Furnace and Seglock Run

The Furnace Run / Seglock Run Watershed Alliance was founded in 2000 in response to a plan by Heidelberg Twp. to use Furnace Run as a run-off for effluent from a proposed sewage treatment plant.  The combined efforts of residents, governmental officials, supportive organizations, educators and students resulted in upgrading Furnace Run to a High Quality stream. Seglock Run has been designated as an Exceptional Value stream and is a Class A Wild Trout Stream.  Since Furnace Run and Seglock Run are in such proximity, have similar characteristics, and join together before entering Middle Creek, it seemed logical to work to protect both streams.

The consultant  met with officials from Clay and Elizabeth Twps. in Lancaster County and Heidelberg Twp. in Lebanon County to determine the level of cooperation, various ordinances impacting water quality, and any ways all involved can work together.  There is a good amount of valuable data available from 3 school districts, Conestoga Valley, Lebanon and Eastern Lebanon County, who have done extensive studies on both streams.  The Lancaster County Conservation District has also done some stream monitoring and this data is public information.  This data needs updating and expansion.  Early in this process the Alliance would hold a public meeting to explain our efforts and get early input from residents of the watershed.  We will use direct mailing to inform the residents of the meeting as well as use of municipal newsletters, cable television, posters and newspapers.  At this point a draft copy of the CCP would be written.  A second public meeting will present the CCP to the residents for their comments, advice and support.  Lastly, the final CCP will be prepared and submitted.  Throughout this process, Alliance members will be actively engaged.  We will also be seeking the guidance of Bob Kutz, Donegal Chapter of TU; Matt Kofroth and Stephanie Harmon, Lancaster & Lebanon County Conservation District Watershed Specialists; David Wise, Chesapeake Bay Foundation biologist and watershed resident; and C-SAW  in conjunction with Stroud Water Research Center. This assessment is the logical progression from the immediate concern and subsequent reaction of the threat of effluent from a sewage treatment plant impacting Furnace Run to a comprehensive plan to protect the entire watershed.  Once we are advised of the proper plan, we can look to other funding opportunities, such as Growing Greener, to carry out the actual projects.

Contact Information:

Doug Weidman

Furnace Run/Seglock Run Watershed Alliance

253 Elser Hill Rd.

Lititz , PA 17543   

(717) 625-0009

e-mail:  education@hopelandfarm.com

www.hopelandfarm.com

Furnace Run / Segloch Run Coldwater Conservation Plan