THE F.H. Buhl Trustees and staff want to assure the community that the issues brought forth in the Aug. 15 article of The Herald, “Buhl Farm ravine littered with trash” were corrected immediately by the staff of Buhl Farm park. The ravine is located in the Thornton Woods area located adjacent to Buhl Farm Golf Course.

The Buhl Trustees continue to take their responsibilities of managing the park very seriously and we feel that Frank and Julia Buhl would be very pleased at the condition of all areas of the park.

In 2008, Buhl Farm park partnered with the Department of Forestry’s Stewardship program in establishing a reforestation project that was completed this summer in the Thornton Woods area adjacent to the Buhl Farm Golf Course. Through this effort both wildlife and the environment will benefit.

Also, the Trustees are currently committed to a reforestation plan within the park that includes an Arboretum committee which was established in 2002. This committee volunteers their expertise and time in the design and plantings of trees, shrubbery and flowers in specific areas within the park.

It also should be noted that with the assistance and funding from the Department of Environmental Protection the park has developed and designated a wetland area that benefits both the wildlife and lake system of Lake Julia. Interpretive signage was placed in this area as an educational tool for environmental programs. This past year, we partnered with the Environmental Educator from the Mercer County Conservation District in providing a wetland program for school students.

Most recently improvements in Buhl park have included a new pool house, pool liner, paving of 2.2 miles of roadway, resurfacing of the Casino parking lot and the fitness trail, and the installation of new dog stations.

With these improvements, the Trustees are now ready to embark on the capital campaign renovations that include the Casino and Lake Julia Bridge. Upgrades to the aquatic ecosystem will include dredging of Lake Julia, installation of new outflow structures, and the enhancement of shoreline protection. These renovations are tentatively scheduled to begin in January 2009.

We encourage the people in our community to continue to use and enjoy the park as Frank and Julia Buhl intended. Under our guidance, Buhl Farm park will remain one of the brightest spots in our valley and always provide a splendid setting for all to use.