Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Vol. 2 now on sale, featuring 40 stories on important river-related topics

The Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 2 paperback book is now available in person or online, featuring a wide variety of important river topics via locally written articles, columns and investigative reports.

All stories in this volume come specifically from 2022, including a wide range of issues from how excessive road salt is impacting salinity in our waterways, to the history of a Superfund site in Williamsport to emerging contaminants like PFAS and pharmaceuticals in our waterways.

"One way we work to fight issues that threaten our river is by educating people throughout our watershed. It has been interesting to see how many people were unaware of the longstanding Superfund site in Williamsport and the threat it can pose to our watershed," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky, who wrote the articles in the book. "It was surprising how many people didn't know about how certain fracking companies were allowed to frack directly below our river and other waterways. The more we tell these stories, the more people will have a better idea of what the river is up against."

The theme of the book, from the introductory column through the final pages looking back at how the historic flooding of Agnes in 1972 still impacts our river today, is that people start asking more questions and getting a better idea of the source of their water and how things may be hiding below the surface.

A listing of the stories from the book's table of contents, includes:

Introductory column

• Time to follow curiosity, ask questions about the quality of the water we take for granted

Chapter 1: Superfund sites

• Cleanup continues at Williamsport Superfund site decades after pollutants discovered
• Watershed Superfund sites offer important lessons to curb potential future pollution

Chapter 2: PFAS/Forever chemicals

• PFAS detected in the Susquehanna as part of nationwide study illustrate a need for change

Chapter 3: Pharmaceuticals in our waterways

• Research looks at better ways to gauge, curb medication-related impacts on ecosystem

Chapter 4: Increasing salinity

• Road salt overuse during winter can get into streams, increase salinity and hurt ecosystem

Chapter 5: Fracking concerns

• Fracking companies extracting gas from under river, other waterways since 2010 via leases
• Lack of public awareness one of several major concerns about under-river gas extraction

Chapter 6: Impacts on specific species

•  Column: Clean water violations on Loyalsock should spark change via hellbender protections

You can purchase a copy of Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 2 several different ways.

You can buy one using the platform below for $15 and pick it up at the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper office at 112 Market Street, Sunbury, PA, or you can purchase a copy for $20 directly at Amazon.com (https://amzn.to/3Jojbkp) and it will ship directly to your door.

Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 2

$15.00

The second collection of stories, columns and investigative pieces about a wide variety of topics about the Susquehanna River, the issues it faces, the people who strive to learn more and clean it up and how we all can help make a difference. There are 40 locally written stories and more than 100 photos all from the past year. You can purchase a copy here to pick up in person at the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper office for $15 or order one via Amazon for $20 to be shipped to your door (do that at this link: https://amzn.to/3Jojbkp)

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Also, you can purchase both Volumes 1 and 2 for a special package rate ($25), but this option is only available for pickup at our Sunbury office. To make this purchase, use the platform below:

Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volumes 1 and 2

$25.00

Purchase two paperback books, both Sentinels of the Susquenanna Volume 1 and Volume 2 at a special package rate of $25. These collections of stories, columns and investigative pieces about a wide variety of topics about the Susquehanna River, the issues it faces, the people who strive to learn more and clean it up and how we all can help make a difference. Purchasing here means you are willing to pick up your copies at our Sunbury, PA, office. You can purchase them at Amazon individually for $20 each to be delivered at your door.

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• PennDOT takes steps to minimize impact on active eagle nest near thruway construction
• Vernal warning: New signs offer reminder to not disturb fragile aquatic life in vernal pools
• Chapter 7: Fish passageways
• Continued debris blockage of Williamsport fish ladder interferes with aquatic ecosystem’s flow
• DCNR cleans up fish passageway, shares plan to keep it free of debris and open to passing fish

Chapter 8: Invasive species

• Diet study, public feedback offer useful tools to understand impact of invasive flathead catfish

Chapter 9: Species impact?

• As cormorant numbers rebound and debate of impact rages, updated data would help

Chapter 10: Waterway indicators

• Patches of foam on Penns Creek spark testing into causes, encouragement to follow curiosity

Chapter 11: Water draws

• Public encouraged to be mindful of water draws on smaller streams, ask questions

Chapter 12: Live staking

•  Study highlights live-stake successes as collaborative strives to improve stream health

Chapter 13: Watershed opportunities

• Watershed groups offer essential benefits to our waterways, but need volunteers, support
•  Listing of watershed groups, contacts and projects by county
• Watershed group celebrates 20th year by looking back at successes, seeking stewards
• New volunteers sought as Master Watershed Stewards program expands across the region
• Wildlife Leadership Academy sparks passion for conservation in teens via camp and outreach
• ALLARM, MSRKA collaborate on new volunteer Stream Team opportunities in watershed

Chapter 14: Special waterway awareness

• River of the Year 2022 finalist: Catawissa Creek an example of collaboration and persistence
• River of the Year 2023 finalist: North Branch of the Susquehanna a product of its history

Chapter 15: Creative awareness

• Storm drain mural project helps raise awareness about stormwater concerns
• Songs of the Susquehanna gives musicians a chance to share river passion, engage others
• Review: ‘American River’ documentary offers a valuable tool to raise awareness, inspire action

Chapter 16: Environmental education

• Film, panel discussion, other activities engage community at Clean Water Celebration event
• Volunteers, sponsors help HERYN kayaking, fishing program inspire young stewards
• Water Education Day connected 240 eighth graders with aquatic resources, awareness
• More than 450 people participate in nine Floating Classroom programs aboard Hiawatha
• Waterway Exploration Training helps get families’ feet ‘WET’ via hike, creek adventure

Chapter 17: Special recognition

• Outgoing MSRKA president awarded inaugural Susquehanna Environmental Advocate Award

Chapter 18: Additional columns

• World Water Day reality check: We need to work together to tackle overwhelming issues
• Take some time to consider the potential carbon footprint of what you eat
• Intern reflects on summer experiences with the MSRKA and what may lie ahead for her

Chapter 19: Learning from our past

• First land management specialist for Montour Preserve reflects on venue’s 50th anniversary
• Agnes flooding emotional, ecological, economic impacts still felt 50 years after historic storm

For questions or feedback on the stories within these books, please contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky directly at midsusriver@gmail.com or 570-768-6300.