DCNR Grant Awarded to Wildlands Conservancy for Stream Work in Berks, Lehigh Counties

The Wildlands Conservancy was awarded a $20,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources towards landowner outreach, stream restoration, and partnering with stakeholders in Berks and Lehigh counties in the Little Lehigh Creek Watershed.

 

The Little Lehigh Creek is designated as a High Quality-Cold Water Fishery and, as noted in Wildlands Conservancy’s Little Lehigh Creek Coldwater Conservation Plan (2007), approximately 14 miles of the creek main stem have been identified as in poor condition. The designated areas along the creek were all identified as having some of the most degraded sections.

 

“One of the most important aspects of the grant will be the availability of funds to reach out to landowners,” says Dr. Abigail Pattishall, director of rivers conservation, “Most landowners are willing to manage their property in a way that is best for the health of the stream. The best strategy for restoring and protecting the Little Lehigh Creek is to educate streamside landowners about the importance of riparian buffers and natural floodplains and help them implement the best management practices.”

 

For more information on this or other projects by Wildlands Conservancy’s Rivers Conservation Department, please contact Dr. Abigail Pattishall, director of rivers conservation, at 610-965-4397, ext. 25 or send email: apattishall@wildlandspa.org.