On December 28, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of a $80,000 grant to the Bushkill Stream Conservancy for a stream restoration and habitat improvement project in the Borough of Tatamy and Palmer Township, Northampton County.

The watershed group will use the funds to install structures in Bushkill Creek to create a better habitat for aquatic life.

The money will also be used to install riparian buffers that will stabilize 1.5 miles of stream bank through the Borough of Tatamy. Once those buffers are installed, more than 6,500 feet of the stream will be restored allowing for better water flow.

“This work will help improve a stream that provides valuable outdoor opportunities for people who enjoy fishing or just watching Bushkill Creek flow,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “The health of the creek is vital to the community.”

Bushkill Creek, although designated as a “high-quality” cold water stream, is classified as “impaired” in this section of the borough for pathogens, which allows for special protections. The improved habitat from the project will help protect aquatic life from possible exposure to pathogens.

The Growing Greener grant program is supported by the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees and a transfer from the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund.

Click Here for more information on DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Grant Program.

Resources

For more information on buffers, financial and technical assistance available, visit DCNR’s Forest Buffers webpage.

New DCNR Grant Round

To learn more about grant opportunities to support riparian buffer, trail and recreation projects, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Grant Program webpage. A new grant round is opening January 22 and will close April 10.

Forest Buffer Summit

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Western PA Conservancy will be hosting a Riparian Forest Buffer Summit on February 20-21 at the Best Western Premier Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg.

NewsClip:

State To Kick In Money To Help Restore Part Of Bushkill Creek That Lost Flow

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[Posted: Dec. 28, 2018]

12/31/2018