Presentation Descriptions
February 29, 2020
Morning Concurrent Sessions: 10:30 am – 11:45 am
West Branch Susquehanna River Recovery Benchmark Study 2.0
Presenter: Kathleen Lavelle, Trout Unlimited
Co-Author: Jason Detar, PA Fish & Boat Commission
In 2009, Trout Unlimited (TU) pursued a wide-ranging study of the Middle and Upper West Branch Susquehanna River Basin to measure abandoned mine drainage (AMD) impacts on water quality and biological communities. In 2017-18, TU, assisted by partner agencies also interested in the river, repeated and expanded upon the 2009 study and other historical data. Much has been done to mitigate AMD in the West Branch and its tributaries in the past decade. At its completion, the report generated will examine successful AMD treatment projects, identify priority areas for restoration, and provide a region wide example of how biota respond as water quality improves. This talk will briefly overview the scope of the study and the preliminary water quality and biological community results.
The Cascade Creek Restoration Story
Presenter: Thomas Cermak, Pennsylvania Sea Grant
Since 2006, Pennsylvania Sea Grant and various federal, state, and local partners have been working to restore Cascade Creek. The Cascade Creek watershed is responsible for over 25% of the surface area drainage entering Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania. For decades the Cascade Creek stream corridor has been encroached upon by urban developments, ultimately leading to its degradation. Cascade Creek is one of the few locations within the City of Erie that provides opportunities for stream angling and other forms of stream-based recreation. All six completed phases of this restoration effort total 3,900 linear feet along Cascade Creek and its West Branch. The projects have increased water quality, improved recreational access and helped to prevent the introduction of 463.8 tons of sediment from entering the stream and Presque Isle Bay each year. Those attending this presentation will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of project funding, restoration objectives, and the importance of partner relationships throughout each phase of planning and implementation.
Local Partnerships Strengthen a Statewide Mission
Presenter: Sarah Xenophon, Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center
Co-Author: Greg Wilson, Donegal Trout Unlimited
This presentation will discuss the immense uplift both Donegal Trout Unlimited and the Penn State Ag and Environment Center experienced when we agreed to merge our separate tree nurseries this year. Our goals were largely to streamline nursery operations and leverage the separate and diverse resources each of our organizations could provide in pursuit of comprehensive watershed restoration projects. Through this presentation, we hope to demonstrate the benefits that organizations can gain through local partnerships, in addition to the benefits that statewide initiatives receive from such partnerships. When small organizations partner for a common goal, resources can be leveraged to achieve spectacular outcomes that either organization may not be capable of achieving on their own. The results of our merged nursery will hopefully serve as an example for many small watershed organizations across Pennsylvania, that comprehensive watershed restoration projects are possible at the local level and that through partnership, we can all move the needle on larger statewide goals.
Connecting Youth to Cold, Clean Water with the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience
Presenter: Tamara Peffer, PA Department of Education
Co-Authors: Tarrea Potter, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Gilbert Myers, Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (tentative); Carissa Longo, Bureau of State Parks (tentative)
Are you looking for new and creative ways to connect local PreK-12 students to Pennsylvania's coldwater resources? Learn how the Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) framework can enrich your current youth outreach and engagement! Whether you are a Trout in the Classroom teacher, Trout Unlimited volunteer, or other environmental professional, MWEEs foster learner-centered experiences that focus on student investigations into local environmental issues, leading to informed action and civic engagement. Join the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and other partners from across Pennsylvania to learn how MWEEs can open the door to new funding resources, stronger community partnerships, and deeper youth connections to cold, clean water.
Recovery of Headwater Stream Biota (Brook Trout and Stream Insects) from Floods in North Central Pennsylvania: 2011-2019
Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Niles, Freshwater Research Institute, Susquehanna University
Co-Authors: Matthew Wilson, Freshwater Research Institute, Susquehanna University
Samuel Silknetter, Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Since 2011, Brook Trout populations and stream insects have been sampled each summer in 30 headwater streams in Loyalsock Creek watershed. In September 2011, Tropical Storm Lee deposited over twelve inches of rain in the watershed. Follow up studies show that Brook Trout density varied substantially across post-flood years with pronounced differences between age classes, with the summer after flooding having a 23-fold increase in young-of-year (YOY) brook trout density and an adult density decrease of one-half. Overall density increased significantly, and a high density was maintained following the flood. Changes in stage-specific biomass mirrored those of density, with a 46-fold increase in YOY biomass density after the storm and a 40% decrease in adult biomass density. However, increases in YOY biomass were offset by declines in adult biomass, such that overall biomass density did not differ significantly among study years. Additional flooding of a subset of these thirty sites in October 2016 and summer 2018 has created new research opportunities into the role of late summer and early fall flooding on population dynamics of Brook Trout and stream insect communities.
