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USGS Spring Creek Flood Gage In Centre County Shut Down Due To Funding Cuts
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The U. S. Geological Service stream gage on Spring Creek at Houserville, a vital information source for anglers, boaters and other recreational users of Spring Creek, is in imminent danger of shutdown due to a loss of funding from USGS partner agencies.
The gage provides real-time water level and flow information about Spring Creek just upstream of the Spring Creek canyon. This information is currently available online.
ClearWater Conservancy recognizes the value of the Houserville stream gage to anglers, kayakers, canoers and other recreational users of Spring Creek, both residents and visitors. Businesses and agencies who rely on tourism also have a stake in the fate of the Houserville gage since recreational tourists come to our community because amenities like the Houserville stream gage allow them to maximize the return on their vacation dollars.
Without a show of financial commitment from the community, the Houserville gage will be shut down. We are writing to enlist your help in maintaining this vital recreational resource.
Annual gage operation costs are $17,200, towards which the USGS will contribute $6,700. Assuming other partner commitments from 2011 are maintained, the shortage for 2012 is $5,300.
It is our hope that individuals, organizations, businesses and municipalities can make up this shortage and keep the gage operating. We are seeking long-term funding solutions, but those efforts will be for naught if the gage is disconnected now because USGS typically does not reactivate gages once they are disconnected.
The Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited firmly believes in the importance of this gage and has committed financial support and in-kind assistance toward this fund-raising effort.
A response is due to USGS by October 5, so time is of the essence. If you, your business, organization or municipality values continued, real-time flow information from the Houserville gage, please respond ASAP to Nick Schipanski, Water Resources Coordinator at ClearWater Conservancy, 814-237-0400 or send email to: nick@clearwaterconservancy.org.
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10/3/2011 |
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