wYTC receives grant for Trail Maintenance

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The Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter has received a grant from the Colcom Foundation, via the Regional Trail Corporation comprised of 8 Trails. 

From the Colcom Foundation:

“The uncertainly we are facing has impacted the non-profit community particularly hard. In recognition of the challenges you may face and the relationship that brings us together, the Board of Directors of Colcom Foundation has awarded this grant to be utilized at your discretion for general operating purposes.”

"The RTC Board has decided that the best way to use these funds would be to allocate these funds to the Chapters and Councils  who will not be able to do their fundraising events but still need to attend to the trail. We decided to divide the funds based upon the number of miles of trail that each group maintains."

We wish to express our appreciation to the RTC and to the Colcom Foundation for our share of the $20,000 grant. 

According to Malcolm Sias, Director, Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation, “Your chapter will be receiving a check shortly from the RTC with your share of these funds. The Board of Directors of the Regional Trail Corporation would like to thank each Chapter for the great work that you do! Please use these funds to keep our trails well maintained and attractive. I have noticed a big increase in trail users during the Covid 19 period and it is readily apparent how important our trails are to our residents!”

 Staying healthy is of vital concern during these challenging times. We are fortunate to have wonderful walking, biking, and hiking trails in Westmoreland County that offer us exercise, helping us to maintain our physical and mental health. 

The Trail is open.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the GAP-Visitor Center in West Newton is closed until further notice, including the restrooms. Thank you. 

Enjoy our GAP-WYTC and be sure to consider becoming a member. 

Our membership is suggesting the following measures to protect you as you enjoy the GAP. This is an evolving situation, one that we hope will improve soon! Stop back to the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter, website  and Facebook page  for updates.

Social Distancing: 

1.  Be mindful of others along the GAP-WYTC. Always maintain 6 feet between you and others.

2. Following good biking practices, be sure to use measures to inform others of your presence, such as saying “On Your Left” or “Passing.” 

3.  Portable toilets and water fountains are closed. Carry water, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

4. If you must meet with friends, please maintain a safe distance from them. 

5. Take your trash with you.

6. If you are not well, don’t ride or walk with others. Stay Home. Be mindful of their needs. We don’t want to spread the virus.

In addition:

Using Restrooms Along the Trail: Restrooms are closed until further notice.

Restaurants in Area: Most are open for business, offering take out services.

Additional websites of interest:

PA Health Department: 

Rails to Trails: Resources for Safe Outdoor Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Caz Liszewski, a friend and one of the founding fathers of the Yough River Trail/ Great Allegheny Passage.  He worked building the trail and was a member of the WYTC Original Over the Hill Gang.  He also served as a Director of the WYTC for many years. As a mechanical engineer, his skills were highly valued as a dedicated member of the Original Over The Hill Gang. 

Remarking about the beginning of trail building, Caz said “people took it on their own to volunteer because they felt it was their civic responsibility if the trail was to succeed.” He continued “the biggest factor for the trail’s success was its volunteers.” 

Caz Liszewski mailed letters requesting people to clean the trail. Caz commented “the biggest problem was informing local people of the challenges and getting them to work.” He reminded us that using the GAP-WYTC Trail is free. This is not the case in other states.   

He led the effort to renovate an abandon train car and relocate it to the Yough River trailhead in West Newton, where it still stands.

Caz will be in our thoughts as we ride our bikes or take a walk on the GAP – WYTC.

There will not be a viewing, but funeral services will be held at Seven Dolors Church in Yukon, PA at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday February 15th, with internment at St Timothy's Cemetery in Smithton.

Read full obituary here.

 Read Tribune Review article by Jacob Tierney, Feb 13, 2020 . "Smithton engineer was visionary family man."

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Caz's name to Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter, 111 Collinsburg Road, West Newton, PA 15089. 

Rest in Peace Caz.

 In 2007, the RTC began recognizing exemplary rail-trails around the country through its Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. They selected inductees on merits such as scenic value, high use, trail amenities, historical significance, excellence in management and maintenance, community connections and geographic distribution.
 

The #GreatAlleghenyPassage had the honor to become the very first inductee into the Rail-Trail Hall of Fame. Because of this recognition, people from every state and all over the world come to ride the GAP.
 

We are privileged to have the opportunity to use this great amenity anytime we want as it is in our back yard. The trail is almost wholly maintained by volunteers who rely on memberships, fundraisers, and donations.