Lick Run

Lick Run is one of the best wild brook trout streams in Clearfield County. It is currently rated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as a High Quality Coldwater Fishery and holds a self-sustaining population of native brook trout. There is reason to believe that this population has been degraded in the upper reaches by chronic and periodic acid deposition.

The pH of freestone streams in this area has been dropping for many years as the buffering capability of the surrounding soils is depleted. An assessment of the headwaters of Lick Run is needed to determine the degree to which it is under threat. New technologies for mitigating the effects of acid precipitation are constantly coming on line. These technologies could be employed to keep mountain streams, like Lick Run, from deteriorating any further and possibly even reverse the downward trend.  

A survey will be conducted of the riparian habitat along the study section and the in-stream habitat. Photographs of typical sections will be provided. Information gained in this project will lead to a better understanding of the Lick Run watershed and other mountain freestone streams in the central part of the Commonwealth. Recommendations for the future protection of Lick Run will be made and if it is deemed suitable, AMCTU will recommend that this section of Lick Run be added to the recently instituted Wild Brook Trout Program. This would protect the stream from overexploitation and environmental degradation. Alternatively, it could be added to the Wilderness Brook Trout Program. Inclusion in either program would confer EV status to the stream.  

• Review the history of the Lick Run fishery.

• Describe the physical characteristics of the watershed.

• Determine the environmental condition of the upper Lick Run watershed.

• Determine the water quality and biological indicators in upper Lick Run.

• Determine the possible negative effects of acid precipitation in the headwaters of Lick Run.

• Develop a plan for conserving and protecting the upper Lick Run watershed.

About Allegheny Mountain TU

The mission of the 147 members of the Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited (AMCTU) is to preserve, protect and restore Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries. The Chapter is currently involved in an extensive project to remediate AMD drainage in the Cooks Run watershed. Additionally, AMCTU built a fish ladder to allow passage of trout around the recreational dam at Ole Bull State Park in 1992 and rebuilt it in 1997. AMCTU also conducted liming operations on Big Mill Creek in the ANF in 1997 and 1998.  

The chapter would like to broaden its already heavy involvement in native trout conservation. Acid precipitation threatens much of what AMD has not already destroyed in the mountain streams of the Clearfield-Dubois area. The headwaters of trout streams in this area are especially sensitive to the effects of acid precipitation. Streams that face this threat must be quickly identified and restoration must begin before it is too late to save these precious gems.  

For additional information or to discuss this project, please contact:

Ken Undercoffer

Allegheny Mountain Chapter TU

1510 Village Road

Clearfield, PA  16830

E-mail: kcoffer@pennswoods.net

Phone: 814-765-1035