Musser Gap Community Conversation Focuses on Revitalizing Area’s Natural Resources

posted February 9, 2019 in CommRadio, News by Rachel Darata

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Centre County residents are teaming up with Penn State to help shape the future of Musser Valley, known as the MG2V site.

Citizens voiced their ideas for the project at the MG2V public forum Thursday night at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County. Penn State, along with Clearwater Conservancy, aims to restore the area’s natural resources.

University students and faculty have been visiting the site, gathering soil samples, doing lab analysis and conducting interviews.

“Penn State is very interested in helping protect water, provide habitat for animals and plants and also provide recreational opportunities for the public,” Deb Nardone, executive director at Clearwater Conservancy, said.

People were encouraged to visit six stations focusing on different aspects of the project, working with members to bring up concerns. Students involved were able to gain experience with MG2V outside the classroom, by interacting with the community at the meeting.

University President Eric Barron said the project is a great learning experience for Penn State students.

“I would tell you, nothing is more rewarding than seeing the students all involved and having this be a great part of their education, and imagine that this project they’re working on, they may graduate and come back, and see their vision laid out in front of them,” he said.

With two more public forums in March and April, members of the MG2V project say they hope to hear community member’s voices and get closer to achieving their vision.

 

 

Rachel Darata is a freshman studying telecommunications. To contact her, email rjd5743@psu.edu.