Conservation Projects

  • In-Stream Projects 1973 to 1989 - Frank Zettle wrote a history of projects in his history of the chapter from is foundation in 1973 to approximately 1990.  In this document, he describes the projects starting in 1973 at the Neidigh Quarry (now Hanson).  Two more projects were accomplished at the Neidigh Quarry.  In addition, the Spring Creek Cleanup was started by the Chapter in 1973. Eventually, the ClearWater Conservancy took over the coordination of the watershed wide cleanup.

  • Thompson Run - 1976 to 2016 - Frank Zettle also wrote this history with the more recent information provided by Bob Vierck.  This project started because College Avenue was moved in the early 1950's south closer to the "Duck Pond".  Thompson Spring was diverted into the Duck Pond, thus increasing the temperature of Thompson Run and ruining the stream for trout.  In 1975, SCCTU President Joe Humphrey's began a campaign and eventuall coordinated the creation of a dike that separated the outflow of Thompson Spring along side of the "Duck Pond".  More recently, the dike had come into disrepair and SCCTU and Penn State partnered in revitalizing it.  This work will be completed in 2017.  Upon completion of the project, a plaque was created commemorating this project.  Unfortunately, it was lost for some ten years.  In 2016, the plaque was mounted on a large rock and the effort to restore this coldwater stream was dedicated.

  • Spring Creek Cleanup - The first on-stream project, a stream bank cleanup, was carried out on March 21, 1973, less than two months after their first meeting of the chapter. Bill Rininger enlisted the support of some local groups along with the Chapter membership for a trash cleanup of Logan Branch.  Little additional cleanup work was done until1980, when Dan Shields organized a large project on upper Spring Creek. With the assistance of his fraternity brothers from Delta Upsilon and a few Chapter members, the area from the Puddintown Road through Neidigh's quarry got a thorough cleanup a few days after opening day of trout season. The frequency and size of the cleanup slowly increased in scope over the years and eventually the coordination was taken over by the ClearWater Conservancy.  SCCTU continues to play a very active part in this effort.

  • Projects - 1989 - 1999 (Bob Carline) Spring Creek, like many other trout streams in Pennsylvania, has a considerable number of farms along its banks and those of its tributaries.  Pastures for dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, and horses are typically found along the stream.  Intensive grazing for many years has led to the near complete elimination of streamside vegetation, loss of bank cover for trout, and badly eroding stream banks that contribute large quantities of sediment. 

    Studies by the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (U.S. Geological Survey) showed that in the middle portion of Spring Creek, a stretch of about 5 miles, natural reproduction by wild brown trout was being substantially reduced by siltation of spawning sites.  These results prompted the Spring Creek Chapter to undertake a major effort to reduce siltation in the watershed.  The project was initiated in 1989, and was completed in 1998.

    During the period from 1998 – 1999 much was accomplished to improve Spring Creek with projects that included bank stabilization projects and fence building along Spring Creek, Slab Cabin Run, Thompson Run and Cedar Run.  Dr. Bob Carline has written a history of these efforts – Click Here for the compete report.

  • Projects - 1999 - 2012 (Art Kempf) In August, 2000 Land Studies did a comprehensive study of approximately 20 linier miles of Spring Creek from Milesburg upstream to the Boalsburg Military Museum.  They identified 13 possible projects plus a demonstration project.  All of the above projects and planned projects  were identified in this study.  The study called "Assessment and Restoration" is accessible in either PDF format by  Clicking Here or in Microsoft Powerpoint format by Clicking Here.  Stream Projects during this period includes the removal of the McCoy Dam, Sheep Farm bank stabilization and riparian plantings, bank stabilization in Fisherman's Paradise, and Spring Creek Park in Houserville.  Click here to read PA Trout article written by Art Kempf regarding the Sheep Farm Project to read a "PA Trout" article written by our member Art Kempf regarding the Sheep Farm project.  Art Kempf has also wriiten a comprehensive report regarding projects from 1999 through 2012 - Click here to read this history "SCCTU Grants and Habitat Projects 1999 - 2012".

  • Projects - 2013 - 2017  (Bob Vierck) In 2012 the Chapter wrote and submitted a grant request from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.  This grant was approved and the work at multiple locations began. These projects include the following:

    • Milesburg Bank Stabilization and Riparian Planting - 2013/4
    • McCoy Dam Riparian Planting - 2014/5
    • Deer Creek Lane - Riparian Planting - 2014
    • Fisherman's Paradise - Stormwater Abatement, Bank Stabilization, Riparian Planting - 2014/5
    • "Backyard Makeover" - Slab Cabin Run Homeowner Improvement Demo - 2014
    • Rock Road - Stormwater Abatement and riparian planting - 2014
    • Oak Hall - Bank Stabilization and riparian planting 2015/2016
    • "The Distillery" - bank stabilization project - 2015
    • Stewardship Program - 2015/2017

        In addition, a grant and project "Backyard Makeover" and habitat improvement for the Bellefonte Floodwall were completed.

  • Projects - 2018- 2019  (Bob Vierck) In 2017 the Chapter wrote and submitted a grant request from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for $160,700.  This grant was approved with a projected total cost of $261,340.  The work was completed in 2019 with a total cost of $305, 709.  These projects include the following:

    • Rock Road Bank Stabilization - 2018

    • Houserville Bank Stabilization and revitalization - 2019

    • Gordon D. Kissinger meadow (Slab Cabin Run) - 2017 - 2019

Stewardship Projects - SCCTU has an aggressive stewardship program that includes maintenance of the sites where in-stream habitat and riparian plantings have been completed.