Funding: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Delaware Estuary Program, $24,000
Matching Funds: $13,000
Consultant: F.X. Browne
Project Partners: Bucks County Conservation District
As it flows through the limestone geology of Central Bucks County, the Mill Creek watershed had long been recognized by chapter members as having great potential to support wild trout. Several unsuccessful efforts were made in the mid-1990’s to get conservation efforts started in the watershed. Lead by chapter member Ron Koenig, efforts to begin conservation efforts were renewed in 2002. The efforts by Ron and other chapter members spurred the decision to seek funding for an assessment and restoration plan for the watershed.
In 2005, funding was secured and a multi-phased assessment was begun. The assessment consisted of: stream temperature monitoring at 5 sites, a review of preserved open space and opportunities for further land preservation, a review of township ordinances relating to water quality and a visual assessment of the watershed. The visual assessment was completed by chapter members surveying assigned reaches of Watson, Lahaska and Mill Creeks. Using the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, chapter members walked the stream corridor of the watershed assessing streambank stability, the extent of riparian buffer, barriers to fish passage and other factors. From these reach assessments, a prioritized list of sites in need of in-stream habitat and riparian buffer restoration was developed. The complete Mill Creek Habitat Restoration Plan can be viewed here.
Mill Creek Watershed Assessment
Mill Creek Watershed Assessment
Mill Creek Watershed Assessment
