Steve Motyka's involvement with environmental preservation started as a young man with a desire to fish in Shamokin Creek near his hometown of Kulpmont.
The 32.4-mile Shamokin Creek is a tributary of the Susquehanna River in Northumberland County affected by acid mine runoff. Coal mining started in the 137-square-mile watershed more than 200 years ago.
"It was something we never had the opportunity to do in the upper Shamokin Creek Valley," said Motyka, the vice president of the Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance. "Little did I know how hard it is to accomplish such big goals. We are making progress. I won't get to fish any time soon, but my son or his son might be able to use the stream."
Motyka was nominated as one of The Daily Item's People Who Made A Difference in the Valley in 2023. The work that Motyka, also a council member of the Kulmont Borough Council, and the alliance do was recognized this year with the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence.
Motyka works as a union carpenter who works for a construction management firm, having been involved in the building of hospitals across Pennsylvania for the last 14 years.
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NewsClip:
-- The Daily Item: Steve Motyka, Shamokin Creek Restoration Alliance, Working To restore Shamokin Creek
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-- PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Recognizes Janie French, Headwaters Trust; DEP's John Stefanko With 2023 Mayfly Awards; Rahab Of SR81 [PaEN]
[Posted: December 29, 2023] PA Environment Digest
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