Thinking Bigger: River Restoration for Landscape-Scale Benefits
Presenter: Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, American Rivers
Co-Author: Mark Stockley, Cambria County Conservation District
Building on the success of previous watershed restoration projects provides an opportunity to add value and expand benefits to aquatic habitat for PA’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This strategy also provides opportunities for diverse partners to collaborate on mutual or overlapping priorities. In Cambria County, multiple partners are teaming up to elevate community and wildlife benefits in the Chest Creek/Upper West Branch Susquehanna landscape. Removal of three obsolete dams adds value to prior AMD treatment projects, along with habitat enhancements and streambank stabilization. The outcome for coldwater species is greater than the sum of its parts and has attracted significant watershed investment. This session will present river restoration methodologies and results with emphasis on how partnership-building expanded opportunities for water quality improvement and habitat restoration on a landscape scale, while also addressing flood risk reduction and opportunities for recreational tourism.
Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Implementation & Resources
Presenter: Brenda Lee Sieglitz, Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership/Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership (K10M): The collective strength of our experience, initiative, and ideas is necessary for us to create systemic change in Pennsylvania and plant 10 million trees by 2025. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation supports the current K10M Partnership strategy that aims to assist agencies, businesses, organizations and landowners with funding for tree plantings and innovative ideas that lead to increased demand and guarantee supply of native trees. This session will show how TU chapters are utilizing the partnership for tree planting projects, resources available to partners, and an interactive discussion on how all partners can collaborate.
Technology BMPs to Enhance Students’ Understanding of Watersheds
Presenter: James Hovan, Science Teacher, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA
This presentation focuses on the use of a variety of technologies including social media apps and other online tools, web-based GIS, digital measuring tools and imaging equipment to add impact, relevance, and scope to students’ experience in the field. By combining field experience with appropriate technologies, field presenters can help to make their message resonate with their audience (be they students or other stakeholders) in very specific and meaningful ways.
This presentation will cover:
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
The Spring Creek Water Resources Monitoring Project: Providing Critical Data in a time of Changing Climate and Urban Development
Presenter: Lexie Orr, Water Resources Specialist, Keystone Water Resources Center
Co-Author: Dave Yoxtheimer, Chair, Keystone Water Resources Center
The Spring Creek Water Resources Monitoring Project (WRMP) was initiated in 1997 by the
Spring Creek Watershed Association and housed at ClearWater Conservancy until 2019. Its
goal is to gather baseline data on the quantity and quality of the water resources in the Spring
Creek Watershed. The project has 15 surface water monitoring stations, 3 groundwater monitoring stations, 8 spring monitoring stations, and has published over 20 reports. The WRMP is an ideal example of an established and effective water monitoring project. Key aspects of the project including water quality, stream discharge, and groundwater level data will be discusses in the context of a changing climate and rapid developmental growth.
Trout Habitat Improvement and Protection of Coldwater Streams in the Poconos
Presenter: Jason E. Smith, Senior Scientist, Hanover Engineering Bethlehem, PA
For over fifteen (15) years, Hanover Engineering has worked closely with a lake community and fishing club in the Pocono Mountains to monitor, improve, and protect their coldwater streams in the face of changing population, watershed conditions, and climate, as well as impacts of invasive species. The lake and several larger contributory streams provide important aesthetic and recreational values to the community, with particular concern for the trout fishery. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Elongate Hemlock Scale, which previously were controlled by climate, are now stressing and killing eastern hemlock trees that have always shaded and benefited the streams. Hanover Engineering has conducted monitoring of water quality conditions, completed trout habitat improvements, and developed management recommendations to address impacts to the fishery. Our presentation will highlight the results of our monitoring and habitat restoration projects, and will discuss management recommendations for invasive species and the ongoing efforts being implemented.
