CHASE BOTTORF/THE EXPRESS The Mill Hall Fire Company was packed Saturday morning for its annual Fisherman’s Breakfast.
MILL HALL — The Clinton County Conservation District secured an $85,000 grant to help rebuild habitat in Fishing Creek.
The district unveiled project plans during the 57th Annual Fisherman’s Breakfast on April 1 at the Mill Hall Fire Company. The project titled, Fishing Creek Stream Rehabilitation Project, will help rebuild habitats for fish along the creek as well as help stabilize erosion.
The project is a part of a secured $85,000 grant to help rebuild habitat for fish along Fishing Creek. The grant was secured through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Countywide Action Plan (CAP). The district was able to secure $121,000 from CAP funding where $85,000 of it is being directed towards project.
“The intent here is to start rebuilding some stream habitat,” the district’s manager, Wade Jodun said. “The entire purpose is to rebuild habitat here in the stream to make sure the fish that get stocked here, stays here and to make sure there is some natural reproduction shown here.”
With the lack of habitat such as shelter, shade and foliage, many of the fish in the creek do not stay in the area. According to the Fish and Boat Commission Waterway Conservation Officer Justin Boatwright, the water quality in the creek is good already, however they need shelter. He pointed out the lack of trees along the creek and the lack of vegetation.
CHASE BOTTORF/THE EXPRESS Clinton County Conservation District recently announced a $85,000 grant will help construct fish habitats in Fishing Creek.
“What these fish need is a place to hide, a place to holdover, a place that is shaded and protects against predators,” Boatwright said said. “There is no shade protection… You don’t see a whole lot of big rocks or trees in the water.
The project is multi-phased and was designed by the Stream Section of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s division of Habitat Management. Not only will it help with creating habitats for fish, it will help create less soil erosion along Fishing Creek.
The design includes log framed wood deflectors, stone deflectors and rock vein deflectors. The deflectors help roll away water, preventing erosion. The project will also include a J-Hook which provides fish habitat by creating scour in the center of the creek’s channel and modified mudsills. Mudslls stablize stream banks, absorb energy from the current around bends and provides overhead cover for fish.
“Some of the project we are going to do, not only helps improve the habitat for the fish but also improves the protection for the stream banks. The less erosion, the better the habitat provides and it protects from that erosion being washed down the stream,” Boatwright said.
The project came into fruition with the help of Mill Hall Borough council, the Fish and Boat Commission, Clinton County Commissioners, and local legislators, Representative Stephanie Borowicz and Senator Cris Dush.
CHASE BOTTORF/THE EXPRESS A group of fishermen enjoy the opening day of fishing in Mill Hall on Saturday morning.
“This is something, in my opinion, is a long time coming,” said Derek Berry, a council member of Mill Hall Borough and the liaison for the project. “This is a very important piece of real estate we have that we are lucky enough it runs through Mill Hall Borough. Anything we can do to improve and increase fish quality and habitat, to me is amazing.”
Commissioner Angela Harding thanked the district, their staff and board for their diligent efforts for obtaining grants for these projects in the community.
“Not only is it good for us in the community, have opportunities for our residents, but also the economic development that it will provide; bring new people into our community to take advantage of the natural resources that we offer,” she said.
The project will be set up into two phases. The first phase will begin in July or August, according to Jodun. The first portion will run from the Ice Shack down to the bridge. The second portion will run from Spook Haven down to the Ice Shack.
“The conservation district has had strong support from both Representative Borowicz and Senator Dush. We have taken an increase in funding, grant money is moving through the state because of the efforts of our house and senate. We really really appreciate the strong support of our legislators,” Jodun said.
A representative from Dush’s office and Borowicz herself were present during the press conference. Mill Hall’s mayor, Thomas Bossert, and members of borough council were also in attendance.
Hundreds of people came out for the annual Fisherman’s breakfast. The annual event is a major fundraiser for the Mill Hall Fire Company. Company members served pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice to all of those who attended.
"fish" - Google News
April 03, 2023 at 12:23PM
https://ift.tt/Ac0kBvE
Conservation district announces $85K grant to improve fish habitat in Fishing Creek - Lock Haven Express
"fish" - Google News
https://ift.tt/wAnXDYU
https://ift.tt/Bl6tAxM
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Conservation district announces $85K grant to improve fish habitat in Fishing Creek - Lock Haven Express"
Post a Comment