Because no Walnutport Canal Association meeting was held in July, a number of topics were covered the meeting Wednesday evening.

First up, David Kaul, son of historian and Vice President Marilyn Kaul and past President Everett "Buddy" Kaul, told the association he had approached the John Hedmeck estate to ask if it was willing to donate a small, triangular tract of land it holds to the borough.He said the tract is landlocked and located between two parcels already owned by the borough. He said he believes it is the last piece of land between the Lehigh River and the tracks, north to the Lehigh Gap and south to the former aqueduct site along the canal, not owned by the borough.However, the two surrounding borough parcels contain some wetlands. The members wondered if there might be a way for visitors to reach the land if a boardwalk were installed, perhaps as an Eagle Scout project or by some other community effort.Kaul said the parcel is located behind the business Archery Addictions, along Riverview Drive (Route 145) and lies between the railroad tracks and the Lehigh Canal. He said the only stipulation made by the estate for its donation is that a bench and a marker be placed by it.Members agreed they should approach the borough about accepting the donation and made a motion to do so.Next, the association moved on to discussing the old boathouse at "Beersie's Bridge" on the northern section of the canal. Members had voted in May to tear it down then decided in June to look at it one more time.President Doug Boerher asked if members had a chance to take a look at it and wanted to offer up suggestions. In the past, some had thought it could be converted into an open pavilion. After some debate, however, it was unanimously agreed upon to tear it down.Next, Boerher told members work at the locktender's house has recently been completed by Reed's Painting of Palmerton. He said the work cost $2,000 and included painting and repair of the shutters, reglazing of the windows, dry-locking the entire basement and more.While giving an update on June's Lehigh River Sojourn, Marilyn Kaul thanked everyone for their contributions toward the event and showed a framed photo with an inscription presented to her in honor of her late husband, longtime WCA President Everett "Buddy" Kaul.She said a grant for $2,500, the second of a possible $10,000 total, was received from Northampton County for the WCA Heritage Center, plus $1,000 from Blue Ridge Communications and $500 from PenTeleData for the upcoming annual canal festival.It was also announced a work detail will be held Sept 20 to prepare for the canal festival, slated for Oct. 19.