Restoring and Protecting Local Rivers and Streams
For nearly 20 years, the Conservancy has employed a concerted, strategic and scientific approach to improving the region's water quality. Our staff partners with local landowners, farmers and conservation and watershed groups to implement various restoration improvement projects in rivers and streams across our region. We’ve installed natural in-stream restoration projects to slow erosion, stabilized streambanks and strengthened soil along waterways. We also work closely with community and government partners to successfully install these and similar projects in watersheds across the region.
Because of this collaborative approach, we’ve protected and restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers, creeks and streams and planted more than 66,000 riparian trees and other greening methods to improve degraded aquatic and riparian habitats.
We take a scientific approach to measuring the effectiveness of improving water quality is through our aquatic science work. We also work to remove dams and replace culverts within our waterways, as these are effective methods to improve aquatic diversity.
Our watershed conservation work is tied to other conservation groups, organizations, and public and private partners who are working together to improve priority watersheds. Thanks to the support of our members and partners, we will continue to work closely to build a variety of community partnerships and public awareness of the importance of watershed restoration and conservation.
- Learn more about our conservation and restoration work.
- Learn about our mussel relocation work in the Allegheny National Forest.
- Read why planting riparian areas are important.
- Learn more about our aquatic science work.
- Discover why the Eastern hellbender salamander is important.
Because Clean Water Matters
Western Pennsylvania is fortunate to have miles of rivers, lakes and streams that contain fresh water and host a variety of aquatic life. But our waterways face a variety of different threats, such as pollution and eroding streambanks.
For example, excess nutrients and fertilizers from agricultural operations and sediment from eroding streambanks are jeopardizing water quality and the habitats of many species.
These types of pollution sources are the leading cause of water quality issues impacting our region’s waterways. With the help of our members and volunteers, we will continue to plant trees and other native vegetation to help filter fertilizers, chemicals and nutrients before they reach local waterways. So, we work with partners and farmers to help address water quality issues with best management practices for their farming operations.
Expanding recreational opportunities and enjoying wildlife are also a result of our watershed conservation efforts. Clean rivers and streams provide more opportunities for fishing, paddling, birding, and nature watching. Through our Canoe Access Development Fund, we have awarded funding to several watershed groups which have implemented 45 access sites along local waterways for canoers and paddlers.
Throughout the year, there are several ways you can get involved in our watershed conservation work! Whether through volunteering to plant a tree or helping with office or clerical work, you will make a difference.
- Volunteers are always needed to help with riparian planting.
- Are you a farmer looking for assistance with BMPs? We can help.
- Use paddle access sites funded by our Canoe Access Development Fund.
- Become a member of WPC and support our watershed conservation work across the region.
To support landowners, farmers and conservation organizations, our watershed staff provides a full range of services to the community in watershed restoration. Contact us at 724-471-7202 or info@paconserve.org for more information.