Stream Restoration and Cleanup Projects

Our Photo Galleries contain more detailed project information as well as some very nice photos of the support we provide to cold water improvement programs. Enjoy!

The Chapter is involved in an ambitious fish structure improvement program along the Bens Creek (tributary to the Stonycreek River) in Somerset County. This is one of the most heavily fished streams in the region and habitat improvement is expected to greatly increase the Bens Creek's value as a cold water fishery. The chapter designed and constructed several stream enhancement devices on the Bens Creek beginning in the summer of 1995. The project is ongoing and will continue to enhance future angling opportunities by providing holding water for stocked, holdover and wild trout that reside in the stream.

The chapter has worked with the PA Fish & Boat Commission and the Windber Water Authority in stocking the stream, cleaning the stream banks and in maintaining portions of the road near the Fly Fishing Project. Clear Shade Creek is an example of typical Pennsylvania natural beauty along a freestone stream.

In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, the chapter completed an ambitious survey of dirt roads along trout streams in the local region. Runoff from these roads has led to a degradation of water quality. The study was conducted statewide to identify problems and work with state agencies and local government to find solutions.

The MLTU chapter holds fly tying classes and demonstrations annually and on request from community groups.

MLTU sponsored the public meeting that was an essential part of this six-site, five million dollar AMD remediation project on the Stonycreek River. The Chapter secured a $5,000 National TU Embrace-A-Stream grant and contributed $5,000 of locally raised funds to construct an interpretive trail at one of the treatment sites.

Beginning in 1992, the chapter worked with landowners, the PA Fish & Boat Commission, PADEP and the Bedford County Conservation District in stabilizing the stream bank of Potter Creek. Potter Creek is an outstanding spring fed fishery, it suffered for many years from nutrient and sediment runoff from depleted stream banks. The chapter designed and constructed stream bank rip rap, cattle crossings and other bank stabilization projects which have improved the water quality of Potter Creek and Yellow Creek and reduced runoff as far down stream as the Chesapeake Bay.

The Mountain Laurel Chapter of Trout Unlimited is undertaking, as one of the primary sponsors, the cleanup and restoration of the 94 square mile Quemahoning Creek watershed in Somerset County. The groups efforts will include restoration work in stabilizing stream bank, encouraging farmers to reduce nutrient runoff in the watershed and in boosting in stream alkalinity which is depressed by both acid rain and abandoned mine drainage. The chapter has been working with SCRIP, the Somerset County Conservation District, OSM, EPA and the PADEP on a comprehensive program of watershed restoration.

The Jenners AMD passive treatment system went on-line in 1997. A second treatment system at Boswell is planned to begin in 2000. MLTU, in cooperation with the Jenner Community Sportsmen, have stocked the stream with trout, creating a fishery that had been rendered un-fishable by AMD for many decades.

The Boswell Passive Treatment System along Quemahoning Creek in Somerset County was completed in 2005. The system removes over 50 tons of iron from the Quemahoning Creek each year. The stream is now stocked with trout from the treatment site to the Quemahoning Reservoir. The stocking occurs each April through the efforts of the Jenner Community Sportsmen’s Club Cooperative Trout Nursery and volunteers from MLTU.

In November 2006, Phase III of the Boswell Passive Treatment System was completed with the installation of a parking area bridge over the spillway, interpretive trail and signage and a partnership sign. Funding for Phase III came from the PA DEP and volunteer labor to construct the facilities was derived from the Jenner Township Supervisors, SCRIP, Somerset County Conservancy, Somerset Conservation District and MLTU.

The Mountain Laurel Chapter has allied itself with other local organizations such as SCRIP and the Somerset County Conservancy in order to combat abandoned mine drainage (AMD) and win back useful waterways. The chapter has entered formal agreements for assistance and the contribution of in kind labor on grants to design and implement stream habitat improvements and AMD treatment systems. The organization sponsors public meetings and its voice is heard on public issues affecting the quality of local streams.

In 1996 the Chapter completed a stream bank stabilization project along the Yellow Creek in Bedford County. This project was undertaken in partnership with the Pennsylvania department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Bedford County Conservation District. The chapter's efforts here have been accomplished with the cooperation and assistance of landowners and governmental agencies. The chapter's work has resulted in stream bank stabilization and the creation of more holding water for trout. The chapter conducts a cleanup of the special regulation area each year and periodically schedules cleanup days on landowner property with their cooperation and support.

Since initial efforts, the Yellow Creek Coalition has been created, made up of Trout Unlimited chapters from Cambria/Somerset, Blair and Bedford counties. The coalition efforts most recently included development of a parking lot and improved access to the fly fishing project area of the stream.

The Yellow Creek Coalition will host a public dedication of the new Yellow Creek parking lot adjacent to the Fly Fishing Only Project along Yellow Creek in Bedford County on Saturday June 9 at 2:00 PM. The public is welcome to attend. The parking area will be dedicated in the memory of Bill McIlnay, who was a PA Fish and Boat Commission officer who initiated creation of the Fly Fishing Project in cooperation with local landowners in 1957. The event will also recognize the 50th anniversary of the project and will also dedicate a memorial to individuals who were instrumental in enhancing and protecting the resources of the Yellow Creek watershed. Local landowners will also be recognized for their long term cooperation with Trout Unlimited and the public agencies in improving and enhancing the resources of the watershed and to secure and maintain public access.

The chapter has worked hard to bring the message of conservation of our resources to area youngsters. The chapter targets youngsters at all of its public appearances and has been part of Youth Field Days in Somerset County and has sponsored fishing skills workshops through the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission's Keystone Aquatic Resource Education Program (K.A.R.E.).

In 2006 MLTU received a Trout In the Classroom Grant from the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. Funding for the program comes from the PA Fish and Boat Commission. The chapter matched the grant with $500.00. Missy Reckner, Director of the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team, has been instrumental in coordinating the project. Through the project 100 trout fry and the equipment required to sustain them were provided by the PA Fish and Boat Commission and delivered to Eva Strang’s science class at North Star East Middle School in Kantner, for her students to use as part of their environmental education program. The students care for and learn about the trout as they develop. In May 2007 the trout fingerlings will be stocked in the Stonycreek River by the students.