The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in partnership with the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, has completed the restoration of over 900 feet of stream channel on Crooked Creek, near McConnellstown, Huntingdon County.

This major restoration includes construction of bank full bench on both sides of the stream to narrow the channel to its proper width; construction of eight sets of paired rock vanes to stabilize the stream banks; and the installation of mudsill, which will further stabilize the stream bank. By returning the creek to a more natural condition, valuable fish habitat has been enhanced, as well as riparian habitat for birds and mammals.

In 1961 the PennDOT relocated a portion of Crooked Creek and a part of a bridge replacement project. In the process, the stream channel in the area of the bridge widened to increase the hydraulic flood flow capacity.

This over wide channel created numerous problems. Sediment would accumulate near the bridge which placed stress on the aquatic community and limited the reproductive capacity of the fish population. It also created bank erosion that affected birds and mammals.

4/25/2008