Hey You! How About Some Clean Water? : "Selling" Clean Streams to the Public in 5 Minutes or Less
Presenter: Jessica Kester, PA Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE)
Would you like to be able to convince an audience of the need for clean water quickly and in an engaging manner? Look no further! Join this interactive workshop to learn easy, in-expensive ways to convince the public that clean water is not just a fisherman's dream but a vital need for all of us. Participants will experience ready-to-use activities from internationally known Project WET and Healthy Water Healthy People curriculum guides to make lasting impressions on your community day participants, municipal leaders, school groups, and even the stray passerby. We all interact with the public on some level, let's make it memorable... in a good way! Come prepared to move and take home free activities and earn giveaways!
Trout Unlimited STREAM Girls: Get Hooked!
Presenter: Mandy Nix, Stroud Water Research Center
Co-Authors: Amidea Daniel, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; Jessica Kester,
Allegheny Land Trust; Jodie Minor, Penn's Woods West Chapter of Trout Unlimited; and Judi Sittler, Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Learn how Trout Unlimited STREAM Girls is engaging 4th-8th grade girls in STEAM-education (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and outdoor aquatic recreation! Designed by national Trout Unlimited (TU) and led in partnership with volunteer chapter members, environmental education providers, and scouting organizations, this investigative program empowers girls to explore their backyard watersheds, discover wriggling stream bugs, dive
into fly-fishing, and become active participants in the stories of their streams. In this hands-on session led by adult female leaders of Pennsylvania’s STREAM Team, you will hear the program’s innovative successes across three state regions, tour a suite of STREAM Girls curricular resources, and explore fresh ideas on getting local youth "hooked" on cold, clean water!
Conservation Planning at the Watershed Scale Using a Portfolio Approach
Presenter: Dr. Shawn Rummel, Trout Unlimited
Project location and type are two fundamental questions in conservation biology. The current decline in brook trout populations across their native range coupled with the limited availability of project funding, have made the prioritization of projects a critical component for successful brook trout management. To this end, Trout Unlimited science staff developed the Eastern Brook Trout Conservation Portfolio and Range-wide Analysis to provide a framework to prioritize brook trout conservation projects from Maine to Georgia. Recently, we used a similar approach to refine and further evaluate restoration and conservation projects at a smaller scale, using the Kettle Creek watershed as a case study. This project used a combination of site-specific data, recently developed models and research to identify and prioritize specific stream reaches in the watershed for culvert replacement, riparian, agricultural, and in-stream habitat projects that will maximize the benefit to trout populations. The results of this analysis provide recommendations for future conservation projects to maintain or improve the overall health of the watershed for future generations. This presentation will also demonstrate the use of the conservation portfolio planning tools that are currently available and discuss how these tools can be used to develop watershed scale conservation plans that have a focus on brook trout.
Large Wood and Stream Restoration on the ANF: Logging our Accomplishments
Presenter: Luke Bobnar, Watershed Scientist, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Co-Author: Charles Keeports, Hydrologist, USDA-Allegheny National Forest
Trees and fallen woody materials in streams and floodplains create a diversity of habitats for many species. Centuries of removing wood to straighten streams and reduce localized flooding negatively impacted stream habitats and exacerbated flooding downstream. The U.S. Forest Service at the Allegheny National Forest, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and other partners are working to reestablish historic densities of woody materials in streams to restore habitat and natural flow regimes throughout the Forest. Using a naturally-based approach, large woody materials are placed at key locations to help stabilize banks, diversify habitat, increase cover, and re-establish functional roles of wood in streams. This presentation will briefly discuss the history of wood removal in Pennsylvania and the legacy and culture it has left us with. The presentation will focus on observations and monitoring from several years of large wood introduction to streams. Site selection, methods, and lessons learned will also be discussed.
“Our Pocono Waters” to Protect
Presenter: Emily Rinaldi Baldauff, Campaign Manager, PennFuture
Co-Author: Abigail Jones, Staff Attorney at PennFuture
In the last two years, the “Our Pocono Waters” campaign has: educated the public about exceptional value (EV) stream designations; unified local businesses, NGOs, faith leaders, and sportsmen groups around stream protection measures; assertively countered false and misleading statements from developers about EV streams; and informed the community that the protection of the regions EV streams is vital to the resilience of the Poconos economy.
