The Northcentral PA Conservancy and the Tioga County Conservation District invites landowners to a two-day series of Work Days on September 16-17 at the Canoe Camp Creek near the Wal-Mart at Mansfield, PA.

The Conservancy and its partners will work with several private landowners to stabilize the stream bank and increase aquatic habitat. This will be an active construction site and you’ll see sections of the stream that still have eroding stream banks, and sections of the stream where multi-log deflectors and mudsills have been installed.

Possibly best of all, you can talk to the designers and installers about the techniques, how they are permitted, and how you can apply to the upcoming cost-share program to make this sort of project happen near you.

Those who sign in for the tour will gain additional points on ranking for funding. Contractors who wish to bid on future Log cribbing on Charleston Creek projects through our cost-share program should also attend to get a better idea of the scope and cost of such projects.

Both days will have a morning tour at 11:00 a.m., lasting until about Noon, followed by a free lunch. You and your class are welcome to attend either day. Boots are suggested as you may wish to cross over shallow water.

Due to safety restrictions, please coordinate with us if you plan to arrive more than 15 minutes before the tour, as we will have heavy machinery operating until the tour opens.

While pre-registration is not required, we are asking people to pre-register to help with planning. You can register by sending email to: lmaloney@tiogacountypa.us, or call the Conservancy at 570-724-1801 x 113. Please include your name and a daytime contact number.

Beverage Coaster Education

Now, while enjoying a beverage at a local restaurant or tavern in Centre, Clinton,  Potter or Tioga County you can also learn about riparian buffers and how they relate to trout.

Funding from Dominion Watershed Mini Grant Program, administered by the Western PA Conservancy, was used to print two coasters with trout on the front and information about riparian buffers on the back.

One coaster features the message that sediment in the water can clog the gills of the aquatic insects and the gills of young trout. While tall grass, shrubs, and other vegetation along the stream can look messy they are actually helping hold soil in place and provide better habitat for fish.

The other coaster focuses on the role native plants play in keeping brook trout, the only trout native to Pennsylvania, in our streams.

More information on riparian buffers and how to manage your riparian buffer can be found at the Conservancy’s Plants Along A Stream webpage.

While the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy coordinated the project, the County Conservation Districts in Centre, Clinton, Potter, and Tioga County are working with local partners to get the coasters in the hands of local restaurant and tavern owners.

For more information on programs and activities, visit the Northcentral PA Conservancy website.

9/7/2015