Crop damage from several recent weather systems has been significant in the Mid Atlantic region. Reports of crop damage includes corn, soybeans, vegetables, fruit trees, and even farm-raised fish.
According to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB), high winds and heavy rain from Hurricane Irene caused sporadic damage to farms and orchards in several areas of Pennsylvania. The most common problem cited by farmers is that field corn was leaning or flattened by strong winds, while apples and other fruits fell to the ground during the storm.
“The largest and most mature fruit fell off the trees.We estimate that about 20% of our fruit is on the ground, which is a significant loss,” said Brad Hollabaugh of Hollabaugh Brothers Fruit Farm and Market in Biglerville, Adams County.
“There is nothing more disheartening than looking at apples on the ground, after you’ve put your heart and soul into growing and nurturing the fruit throughout the season,” added Hollabaugh.
Jim Schupp, the director of Penn State’s Fruit Research and Extension Center, confirmed that winds from Hurricane Irene uprooted fruit trees. “Damages vary widely from farm-to-farm and even from one section of a farm to the other. Some farms were hardly touched, while others have fruit losses of 50%,” said Jim Schupp.
Corn crops throughout the Mid Atlantic were tangled or flattened by Hurricane Irene and later by heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Lee. In some areas, corn which was already stressed from lack of rain was severely flattened by rain and wind.
Flood damage to crops was most extensive in Pennsylvania as the Susquehanna River flooded portions of Harrisburg, Hershey, and surrounding communities.
Showing posts with label susquehanna river. Show all posts
Showing posts with label susquehanna river. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
Susquehanna State Park Campground Opens
The Maryland Park Service (MPS) recently reopened the Susquehanna State Park campground, which had been closed for eight months while undergoing upgrades.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partnered with the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) to complete a variety of eco-friendly renovations.
To enhance the camper experience, MPS focused the renovation on the restroom and shower buildings. Energy-reducing green technologies in the renovated shower buildings include solar panels, on-demand hot water heaters, occupancy sensors, an insulated metal roof and clearstory windows.
Also incorporated into the design were low-flow faucets and dual flush toilets with an infrared beam powered by small solar panels. The park salvaged old fixtures to be re-used and all concrete and metal from the old building was recycled.
On the exterior, workers installed “pervious paving” which allows storm water to be filtered back into the surrounding area. The renovations also provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility and include two new campsites with 30 amp electric hookups for campers with RVs.
A top Mid Atlantic camping destination, the Susquehanna State Park campground offers campers access to the Susquehanna River. It is downstream of the Conowingo Dam, an area renowned for fishing, boating, hunting and general outdoor recreation for the public.
Campers are invited to make reservations for the 61 campsites, 8 campsites with electric hook-ups, and 6 mini-cabins by visiting reservations.dnr.state.md.us or calling 1-888-432-2267.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partnered with the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) to complete a variety of eco-friendly renovations.
To enhance the camper experience, MPS focused the renovation on the restroom and shower buildings. Energy-reducing green technologies in the renovated shower buildings include solar panels, on-demand hot water heaters, occupancy sensors, an insulated metal roof and clearstory windows.
Also incorporated into the design were low-flow faucets and dual flush toilets with an infrared beam powered by small solar panels. The park salvaged old fixtures to be re-used and all concrete and metal from the old building was recycled.
On the exterior, workers installed “pervious paving” which allows storm water to be filtered back into the surrounding area. The renovations also provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility and include two new campsites with 30 amp electric hookups for campers with RVs.
A top Mid Atlantic camping destination, the Susquehanna State Park campground offers campers access to the Susquehanna River. It is downstream of the Conowingo Dam, an area renowned for fishing, boating, hunting and general outdoor recreation for the public.
Campers are invited to make reservations for the 61 campsites, 8 campsites with electric hook-ups, and 6 mini-cabins by visiting reservations.dnr.state.md.us or calling 1-888-432-2267.
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