda Gwinn of Blairsville as assistant secretary.
Among the group’s missions, the Conservancy oversees the West Penn Trail, which covers seventeen miles between Blairsville and Saltsburg, and there could be a future expansion of the trail. The Conservancy is exploring the possibilities of connecting to the Hoodlebug Trail, which runs from Indiana to Blairsville. The group already is planning to extend the trail to Avonmore and then to Apollo.
Next up on the CVC’s schedule of events is a “trail meet-up” at 9 AM on July 14th. It’s a bike ride along the trail embarking from the Saltsburg Playground. Anyone can come, and participants are urged to bring folding chairs, snacks, and refreshments for after-the-ride socializing.
The Conemaugh Valley Conservancy serves portions of Armstrong, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties.