The presenters will demonstrate how an outreach campaign highlighted information that aligned with relevant litigation. The litigation focused on industries that challenged PA-DEP’s methods and processes to designate streams to EV status. Through our outreach efforts, the campaign communicated accurate information throughout the Poconos region via an advertising campaign that included: TV commercials, billboards, social media ads; a public forum at a local university; a press conference; tabling at local events; a public petition, and; state legislator education meetings. As a result of the petition, 3328 signatures were delivered to 25 state legislators representing 7 counties in and around the Pocono Mountains Region just days before the opening day of trout season in 2019. More important, developers have backed-off efforts to challenge stream protection efforts in the region, at least for now. Attendees will learn the processes, obstacles, and solutions the “Our Pocono Waters” campaign experienced in its effort to unite the community to protect the economic and recreational treasures of the Poconos from developers intent on undermining stream protections
Connecting the Dots with Trout in the Classroom (TIC)
Presenter: David Andrews, Butler Area School District Fisheries Science Program Coordinator; President, Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is one of the fastest-growing, STEAM-based classroom curriculum connectors in Pennsylvania. Schools all over the state want a cold-water aquarium with trout in it. But once you have the tank, what else can be done? This presentation will focus on the next steps schools and conservation organizations can take to keep their TIC program fresh and current for students, and create additional hands-on learning opportunities, from the unique point of view of both a classroom teacher, program coordinator, and conservation organization president. Key topics that will be covered include how to add additional complimentary components inside a classroom or school, how to get students involved with outside organizations with environmental education projects, and fun educational activities that can be done without leaving school grounds.
February 29, 2020
Morning Concurrent Sessions: 10:30 am – 11:45 am
West Branch Susquehanna River Recovery Benchmark Study 2.0
Presenter: Kathleen Lavelle, Trout Unlimited
Co-Author: Jason Detar, PA Fish & Boat Commission
In 2009, Trout Unlimited (TU) pursued a wide-ranging study of the Middle and Upper West Branch Susquehanna River Basin to measure abandoned mine drainage (AMD) impacts on water quality and biological communities. In 2017-18, TU, assisted by partner agencies also interested in the river, repeated and expanded upon the 2009 study and other historical data. Much has been done to mitigate AMD in the West Branch and its tributaries in the past decade. At its completion, the report generated will examine successful AMD treatment projects, identify priority areas for restoration, and provide a region wide example of how biota respond as water quality improves. This talk will briefly overview the scope of the study and the preliminary water quality and biological community results.
The Cascade Creek Restoration Story
Presenter: Thomas Cermak, Pennsylvania Sea Grant
Since 2006, Pennsylvania Sea Grant and various federal, state, and local partners have been working to restore Cascade Creek. The Cascade Creek watershed is responsible for over 25% of the surface area drainage entering Presque Isle Bay in Erie, Pennsylvania. For decades the Cascade Creek stream corridor has been encroached upon by urban developments, ultimately leading to its degradation. Cascade Creek is one of the few locations within the City of Erie that provides opportunities for stream angling and other forms of stream-based recreation. All six completed phases of this restoration effort total 3,900 linear feet along Cascade Creek and its West Branch. The projects have increased water quality, improved recreational access and helped to prevent the introduction of 463.8 tons of sediment from entering the stream and Presque Isle Bay each year. Those attending this presentation will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of project funding, restoration objectives, and the importance of partner relationships throughout each phase of planning and implementation.
Local Partnerships Strengthen a Statewide Mission
Presenter: Sarah Xenophon, Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center
Co-Author: Greg Wilson, Donegal Trout Unlimited
This presentation will discuss the immense uplift both Donegal Trout Unlimited and the Penn State Ag and Environment Center experienced when we agreed to merge our separate tree nurseries this year. Our goals were largely to streamline nursery operations and leverage the separate and diverse resources each of our organizations could provide in pursuit of comprehensive watershed restoration projects. Through this presentation, we hope to demonstrate the benefits that organizations can gain through local partnerships, in addition to the benefits that statewide initiatives receive from such partnerships. When small organizations partner for a common goal, resources can be leveraged to achieve spectacular outcomes that either organization may not be capable of achieving on their own. The results of our merged nursery will hopefully serve as an example for many small watershed organizations across Pennsylvania, that comprehensive watershed restoration projects are possible at the local level and that through partnership, we can all move the needle on larger statewide goals.
