Stream Projects 2018-2019
In 2019 the Chapter completed work on a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that included 3 projects:
Rock Road Bank Stabilization (2018)
Houserville Bank Stabilization and Revitalization (2019)
Gordon D. Kissinger Meadow - Slab Cabin Run (2017-2019)
SCCTU proposed projects to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) as part of the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grant program for the 2018 - 2019 period. NFWF approved of this plan and funded the proposal for the full requested amount $160,700 (click here to see the full grant request). The three projects were proposed at a total cost of $261,340 (matching amount of $100,640). The project was completed in 2019 with significant additional contributions leading to extensive expansion of the work at Houserville. The total cost of the project was $395,709. Descriptions of the three projects follow.
Rock Road. Rock Road focuses on reducing sedimentation and erosion entering the stream while also providing enhanced habitat for trout and associated species. This section is lacking diverse cover and the substrate within the stream is embedded with silt from the eroding streambanks, preventing the stream from reaching its full potential. The scope of the project includes installing in-stream structures including log and stone deflectors and random boulder clusters and riparian planting of native trees and shrubs along 315 feet of stream.
Houserville. This area included areas of high erosion and sedimentation and lacks a riparian buffer.High levels of erosion and sedimentation have led to embedded stream gravel and lack of overhead fish cover prevents trout from using the area as spawning habitat. Exposing clean spawning gravel and providing thermal protection by installing structures with overhead fish cover for trout would be one of the major benefits of a restoration project implementation at this site. The scope of the project at this site includes installing structures such as mudsills, toe logs, rock cross vanes, rock vanes, log vanes, and random boulder clusters. The project will also include several debris jam removals, a willow tree revetment, the installation of a one-acre pollinator plot, 1.25 acres of poison hemlock treatment/removal, and five acres of riparian restoration to include planting native trees and shrubs.
Gordon D. Kissinger Meadow. Slab Cabin Run, is a major tributary to Spring Creek and supplies a majority of the drinking water to the State College region. Prevention of further erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient pollution is vital at this site. Currently, the scope of the project includes installing a riparian buffer along the length of the stream owned by Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR). This riparian planting is significant to the watershed in that the area was previously under heavy agricultural influence and completely lacked a riparian buffer; CRPR has partnered with SCCTU on this site to restore the riparian buffer and help to prevent further erosion in Slab Cabin Run and sedimentation of Spring Creek.
Partners include the following:
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
ClearWater Conservancy
Glen O. Hawbaker
Penn State Department of Ag & Environment
Foundation for University of California of PA
College Township
BEG Group
AK Environmental
Pa. Fish and Boat Commision
Centre County Conservation District
Rick Hoover Logging
PA Game Commission
University Area Joint Authoriey
Chesapeake Foundation
Habitat Forever
Spring Creek Chapter of TU
