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    New Life to Once Impaired Streams in the Turtle Creek Watershed

    April 2024
    Union County

    A Partnership Success Story

    In April 2024, 2.2 miles of streams in the Turtle Creek Watershed in Union County officially got a new lease on life when they were removed from the “impaired" waterways list. Their reinvigoration wasn't sudden, though. It is the result of a 10-year commitment and the hard work of the Northcentral Stream Restoration Partnerships. For the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Habitat Management Division, collaboration with partners Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, County Conservation Districts, and willing landowners have been paramount to the success of the project and new life to the streams.

    Much of the work has focused on reducing sediment by stabilizing banks, improving habitat in the streams, and stabilizing the land around the streams. Improvements to livestock access to streams means farmers will have sustainable healthy and accessible water sources. And the healthier streams means the watershed will support fish and aquatic life and habitats. 

    With more work to be done in the watershed to improve habitats, the project and partnership will continue. The project is funded in part by federal, state and private grants. To learn more about the project, check out this informative and engaging story map.​

    Highlights of restoration work to date:

    • 1,368 Stream Stabilization Structures Installed
    • 10,927 feet of Streambank Fencing Installed
    • 19 Stabilized Stream Crossings Installed
    • 21,964 feet of Stream Length Impacted by Turtle Creek Restoration Work to Date
    Photo of PFBC and partners excavating and restoring habitat to a stream in the Turtle Creek Watershed, PA.
    Photo of PFBC and partners excavating and restoring habitat in the Winter to a stream in the Turtle Creek Watershed, PA
    Photo of PFBC and partners using large machinery to carry logs to restore habitat to a stream in the Turtle Creek Watershed, PA