Connecting Youth to Cold, Clean Water with the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience
Presenter: Tamara Peffer, PA Department of Education
Co-Authors: Tarrea Potter, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Gilbert Myers, Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (tentative); Carissa Longo, Bureau of State Parks (tentative)
Are you looking for new and creative ways to connect local PreK-12 students to Pennsylvania's coldwater resources? Learn how the Meaningful Watershed Education Experience (MWEE) framework can enrich your current youth outreach and engagement! Whether you are a Trout in the Classroom teacher, Trout Unlimited volunteer, or other environmental professional, MWEEs foster learner-centered experiences that focus on student investigations into local environmental issues, leading to informed action and civic engagement. Join the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and other partners from across Pennsylvania to learn how MWEEs can open the door to new funding resources, stronger community partnerships, and deeper youth connections to cold, clean water.
Recovery of Headwater Stream Biota (Brook Trout and Stream Insects) from Floods in North Central Pennsylvania: 2011-2019
Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Niles, Freshwater Research Institute, Susquehanna University
Co-Authors: Matthew Wilson, Freshwater Research Institute, Susquehanna University
Samuel Silknetter, Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Since 2011, Brook Trout populations and stream insects have been sampled each summer in 30 headwater streams in Loyalsock Creek watershed. In September 2011, Tropical Storm Lee deposited over twelve inches of rain in the watershed. Follow up studies show that Brook Trout density varied substantially across post-flood years with pronounced differences between age classes, with the summer after flooding having a 23-fold increase in young-of-year (YOY) brook trout density and an adult density decrease of one-half. Overall density increased significantly, and a high density was maintained following the flood. Changes in stage-specific biomass mirrored those of density, with a 46-fold increase in YOY biomass density after the storm and a 40% decrease in adult biomass density. However, increases in YOY biomass were offset by declines in adult biomass, such that overall biomass density did not differ significantly among study years. Additional flooding of a subset of these thirty sites in October 2016 and summer 2018 has created new research opportunities into the role of late summer and early fall flooding on population dynamics of Brook Trout and stream insect communities.
Thinking Bigger: River Restoration for Landscape-Scale Benefits
Presenter: Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, American Rivers
Co-Author: Mark Stockley, Cambria County Conservation District
Building on the success of previous watershed restoration projects provides an opportunity to add value and expand benefits to aquatic habitat for PA’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need. This strategy also provides opportunities for diverse partners to collaborate on mutual or overlapping priorities. In Cambria County, multiple partners are teaming up to elevate community and wildlife benefits in the Chest Creek/Upper West Branch Susquehanna landscape. Removal of three obsolete dams adds value to prior AMD treatment projects, along with habitat enhancements and streambank stabilization. The outcome for coldwater species is greater than the sum of its parts and has attracted significant watershed investment. This session will present river restoration methodologies and results with emphasis on how partnership-building expanded opportunities for water quality improvement and habitat restoration on a landscape scale, while also addressing flood risk reduction and opportunities for recreational tourism.
Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Implementation & Resources
Presenter: Brenda Lee Sieglitz, Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership/Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership (K10M): The collective strength of our experience, initiative, and ideas is necessary for us to create systemic change in Pennsylvania and plant 10 million trees by 2025. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation supports the current K10M Partnership strategy that aims to assist agencies, businesses, organizations and landowners with funding for tree plantings and innovative ideas that lead to increased demand and guarantee supply of native trees. This session will show how TU chapters are utilizing the partnership for tree planting projects, resources available to partners, and an interactive discussion on how all partners can collaborate.
