Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

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Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 6. Issues and ConcernsWetlands, which provide critical habitat for wildlife, also control erosion, sedimentation, andpollutants from entering area streams. Wetlands also play an integral part in flood protection, groundwaterrecharge, and climate regulation. Vernal pools, one type of wetland, provide breeding habitats for somespecies of salamanders and frogs. Agriculture, industrial, commercial, and residential development, andother human activities have had significant detrimental effects on wetlands. It is estimated that over halfof the nation’s original wetlands have now been destroyed. As the understanding of the importance ofwetlands increases, so does the interest in preserving them. It is important to understand how the loss ofwetlands affects fish, wildlife, humans, and the environment. The preservation of wetlands was identifiedas an important issue during public meetings and surveys.Riparian zones are important corridors for wildlife. They can enhance recreational activities,improve water quality, and provide habitat for aquatic species. These vegetated areas along streams,rivers, and lakes filter runoff and provide a transitional zone between land and water. By retaining waterin the vegetation, riparian corridors can reduce flooding and erosion as well. Continued efforts to protectriparian corridors are needed.Illegal dumpingIn addition to being unsightly, illegal (or unauthorized) dumps pose direct health threats and have ahigh potential to contaminate waterways. Waste containing hazardous materials soaked by rainfall maycause contaminants to leach through the soil or run off the land surface, contaminating ground or surfacewater. Trash and debris can directly enter the stream during heavy rainstorms, affecting water quality,safety of humans and wildlife, and stream aesthetics. Debris can collect in the stream, clogging it, whichraises water levels and causes flooding.A combination of insufficient waste disposalopportunities, general disrespect for natural areas, andincreased water runoff were listed as contributing factors.Route 19 was mentioned as a common litter corridor. Onerespondent noted that municipalities’ well-intentionedrequirement of using specific trash providers may encouragedumping, as residents lack the resources to use these outletsas intended.Locating and cleaning up illegal dumpsites was animportant issue for community residents. Reducing thenumber of illegal dumpsites can be accomplished throughcleanups, education, and alternate disposal methods. Cleanupdays along roadways or waterways were stronglyRemote areas are prime locations forillegal dumpsitessupported, as was the development of a plan to help those who want to clean up, do so without spendingexorbitant time and/or financial resources. Active participation by residents and local governmentofficials is needed to address illegal dumping issues. In addition, educating the public about the threats ofillegal dumping is an important step in battling the epidemic. PA CleanWays chapters and volunteerswork to clean up illegal dumps across the state by adopting roadways and trails where dumping occurs.For more information about illegal dumping and what you can do to help, contact Butler/Lawrencecounties chapter of PA CleanWays.Increased recycling programs that are convenient for area residents could alleviate some of theillegal dumping activities. Curbside programs or community drop-off locations provide residents withalternative methods of disposing items. Hosting drop-off days for items that are costly and difficult todispose of, such as tires, refrigerators, and computers, would provide area residents with an alternative toillegal dumping.6-8
Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 6. Issues and ConcernsRecreationThe region possesses a variety of recreational facilities, both public and private. Having a variety ofrecreational opportunities for varying interests can help reduce drug and alcohol use and abuse by youthand adults.Residents expressed an interest in capitalizing on recreational opportunities that exist or could bedeveloped. Public access to area streams is limited. Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has beenworking with area residents to develop the Connoquenessing Water Trail. Through the development ofthe water trail, stream access points, canoe launches, map guides, and signage will be established.The sledding area at North BoundaryPark in Cranberry Township is apopular winter recreation destinationAnother organization active in providing access to areastreams is Wild Waterways Conservancy (WWC). They havebeen working with PEC on the development of theConnoquenessing Water Trail. One of the challenges to thetrail is the number of dams along Connoquenessing Creek.WWC purchased one inactive dam with the intentions ofremoving it. Participants would like to see other inactive damsremoved and portages built around active dams to easepassage for paddlers. Removing a dam also restores naturalstream channel and flow patterns, allows aquatic species tomigrate, and regulates water temperature.Connecting recreational facilities to one another andenhancing amenities would be beneficial. Developing,extending, and linking trails were something that arearesidents said they would like to see. Establishing trails and paths near streams could provide additionalpublic access to area waterways, in addition to connecting facilities.Area residents also identified railroad corridor protection as a need for the watershed. Theestablishment of rails-to-trails along abandoned and inactive railroad lines could preserve these corridorsfor future use, while providing hiking and biking opportunities that area residents desired.Environmental EducationEducation is the key to getting citizens actively involved in improving the environment,communities, and quality of life for residents. Educating residents and municipal officials to understandthe economic benefits and importance of watershed protection is essential to realizing improvementswithin the watershed. Environmental education is typically targeted to school-aged children. Adultenvironmental educational programs are limited. Implementing education programs to target adults andhelp landowners understand the importance of the watershed could be a first step in getting them moreinvolved. Stakeholders have identified a need to make the public more aware of environmental issuesaffecting the local communities, such as illegal dumping, water conservation, flooding, andenvironmentally friendly development.The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) established environment and ecology standards,requiring educators and students to become more involved in watersheds. Educators often look to localorganizations, such as watershed groups, to assist them in educating the youth. Reaching out to help thelocal school districts teach students about watershed issues may inspire kids to become more involved intheir local communities.6-9
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