PENFIELD -The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Moshannon State Forest, in conjunction with Trout Unlimited, has begun various stream improvement projects to the waterways within the state forest landscape.
State forest staff and Trout Unlimited personnel are working to improve overall stream health and habitat for aquatic invertebrates, wood turtles, trout and many other species.
Past forestry and stream management practices aimed at protecting waterways have inadvertently left streams void of complex wood, which is crucial for healthy watersheds and trout populations.
These improvement projects are achieved through the permitting and placement of trees and log structures throughout the stream and immediately adjacent areas.
The placement of this material helps in various ways to improve overall watershed health and corresponding trout populations.
This is achieved by creating additional pool habitat, adding complex woody cover to help with natural predation and young of the year recruitment.
It also increases flood resiliency by reconnecting streams with their floodplains. When the stream accesses the floodplain, it also reduces peak flood flows and increases groundwater infiltration.
The increased groundwater infiltration results in higher groundwater tables, cooler water temperatures, and increased stream flows during periods of drought.
Habitat improvement work is currently being planned and implemented on Moose Creek, the Jack Dent branch of Medix Run, Medix Run, Gifford Run and Laurel Run.
The streams in this focal area were selected due to the lack of natural woody debris in the stream, as well as streambank erosion.
Research has proven that trout species can greatly benefit from adding and maintaining between 100 and 200 pieces of wood per stream mile, or approximately one placed structure every 150-200 feet.
While nature can do this work on its own, severely degraded trout habitat can be restored or improved through the placement of these habitat structures which mimic the natural stream processes.
This project falls in line with the mission of the DCNR Bureau of Forestry to “…ensure the long-term health, viability and productivity of the commonwealth’s forests and to conserve native wild plants.”
As the state-wide trout season opener approaches, the hope of this project is to improve quality fishing opportunities while providing for increased water quality and additional low-impact recreational opportunities.
Wildlife, fishery, and habitat improvement partnerships are not new to the Moshannon State Forest district. Currently, there are ongoing projects with Trout Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited, Mosquito Creek Sportsman’s Association and others.
For information regarding potential projects contact one of the cooperative partners or the Moshannon State Forest at 814-765-0821.