The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is providing the PA Wildlife For Everyone Foundation with $88,000 in grants to restore fish and wildlife habitat in six watersheds around the state in a special cooperative agreement.

The objective of this cooperative effort is to provide assistance in delivering on-the-ground habitat for wildlife. Fish and wildlife habitat will be restored where wetlands were drained. Restoration projects typically include stream bank fencing, riparian corridor enhancements, building low earthen berms, some soil excavation, and removal of drain tile. Additional habitat restoration will be accomplished by planting trees, shrubs, and different grass species.

The project sites included in this initial agreement are:

-- Kelly Run Stream Restoration, Erie County $20,000

-- Crocked Creek Stream Restoration, Blair County $15,000

-- Tipton Run Stream Restoration, Blair County $15,000

-- Bald Eagle Creek Stream Restoration, York County $10,000

-- State Game Lands 120 Wetland Restoration, Clearfield County $10,000

-- West Branch Conestoga Dam Removal, Lancaster County $18,000

Monitoring of the projects will benefit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation by providing valuable information that will be used for future projects. The biggest benefit will be clean water and better habitat for fish and wildlife.

For more information, visit the PA Wildlife For Everyone Foundation website.

11/14/2008