This website : http://dept.physics.upenn.edu/~wk/stream-restoration-project.html


Trout Unlimited Southeastern Montgomery County TU Chapter#468 in Pennsylvania


Some of our members in Lorimer Park near our Stream Improvement Project in the fall of 1998

 


stream assessment...

Pennypack Creek stream assessment with Mike Wilson, Karl Lutz(PaF&BC,Area Coordinator for Habitat Management)and others, Aug. 1999.

 


...before Hurricane Floyd, Aug. 1999.

Mike Wilson and Karl Lutz (PaFBC)

Southeastern Montgomery County Chapter 468 News Report


Embrace - A - Stream Grant Proposal Submitted by Southeastern Montgomery Chapter # 468

This is a Resource Project involving the protection/conservation of Trout in Pennypack Creek within Lorimer Park located in Montgomery County, PA.

The project involes the installation of eight "in stream" devices, which will improve habitat by scouring the bottom and deepening the stream. Additionally, the devices will provide cover for fish. In stream boulders will aerate the water and provide additional lies for fish. This project has been developed in co-operation with the Pa. Fish & Boat Commission (see plans below). Timetable for completion is two years (schedule below).


Executive Summary

Scope: This is a local stream restoration project. We are hopeful that it will have regional impact due to the proximity to Philadelphia. There is "in season" stocking by the Pa. Fish & Boat Commission in Pennypack Creek just below our project area. This park is heavily used and the project area is within the "day use" area of the park, as a result our work will be accessible to a significant number of people (families on picnics, hikers as well as fishermen).

Significance: Our Chapter will provide the bulk of the volunteer labor, and will directly supervise any other volunteers. We hope to enlist the aid of several Scout Troops who camp in an area adjacent to the project. In this way, we can further our goal of introducing young people in our area to cold water conservation. We have a member responsible for publicity, and have landowner agreement to erect a sign in the project area recognizing the volunteers responsible for the project.

Feasibility: This project has been developed in co-operation with the Pa. Fish & Boat Commission - Habitat Management Section (see attached). We believe that this project can reasonably be completed within two years, based on six workdays per year. Primary material is stone, which will be purchased and delivered to the site. This project was selected over another more remote site, due to ease of access by heavy trucks. Other required materials (logs) are readily available at the park, and the landowner has agreed to provide them as needed.

Cost: We have received prices on the stone, and will continue to look for alternative sources. Our budget (see attached) is based on the current cost of stone, and our best estimate of additional costs. With the funds as outlined, we feel confident we can complete the project. We believe the stream improvements and enhencements to the habitat will benefit the trout. In addition, we hope to introduce local youth to cold water conservation through this project.


HISTORY of Cold Water Stream Restoration Project

Chapter's Adapt-a-Stream Project Report, Summer 1999 (written by Mike Wilson, Project Coordinator)

The Chapter had decided to tackle an Adopt-A-Stream Project back in mid 1998. The stream selected was Pennypack Creek in southeast Montgomery County. On August 22nd, chapter members Ray Young and Paul Raubertas walked a stretch of the stream within the borders of Lorimer Park. This section seemed to be ideal; we had the benefit of the natural buffer that the park provided, and would be dealing with a single landowner. In addition, the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission stocks the lower end of the creek within the park on an "in season" basis.

On Oct. 8th, Ray Young and Joe Veasey met with Lorimer Park Superintendent Scott Morgan and presented the outline for our Adopt-A-Stream project. Scott was enthusiastic, and requested a written proposal which could be submitted to the Park Director. We approached Dr. Reuben Bell, professor of Biology at the Academy of the New Church in Bryn Athen, Pa., to assist us with testing the water quality of the creek.

The Chapter then approached the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission for approval for the Adopt-A-Stream project for this section, and received tentative approval.

On Saturday October 31st 13 chapter members walked the entire project area from Moredon Road to Old Huntingdon Pike. Stream temperature, stream configuration and insect activity were recorded.

At the same time, the Chapter's Executive Committee prepared a proposal for submission to the Superintendent of Lorimer Park. The proposal dated 11/10/98 was adopted by the Chapter and submitted to the Park Superintendent for his review.

At the Nov. 10th general meeting Mike Wilson accepted the position of Stream Project Coordinator, and will direct future activities in this area. At this meeting, Dr. Bell's results of the water quality testing were presented, and the results appear to be within acceptable limits. On 11/12/98 the Chapter held it's first stream project meeting with 10 members attending, and the framework for the Chapter stream project committee was formed. It was agreed that we would concentrate on "in stream" improvements, since the natural buffer provided by the park appeared to be sufficient. Several subcommittees were formed, to be activated when the project gets underway.

In January 1999, Chapter stream activities shifted back to an "old project", which was the stocking of trout in the upper section of Pennypack Creek. On Jan. 20th, 13 members, family and friends were on hand to stock 205 (5" to 7") brown trout in the Pennypack. Water temperature was 40 degrees and the fish appeared to survive the stocking in good shape.

Feb. 20th was our next work day, and 5 Chapter members waded the project area in search of insect life. We were encouraged by the level of caddis larvae in this section. Unfortunately no mayfly nymphs were observed, but we had expected this result.

On March 9th, we contacted Karl Lutz, Area Coordinator for Habitat Management, and were informed that our Adopt-A-Stream project had been approved. We have to wait for the stream assessment and Karl's visit prior to starting work. March 27th work day involved a "clean-up" at the Pennypack Trust. Twelve chapter members scoured the stream for trash and winter debris. Trust Director David Robinson was very appreciative of our assistance.

Since our April work day coincided with the opening day of Trout season, we agreed to personal service at our individual fishing sites.

On April 8th, we submitted the Landowner Permission form to Scott Morgan. On 4/28, Scott indicated that we had formal approval, and papers would be submitted to us for our review.

On May 10th we spoke to Karl Lutz and agreed on the target dates in mid-summer for the stream assessment and his visit.

The Chapter's fishing expedition to Penns Creek took the place of our normal work day for the month of May. The fishing and insect hatches on Penns Creek were wonderful.

June work day involved the Chapter volunteering to help at three local fishing derbies. We assisted at Abington Twp., Huntingdon Valley and Cheltenham Twp. Overall, approximately 550 children and adults were in some small way introduced to Trout Unlimited (detailed report on the derbies follow below).

At this point we await the stream assessment scheduled for July 20th, and Karl Lutz' visit (no date as yet). We have scheduled our next work day for August 21st. We hope to combine our work day with the Chapter's picnic.



Photos from our Trout Unlimited Southeastern Montgomery County chapter's Adopt-A-Stream project on the Pennypack Creek in Lorimer Park, Oct. 31,1998.

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2 3 4 5
1. TU/SEMC group photo Lorimer Park, Oct.31,1998
2. Mike Wilson, Stream Restoration Project Manager, before falling in, Oct.31,1998
3. Council Rock Bridge in Lorimer Park. This bridge was washed out by Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and will possibly be rebuilt in the future by the park.
4. Falling Tree Pool
5. Island Pool



flyline

trout

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Link to Walter Kononenko's home page

Email:wk@upenn5.hep.upenn.edu
Phone:(215) 898-7572 (work)

Last modified: March 15, 2000