Advocacy and WATERSHED WATCH
PROGRAMs
The Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s Advocay and Watershed Watch Program, works to protect the Spring Creek watershed and all watershed in the State of Pennsylvania. Some of the recent activities are deliniated below:
(1)
Bellefonte Flood Wall – A local municipality proposed the construction of a
flood wall on Spring Creek as it flows through town. The Chapter
engaged the community and the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission and, and the
responsible engineering consultants to include habitat improvements along
the 300’ flood wall as part of the project.
(2)
PFBC Class A Stocking – The chapter initiated a statewide campaign to oppose
a , PFBC rule change that allowed stocking on some Class A Wild Trout
Streams. We were not successful, but feel that we will be in a
stronger position to avoid future such proposals.
(3)
Graymont Quarry – The chapter worked with Graymont, the DEP, and the
Fish and Boat Commission to evaluate mine discharges into Logan Branch , a
major tributary of Spring Creek. As a result of the study, Graymont
agreed to modify their operating practices and upgrade flow control hardware
to achieve a more constant discharge flow with lower temperatures.
(4)
Titan Energy Park - Ownership submitted a proposal to the Susquehanna River Basin
Commission (SRBC) to withdraw 1.44E6 gallons per day from Logan Branch.
Ultimately the permit was granted, but for a withdrawal quantity 30% less
than the original permit requested. The reduction was, in part, due to
the opposing input provided by the Chapter. Additionally, the SRBC
factored stream flow data provided by the local Water Resource Monitoring
Project’s in-stream gages. The Chapter provides substantial, annual
funding to enable the placement and monitoring of those in-stream gages.
(5) “Watershed Watch” program - Stream conditions are monitored for unexpected and negative events typically due to high water events. When problems are observed they are documented and reported to the appropriate governmental agency, generally the Conservation District. Conditions at problem areas are watched closely for changes.
