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The grant opportunity that facilitated this project was made possible through the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund under the Administration of the PA-Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The program was developed to conserve and enhance river resources through preparation and accomplishment of locally initiated plans. The program provides technical and financial assistance to municipalities and river support groups to carry out planning, implementation, acquisition and development activities. A registry is established to recognize local river conservation efforts.
In 1999 the Cambria Conservation and Recreation Authority (CCCRA) applied for and obtained such a grant to conduct a study of the Upper West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The CCCRA has partnered with the Conservation Districts of Cambria and Clearfield Counties, Headwaters RC&D of Clearfield and Southern Alleghenies RC&D in this endeavor.
The planning project identifies significant natural, recreational and cultural resources. Issues, concerns and threats to river resources and values are determined locally as part of planning , as well as recommending methods to conserve, enhance and restore . The end result would be a comprehensive watershed plan that would designate segments for the Pennsylvania Rivers Registry.
This registry promotes river conservation and recognizes waterways or waterway segments in communities who have completed river conservation plans. It is also an avenue to endorse local initiatives by binding them together in a state wide recognition program. In order for a river to be placed on the registry it must have an approved plan and local municipal support. Registry status must be achieved to qualify for implementation, development, or acquisition grants.
Potential projects as identified in the Plan could be for water, waste
water, recreational needs, storm water management and abandoned mine discharge
remediation. Most of these types of infrastructure projects cannot
be done currently at the local level due to the rural nature of the communities
in the proposed watershed under current funding sources. As a result,
economic development in this region is stagnant.
This project was developed as part of an integrated, multi-county approach to monitor, prioritize, and implement a strategic plan for improving water quality in the upper reaches of the West Branch Susquehanna River Basin and tributaries that have severely degraded water quality. In addition to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from its headwaters, the project includes the tributaries of Chest Creek, Clearfield Creek, Anderson Creek, and Moshannon Creek.
Full Report in Adobe Acrobat Format
Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority Home Page