Shell Appalachia Contributes to Big Bend Recreation Area Project

Penn Soil RC&D Council announced today the completion of the paving of the Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail and the receipt of a $5,000 donation from Shell Appalachia in support of the project at the Big Bend Recreation Area at the Kinzua Dam.

Wes Ramsey, Executive Director of Penn Soil RC&D, Doug Helman, Kinzua Dam Resource Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Bill Massa, special projects coordinator of the Allegheny Outdoor Club (AOC), accepted the contribution on behalf of the project partners from Becki Ivancic, Communications Representative and Joe Minnitte, Community Liaison Officer with Shell Appalachia.

"Shell Appalachia is very pleased to support this worthwhile project that has made the Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail handicap accessible,” said Joe Minnitte, during the check presentation and final inspection.” “We are also very impressed that you were able to get the project completed so fast and it looks as if it turned out great. This is a wonderful addition to the facilities here at Big Bend and we are happy to have been a partner in this project”, said Minnitte.

"Shell takes great pride in the communities where we live and work, from volunteerism to sponsorship opportunities, and so, we are also very pleased to partner with Penn Soil RC&D and the AOC in this collaboration to improve educational and recreational opportunities for members of our communities that may have physical limitations that might limit their opportunities to enjoy this beautiful spot,” said Becki Ivancic, “We thank you for your efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live and work in northwest Pennsylvania and we wish you continued success in your operations."

The trail paving project was completed in October at a cost of $9750 by Huber Blacktop Company of Warren, PA. Other partners in the project included the Community Foundation of Warren County (CFWC), FirstEnergy Foundation, Seneca Resources Corporation, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The AOC, and Penn Soil RC&D Council. The Riverside Watchable Wildlife Trail now provides handicapped accessibility to the wildlife viewing platform located about a half-mile downstream from the Kinzua Dam, overlooking rapids in the Allegheny River, a popular fishing spot for American Bald Eagles.

Shell Appalachia headquarters in western PA is located in Sewickley. The company has more than 300 employees located in Pennsylvania. Shell owns or leases over 900,000 acres of Marcellus rights in the Appalachian Basin. Penn Soil RC & D serves as financial agent for the AOC. Penn Soil RC & D and the AOC have partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the trail and platform endeavor to enhance the tourism assets at the recreation area. Penn Soil is a not-for-profit 501 (c) - 3 organization serving eight counties in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Pictured, Doug Helman, U.S.Army Corps of Engineers; Becki Ivancic and Joe Minnitte of Shell Appalachia; Bill Massa, AOC Special Projects Coordinator, and Wes Ramsey, Penn Soil RC&D Executive Director met recently to celebrate the completion of the trail paving project.

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