HARRISBURG - The Shamokin man who founded Habitat for Wildlife Inc. (HFW) has received the 2012 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show Humanitarian Award for his continued efforts to improve the ecology of northeastern Pennsylvania's coal region.
"I'm thrilled," said Dave Kaleta, who is also HFW president. "I'm really happy with it. It's great being recognized for all the hard work."
The award is presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to using their knowledge of the outdoors and outdoor sports to improve and support their community.
He expressed his appreciation for the individual volunteers, businesses, media outlets and employees of the juvenile probation department who have donated time, money and food to his causes.
"Without their help, I wouldn't have gotten anything done. There's too many people to thank and recognize, and I'm sure I'm leaving dozens of them out," he said.
HFW is an organization of conservation-oriented people dedicated to restoring, protecting and enhancing the wild areas of the anthracite region. One of its most significant contributions was the establishment and development of the Alaska Site in Northumberland County. Efforts by organization members have turned what was once an area of coal banks, strip mines and illegal dumping sites into a thriving habitat for grouse, woodcock, deer, turkey, bear and non-game species.
Positive effects
Over the last 12 years, Habitat for Wildlife has planted more than 43,000 seedlings and 68 acres of food and cover plots on both reclaimed and non-reclaimed mine lands. Members have removed thousands of illegally dumped tires and hundreds of tons of trash from illegal dumpsites. These efforts have reduced the negative visual impact to this economically depressed area, reduced the number of disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents, and greatly reduced the risk of ground water pollution.
Last year, HFW conducted an experimental brook trout stocking in Carbon Run, a tributary of Shamokin Creek. If successful, it is hoped that these trout stockings will help boost the attitude of local (as well as other) people toward the coal region's environment.
HFW also works on environmental improvement projects in tandem with other area conservation groups, including: Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance, Woodcock Limited of Pennsylvania and Pheasants Forever.
Doyle Deitz, a writer for the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association (POWA) and editor of The News-Item/Republican Herald's Sunday outdoors page, nominated Kaleta for the award, and other members of PEWA voted.
The award was presented to Kaleta at a banquet Friday night at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel. David Keene, president of the National Rifle Association, provided the keynote address.
Kaleta and his organization have recently faced criticism in regard to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) plan, in which HFW would like to see more hunting opportunities.
"I hope the statewide recognition gives some credibility," Kaleta said.