Shenango River Lake Shorebird Habitat
Section 1135
Letter of Intent
May 30, 2003
Three Rivers Birding Club
2230 Shady Avenue, Floor 2
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Les Dixon
Deputy for Programs and Project Management
US Army Engineer District, Pittsburgh
Federal Building
1000 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Re: Section 1135 LETTER OF INTENT, Three Rivers Birding Club
SHENANGO RIVER LAKE SHOREBIRD HABITAT
Dear Mr. Dixon:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-662) which authorizes the Federal Government to carry out projects for aquatic restoration, the Three Rivers Birding Club (3RBC) makes a request for application of a study of shorebird habitat enhancement in the Shenango River Lake (Shenango).
Shorebirds congregate on mud flats at Shenango in numbers greater than perhaps any other location in western Pennsylvania, but their ability to rest and feed there is limited by the relatively small area typically exposed in the crucial August through September migration period. Shorebird populations are stressed at Shenango and elsewhere due to beach and shore use by humans and their pets in the same period. So any increase in habitat of the sort contemplated by this proposed project is likely to have a positive effect on survival during the long and dangerous migration.
Shorebird observation and study at Shenango has been going on for decades, both by hobbyists for their pleasure, and also by people collecting data on species and numbers of individuals for shorebird conservation purposes. Observers include members of the 3RBC (based in Allegheny County), the Bartramian Audubon Society (in Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, and Venango counties), the Westmoreland Bird and Nature Club (in Westmoreland County), and the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (drawing members from throughout this region).
The project which 3RBC proposes would, in summary, move earth from one location to another, thus creating mud flats in that location in future years. A summary of several possible methods for achieving the project, including schematic drawings, has been prepared by Army Corps of Engineers personnel. The new mud flats would be under water in the average water level of a typical spring, and exposed in a typical August through October shorebird migration season. The period of exposure would be too late for any appreciable plant growth, so the flats should remain permanently after the earth is moved. The southeast portion of the lake is the best area for observing shorebirds, so consideration might be given to that area for the project.
The importance of the area for shorebird survival has been demonstrated by the Pennsylvania Audubon Society's designation of Shenango as an Important Bird Area (IBA). In its official determination of Shenango's status, Audubon said that in years when mudflats are exposed, Shenango is one of the most productive migratory stopovers for shorebirds in western Pennsylvania. As many as thirty (30) species of shorebirds occur from July through October and numbers peak in early to mid-August at up to two thousand (2,000). Great Egrets gather in the fall (15+) and Bald Eagle and Osprey occur regularly. *** Also noteworthy are frequently large flocks of American Pipit (200+).
The proposed project would make good mud-flat years a regular occurrence. Expert birders currently monitoring shorebird use of Shenango would continue to do so, allowing an assessment to be made of the project's success. A baseline of shorebird use exists, and post-project monitoring would allow an assessment of the projects success in increasing shorebird use of Shenango as a resting and feeding area.
We are aware of the following cost sharing requirements associated with projects undertaken under this Authority:
a. The 3RBC's share of matching funds is equal to 25% of the Total Project Cost. The Total Project Cost includes the cost of conducting any necessary studies, preparing detailed plans and specifications and construction.
b. The 3RBC is responsible to provide any lands, easements, rights-of-way, relocations, and disposal areas necessary for project construction and subsequent operation and maintenance. We believe that none of these will be required for this project, since all of the area in question is Corps property.
c. The 3RBC is responsible for removal of all hazardous, toxic and radioactive wastes prior to any construction. We believe none of these will be required for this project, because no such materials are expected to be present at the site.
d. The 3RBC is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the project after completion. As designated, however, the project should require little or no maintenance.
We are aware that this letter serves as an expression of intent on the part of 3RBC and is not a contractual obligation. Either party may discontinue the process at any time prior to the execution of a Cost Share Agreement.
We understand that upon receipt of this letter, the Pittsburgh District Corps of Engineers will request funding to initiate the Preliminary Restoration Plan Phase of a study. We would appreciate receiving a cost estimate as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please contact me at any time at (phone) 412-521-3365; or 2230 Shady Avenue, Floor 2, Pittsburgh, PA 15217-2114; or (Internet) snaggle719@yahoo.com.
Jack E. Solomon
President