Technology BMPs to Enhance Students’ Understanding of Watersheds
Presenter: James Hovan, Science Teacher, Conestoga Valley High School, Lancaster, PA
This presentation focuses on the use of a variety of technologies including social media apps and other online tools, web-based GIS, digital measuring tools and imaging equipment to add impact, relevance, and scope to students’ experience in the field. By combining field experience with appropriate technologies, field presenters can help to make their message resonate with their audience (be they students or other stakeholders) in very specific and meaningful ways.
This presentation will cover:
- Social media scavenger hunts
- Mobile app versions of field ecology tools
- Use of Google Earth and Model My Watershed to better understand watersheds in general, how development within a watershed affects water quality, and how watershed BMPs can improve water quality.
- Use of digital measurement tools including imaging equipment (still and video, 360, and field microscope cameras) to capture and analyze details of a field experience.
Afternoon Concurrent Sessions 1:15 pm – 2:30 pm
The Spring Creek Water Resources Monitoring Project: Providing Critical Data in a time of Changing Climate and Urban Development
Presenter: Lexie Orr, Water Resources Specialist, Keystone Water Resources Center
Co-Author: Dave Yoxtheimer, Chair, Keystone Water Resources Center
The Spring Creek Water Resources Monitoring Project (WRMP) was initiated in 1997 by the
Spring Creek Watershed Association and housed at ClearWater Conservancy until 2019. Its
goal is to gather baseline data on the quantity and quality of the water resources in the Spring
Creek Watershed. The project has 15 surface water monitoring stations, 3 groundwater monitoring stations, 8 spring monitoring stations, and has published over 20 reports. The WRMP is an ideal example of an established and effective water monitoring project. Key aspects of the project including water quality, stream discharge, and groundwater level data will be discusses in the context of a changing climate and rapid developmental growth.
Trout Habitat Improvement and Protection of Coldwater Streams in the Poconos
Presenter: Jason E. Smith, Senior Scientist, Hanover Engineering Bethlehem, PA
For over fifteen (15) years, Hanover Engineering has worked closely with a lake community and fishing club in the Pocono Mountains to monitor, improve, and protect their coldwater streams in the face of changing population, watershed conditions, and climate, as well as impacts of invasive species. The lake and several larger contributory streams provide important aesthetic and recreational values to the community, with particular concern for the trout fishery. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Elongate Hemlock Scale, which previously were controlled by climate, are now stressing and killing eastern hemlock trees that have always shaded and benefited the streams. Hanover Engineering has conducted monitoring of water quality conditions, completed trout habitat improvements, and developed management recommendations to address impacts to the fishery. Our presentation will highlight the results of our monitoring and habitat restoration projects, and will discuss management recommendations for invasive species and the ongoing efforts being implemented.
Hey You! How About Some Clean Water? : "Selling" Clean Streams to the Public in 5 Minutes or Less
Presenter: Jessica Kester, PA Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE)
Would you like to be able to convince an audience of the need for clean water quickly and in an engaging manner? Look no further! Join this interactive workshop to learn easy, in-expensive ways to convince the public that clean water is not just a fisherman's dream but a vital need for all of us. Participants will experience ready-to-use activities from internationally known Project WET and Healthy Water Healthy People curriculum guides to make lasting impressions on your community day participants, municipal leaders, school groups, and even the stray passerby. We all interact with the public on some level, let's make it memorable... in a good way! Come prepared to move and take home free activities and earn giveaways!
Trout Unlimited STREAM Girls: Get Hooked!
Presenter: Mandy Nix, Stroud Water Research Center
Co-Authors: Amidea Daniel, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission; Jessica Kester,
Allegheny Land Trust; Jodie Minor, Penn's Woods West Chapter of Trout Unlimited; and Judi Sittler, Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Learn how Trout Unlimited STREAM Girls is engaging 4th-8th grade girls in STEAM-education (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) and outdoor aquatic recreation! Designed by national Trout Unlimited (TU) and led in partnership with volunteer chapter members, environmental education providers, and scouting organizations, this investigative program empowers girls to explore their backyard watersheds, discover wriggling stream bugs, dive
into fly-fishing, and become active participants in the stories of their streams. In this hands-on session led by adult female leaders of Pennsylvania’s STREAM Team, you will hear the program’s innovative successes across three state regions, tour a suite of STREAM Girls curricular resources, and explore fresh ideas on getting local youth "hooked" on cold, clean water!
