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Riparian Conservation Program

 

 

 

 

ClearWater Conservancy’s Riparian Conservation Program aims to promote conservation and restoration of riparian resources in central Pennsylvania. Our Riparian Conservation Program brochure explains the importance of riparian buffers to our local streams and wetlands and outlines conservation options for riparian landowners.

 

The goal of ClearWater's Riparian Conservation Program is to improve stream quality in the Spring Creek watershed through the program’s four areas of focus: stream assessment, stewardship, restoration, and protection. 

 

 

Restoration Projects

 

Focht Farm

The Focht Farm is owned and operated by Greg and Stacey Focht and is located along Slab Cabin Run in State College.  In 2008, the Fochts partnered with ClearWater Conservancy, the Centre County Conservation District, and the PA Department of Environmental Protection to protect and restore over 2,100 feet of Slab Cabin Run.  Stacey said that the decision was easy for them.  They wanted their stream to be “healthy and full of fish” for their three young children to enjoy.

Greg explained that they got involved in the project because they wanted to find out what to do to make it right even if it meant reducing the some of the pasture.  Their restoration plan involved installing additional stream bank fencing and planting of a riparian buffer. Some existing stream bank fencing was moved farther back from Slab Cabin Run, allowing for a wider riparian buffer to be planted along the stream.  Also, since the Focht Farm is a working horse farm, restoration activities included pasture improvements and a rotational grazing plan.  

ClearWater partnered with a Penn State Ecological Restoration class to plant a portion of the nearly 1.7 acres of riparian buffer on the Focht Farm. Stacey was impressed that Penn State “built a whole class around [their farm], and about thirty kids were there.” ClearWater Conservancy hired a contractor to complete the riparian buffer planting. Both Greg and Stacey feel that it is important for them “to do what we could for our stretch of Slab Cabin.”  Greg added that, “It feels good to get something like this accomplished. And when all is said and done we want to show people what good can look like.”

 

For more information about how you can enhance or protect your riparian property or to volunteer for the Riparian Restoration Crew, please contact Katie Ombalski at (814) 237-0400 or katie@clearwaterconservancy.org.

 

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