Research on Apple Orchard mortality continued in 2011. USGS completed soil sampling of HOFU Historic Orchard to determine what is causing the rate of apple tree mortality in the park. The Natural Resource Manager participated this year in the MIDN Science Advisory Committee Meeting. The Mid Atlantic Exotic Management Team under the leadership of James Akerson, who retired in June and signed up as a HOFU volunteer, has been steadily working to remove exotic species and invasive plants. The GPRA goal to keep 10 acres free of invasives, a fairly small percentage of the park was established for this year and met. The Hopewell Big Woods team has identified the need to work cooperatively on the removal of exotics. A work day was held with 100 students from Alvernia College to remove exotics in Hopewell Village. The students cleared a significant amount of invasives revealing cultural features that were previously hidden by the overgrowth. With funding from the NPS, US Geological Survey completed its research on the impact of slag on French Creek, a state certified exceptional value stream. French Creek EVS standards were upheld. The second year of the study allowed for USGS to work on water monitoring as part of the project. With the completion of the study the Mid Atlantic Network I&M Program enlisted the Director of Science for Natural Lands Trust Dr. James Thorne to conduct water monitoring throughout the park. For integrated pest management, the natural resource manager ensured that the required pesticide use reports were completed and permits were obtained for current use. Powder post beetles had become a significant threat to Tenant House 1. After removing the artifacts, the building was fumigated this year. Resource and Visitor Protection: Provided firearms qualification services to VAFO LE employees and to ROVA LE employees. Provided firearms training to VAFO and INDE staff. Assisted VAFO with deer control program. Superintendent’s Compendium updated. Attended Ranger’s Advanced Law Enforcement Refresher Training. Pack Test administered to one HOFU employee for Wild land Firefighting qualification. Alarm systems maintained and upgraded as needed.
Research on Apple Orchard mortality continued in 2011. USGS completed soil sampling of HOFU Historic Orchard to determine what is causing the rate of apple tree mortality in the park. The Natural Resource Manager participated this year in the MIDN Science Advisory Committee Meeting. The Mid Atlantic Exotic Management Team under the leadership of James Akerson, who retired in June and signed up as a HOFU volunteer, has been steadily working to remove exotic species and invasive plants. The GPRA goal to keep 10 acres free of invasives, a fairly small percentage of the park was established for this year and met. The Hopewell Big Woods team has identified the need to work cooperatively on the removal of exotics. A work day was held with 100 students from Alvernia College to remove exotics in Hopewell Village. The students cleared a significant amount of invasives revealing cultural features that were previously hidden by the overgrowth. With funding from the NPS, US Geological Survey completed its research on the impact of slag on French Creek, a state certified exceptional value stream. French Creek EVS standards were upheld. The second year of the study allowed for USGS to work on water monitoring as part of the project. With the completion of the study the Mid Atlantic Network I&M Program enlisted the Director of Science for Natural Lands Trust Dr. James Thorne to conduct water monitoring throughout the park. For integrated pest management, the natural resource manager ensured that the required pesticide use reports were completed and permits were obtained for current use. Powder post beetles had become a significant threat to Tenant House 1. After removing the artifacts, the building was fumigated this year. Resource and Visitor Protection: Provided firearms qualification services to VAFO LE employees and to ROVA LE employees. Provided firearms training to VAFO and INDE staff. Assisted VAFO with deer control program. Superintendent’s Compendium updated. Attended Ranger’s Advanced Law Enforcement Refresher Training. Pack Test administered to one HOFU employee for Wild land Firefighting qualification. Alarm systems maintained and upgraded as needed.
2011-Superintendent-s-Annual-Report.docx