Conservation Planning at the Watershed Scale Using a Portfolio Approach
Presenter: Dr. Shawn Rummel, Trout Unlimited
Project location and type are two fundamental questions in conservation biology. The current decline in brook trout populations across their native range coupled with the limited availability of project funding, have made the prioritization of projects a critical component for successful brook trout management. To this end, Trout Unlimited science staff developed the Eastern Brook Trout Conservation Portfolio and Range-wide Analysis to provide a framework to prioritize brook trout conservation projects from Maine to Georgia. Recently, we used a similar approach to refine and further evaluate restoration and conservation projects at a smaller scale, using the Kettle Creek watershed as a case study. This project used a combination of site-specific data, recently developed models and research to identify and prioritize specific stream reaches in the watershed for culvert replacement, riparian, agricultural, and in-stream habitat projects that will maximize the benefit to trout populations. The results of this analysis provide recommendations for future conservation projects to maintain or improve the overall health of the watershed for future generations. This presentation will also demonstrate the use of the conservation portfolio planning tools that are currently available and discuss how these tools can be used to develop watershed scale conservation plans that have a focus on brook trout.
Large Wood and Stream Restoration on the ANF: Logging our Accomplishments
Presenter: Luke Bobnar, Watershed Scientist, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Co-Author: Charles Keeports, Hydrologist, USDA-Allegheny National Forest
Trees and fallen woody materials in streams and floodplains create a diversity of habitats for many species. Centuries of removing wood to straighten streams and reduce localized flooding negatively impacted stream habitats and exacerbated flooding downstream. The U.S. Forest Service at the Allegheny National Forest, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and other partners are working to reestablish historic densities of woody materials in streams to restore habitat and natural flow regimes throughout the Forest. Using a naturally-based approach, large woody materials are placed at key locations to help stabilize banks, diversify habitat, increase cover, and re-establish functional roles of wood in streams. This presentation will briefly discuss the history of wood removal in Pennsylvania and the legacy and culture it has left us with. The presentation will focus on observations and monitoring from several years of large wood introduction to streams. Site selection, methods, and lessons learned will also be discussed.
“Our Pocono Waters” to Protect
Presenter: Emily Rinaldi Baldauff, Campaign Manager, PennFuture
Co-Author: Abigail Jones, Staff Attorney at PennFuture
In the last two years, the “Our Pocono Waters” campaign has: educated the public about exceptional value (EV) stream designations; unified local businesses, NGOs, faith leaders, and sportsmen groups around stream protection measures; assertively countered false and misleading statements from developers about EV streams; and informed the community that the protection of the regions EV streams is vital to the resilience of the Poconos economy.
The presenters will demonstrate how an outreach campaign highlighted information that aligned with relevant litigation. The litigation focused on industries that challenged PA-DEP’s methods and processes to designate streams to EV status. Through our outreach efforts, the campaign communicated accurate information throughout the Poconos region via an advertising campaign that included: TV commercials, billboards, social media ads; a public forum at a local university; a press conference; tabling at local events; a public petition, and; state legislator education meetings. As a result of the petition, 3328 signatures were delivered to 25 state legislators representing 7 counties in and around the Pocono Mountains Region just days before the opening day of trout season in 2019. More important, developers have backed-off efforts to challenge stream protection efforts in the region, at least for now. Attendees will learn the processes, obstacles, and solutions the “Our Pocono Waters” campaign experienced in its effort to unite the community to protect the economic and recreational treasures of the Poconos from developers intent on undermining stream protections
Connecting the Dots with Trout in the Classroom (TIC)
Presenter: David Andrews, Butler Area School District Fisheries Science Program Coordinator; President, Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is one of the fastest-growing, STEAM-based classroom curriculum connectors in Pennsylvania. Schools all over the state want a cold-water aquarium with trout in it. But once you have the tank, what else can be done? This presentation will focus on the next steps schools and conservation organizations can take to keep their TIC program fresh and current for students, and create additional hands-on learning opportunities, from the unique point of view of both a classroom teacher, program coordinator, and conservation organization president. Key topics that will be covered include how to add additional complimentary components inside a classroom or school, how to get students involved with outside organizations with environmental education projects, and fun educational activities that can be done without leaving school grounds.
