The Western PA Conservancy invites residents of the Juniata River Watershed to comment on the draft Juniata River Watershed Conservation Plan that covers 3,400 square miles in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Franklin, Fulton, Huntington, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder and Somerset counties.

The Juniata watershed’s tributaries provide habitat for numerous fish and aquatic species as well as recreational opportunities such as swimming, paddling and fly fishing.

Home to several state forests, state parks and state game lands, much of the land in the watershed is forested, providing abundant habitat for birds, wildlife and plants, including several rare and endangered plant species.

The plan highlights the resources found within the Juniata River Watershed and highlights conservation achievements implemented in the past 25 years.

The draft Juanita Forward - Building On 25 Years Of Conservation serves as a reference and educational tool promoting the conservation of natural resources, monitoring and improvement of water quality, and advocating sound community-planning practices.

Recommendations identified in this plan are not enforceable by any agency.

Implementation of this plan is the responsibility of the entire watershed community, and depends upon cooperation and collaboration among many different organizations.

The goal of this plan is to develop a strategy to make the vision for the watershed a reality. Practical solutions and action steps were suggested, and resources were identified to support implementation.

This plan can be used to assist groups and citizens working and/or living within the watershed with obtaining funding and other resources to fulfill the vision set forth for the area.

Development of the draft plan began in 2021 and is built on a strong foundation of public involvement.

Anyone wishing to provide public comment can submit comments directly to Jennifer Farabaugh at jfarabaugh@paconserve.org or 814-696-9356.  The deadline for comments is October 31.

Visit WPC’s Juniata Watershed Plan webpage for more information.

More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western PA Conservancy website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, join them on Instagram, visit the Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.  Click Here to support their work.

Related Article - WPC:

-- Western PA Conservancy, Partners Invite Residents Of French Creek Watershed To Comment On Conservation Plan At Oct 22 Meeting In Saegertown, Crawford County  [PaEN]

Related Articles - Watersheds:

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-- Choose Clean Water Coalition Now Accepting Applications For Young Environmental Professionals Of Color Mentorship Program  [PaEN]

-- DEP Chesapeake Bay Healthy Waters Newsletter Highlights Funding Opportunities; County Clean Water Projects; Accomplishments  [PaEN]

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-- US Forest Service Watershed Forestry Team Hosts Webinar On Riparian Forest Buffer Success And Innovation Begins Oct. 10  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Center For Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training Hosts Oct. 23 Webinar On Identifying Environmentally Sensitive Areas On The Farm - Wetlands  [PaEN]

-- Public Comments Invited On Draft Juniata River Watershed Conservation Plan By Western PA Conservancy [PaEN]

-- Western PA Conservancy, Partners Invite Residents Of French Creek Watershed To Comment On Conservation Plan At Oct 22 Meeting In Saegertown, Crawford County  [PaEN]

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NewsClips:

-- Chesapeake Bay Journal: Chesapeake Bay Cleanup At A Crossroads; New Path Or Stay The Course?

-- StateCollege.com: Adam Smith, US Fish & Wildlife Service Biologist, Named Outstanding Coldwater Conservationist Professional By PA Council Of Trout Unlimited

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-- Altoona Mirror: Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership, PA Interfaith Power & Light  Volunteers Prepare To Give Away 4,500+ Native Plants Requested By Individuals

-- Pottsville Republican Herald Guest Essay: Riparian Buffers Necessary In Age Of Stronger Storms - By Alliance for The Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

-- Susquehanna University: Grant From Richard King Mellon Foundation To Support Freshwater Research Institute

-- The Daily Item: Susquehanna University Receives $600,000 Mellon Foundation Grant To Fund Freshwater Research

-- KYW: Philadelphia Water Dept. Rebukes Report Claiming Stormwater Management System Is Overwhelmed By Climate Change

-- Rep. Owlett Introduces Stream Cleaning Bill To Help Protect Against Flooding [But Do These Bills Make The Problem Worse?  Read real story here]

-- WNEP: Schuylkill County Conservancy Hosts 100 5th Graders For Outdoor Learning Day

-- KYW: Delaware RiverKeeper Files Lawsuit Against EPA for Failing To Protect Atlantic Sturgeon

-- Delaware RiverKeeper Oct. 4 RiverWatch Video Report

-- Delaware RiverKeeper Aquatic Plant Survey [Video]

-- AP: Push To Map Great Lakes Bottom Gains Momentum Amid Promises Effort Will Help Fishing, Shipping

[Posted: October 1, 2024]

10/7/2024