S. Fork of the Little Conemaugh 

The Little Conemaugh watershed is approximately 188 square miles. This project will focus on the headwaters of the South Fork Branch of the Little Conemaugh River. The Exceptional Value status along with the high water quality of the numerous small tributaries flowing into the Beaverdale Reservoir and its effluent are unique in the severely degraded Little Conemaugh Watershed. The conservation plan will examine the diminished water quality of Bottle Run, a High Quality tributary that drains into the Exceptional Value portion of the South Fork.

The Little Conemaugh Watershed Association (LCWA) is a relatively new non-profit organization dedicated to promoting stewardship within the Little Conemaugh Watershed through environmental education, community outreach and stream restoration. The association is working to restore a healthy and productive watershed, which will improve the quality of life within the community and enhance the local economy.  

Working for a healthier watershed, association members have organized and participated in several stream clean-ups, educational presentations and community meetings. The association has also developed numerous partnerships with various state and local organizations.

The LCWA is working with the Cambria County Conservation District and the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority to host an AmeriCorps* VISTA member to further develop community partnerships foster watershed awareness and increase participation through volunteer recruitment, project implementation and community watershed education. The full-time AmeriCorps* VISTA member enhances the LCWA's efforts to educate community leaders and residents about the environmental and economic effects abandoned mine drainage has on their watershed.

The LCWA is partnering with the Dunlo Rod & Gun Club, the Beaverdale Sportsmen and the Cambria County Conservation District to complete the conservation plan. The Dunlo Rod & Gun Club and the Beaverdale Sportsmen Association both own land in the upper reaches of the watershed and have expressed a keen interest in developing a conservation plan. Each group has shared specific concerns regarding potential water quality impacts on this Class A Wild Trout Fishery.  

This project will provide the Conservation District with a unique opportunity to study a healthy ecosystem and involve local residents and sportsmen in the protection and enhancement of this unique fishery.  

Additional water quality monitoring will be conducted to supplement the limited data available form the PA Fish and Boat Commission and the local water authority.  Once data is collected, the conservation district and the LCWA will prepare a conservation plan addressing all impacts and threats to the watershed’s health.  A plan of action will be developed in cooperation with the sportsmen to insure that the watershed retains its integrity and its special protection status.   

Contact:

Jacqueline Ritko                                                              

Cambria County Conservation District                            

401 Candlelight Drive, Suite 221                                                                                                 

Dunlo , PA 15930

814-472-2120                                                               

ritko@co.cambria.pa.us