GC48ABX Project 70 (Traditional Cache) in Pennsylvania, United States created by mzairboy

This cache has been archived.

mzairboy: Someone or "something" beat up the cache pretty good. Could it be someone trying to bury the secrets of Project 70? We may never know.

GC48ABX ▼

A cache by mzairboy Message this owner

Hidden : 3/24/2013

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is packed with history. But is there something else to the story of Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area?
Do not enter the restricted area to find this cache! Respect the area and cache responsibly.

Located along the border of Lebanon and Lancaster counties, Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a prime destination for wildlife and folks who care about wildlife and wild places. It was built for waterfowl, at a time when Canadian geese were in less than desirable numbers in the Commonwealth, particularly in the east.

The creation of the state‘s first waterfowl refuge at Pymatuning Reservoir in Crawford created waterfowl hunting opportunities that couldn‘t be found anywhere else in Pennsylvania. But Pymatuning was a distant outpost for a majority of Pennsylvania‘s hunters, who then lived in the state‘s southeastern counties. They asked the Game Commission for their own “Pymatuning East”, and the agency went to work with $5 million in financial backing from Project 70, a $70 million bond issue to state and local governments to develop community recreation and conservation programs.

Upon its completion in 1973, Middle Creek‘s future was unknown. There were no guarantees it would develop a resident Canada goose population, or that it would be any more significant to waterfowl than nearby decades-old Lake Onte-launee, or the yet to be built Blue Marsh Lake. Of course, Middle Creek would provide recreation, such as fishing, bird watching, canoeing, hunting and hiking, as well as serve local educators and provide conservation programming for Pennsylvanians. But there were no assurances that Middle Creek would ever be the thriving “Pymatuning East” it was envisioned to become; just a lot of hope and promise.

However, is there something else going on at Middle Creek? Is Middle Creek more than just a wildlife conservancy?

Middle Creek Wildlife is known by several nicknames, including “The Project” and “Project 70”.

The Middle Creek plan called for 63 families to be displaced and Governor William Scranton granted the agency eminent domain powers to acquire these properties. The Game Commission began buying Middle Creek land in 1965; it set up an office on Valentine‘s Day in 1966. Many landowners willingly sold their properties in ‘65 and ‘66. Others refused and the agency began to use eminent domain procedures in 1967 to condemn their lands. Four property owners fought the condemnation proceedings in court, losing in county court and then losing again in the state Superior Court. Three of the owners subsequently negotiated with the Game Commission and sold their properties. The fourth land-owner eventually lost his property through eminent domain, but was compensated for his loss. Land acquisition was completed in 1972.

Middle Creek was built during the Cold War Era. Rumor has it, that during the construction phase of Middle Creek, the area was restricted to the public. It was also rumored to be a no fly zone. To this day, areas of Middle Creek are restricted to the public. Large signs remind visitors that they cannot access certain areas that are reserved for “authorized personnel only”. Random roads are cut through the woods and fields, reserved for officials only.

Interestingly enough, there is even a road through Middle Creek Lake. When the water is low, you can catch a glimpse of the road from certain hiking trails. Deer have been spotted walking the road across the lake to an island as well. Portions of the lake, including the mysterious island cannot be accessed because they too, are restricted.

Next time you come to Middle Creek looking for wildlife, bring your camera and binoculars. Who knows, you may catch a glimpse of something besides wildlife…

The information in this cache write up has been pulled from the Middle Creek website below, as well as from locals from the Middle Creek area.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1045928/middle_creek_history_pdf

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

ubyybj ybt

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)