Jolie Coates, West Nile Virus Program Coordinator, BCCD
It’s that time of year again! Mosquito season here in Bradford County runs from April through October. Of course, weather plays a large role in when exactly you may start to see those annoying pests flying around; warmer temperatures and heavy rains are key factors. Mosquitoes begin their life cycle in water, specifically standing water. Mosquito larvae will live in the water for approximately four to seven days depending on weather and species. As far as standing water is concerned, mosquitoes are not picky. Classic areas in backyards that will breed mosquitoes are birdbaths, tires, rain barrels, and wheelbarrows. Sometimes, their preferred habitat is a little less conventional; we have found mosquitoes breeding in the buckets of excavators, kayaks, abandoned swimming pools, and the most surprising, a jet ski. Anything that CAN hold water, WILL hold water, and that WILL breed mosquitoes.

Brad Cummings, Program Manager Chapter 102/105, BCCD
A pond can be an excellent addition to your property, offering many hours of fun and enjoyment for your family, friends and future generations, but it would be wise to do a little homework before committing the often significant financial investment for construction.  An essential part of this “homework assignment” should be to contact one of our friendly District staff and request a site inspection to assess what level of permitting your project may or may not require.  We hope the following brief guide to new and existing pond permitting will be helpful.

Brad Cummings, Program Manager Chapter 102/105, BCCD
With a U.S. record 83,000 miles of free flowing channels in our state, nearly every Pennsylvania resident lives close to and is affected, sometimes negatively, by moving water.  Fortunately, within this state and county we do have the ability to alter and improve, when necessary, our in-stream property and right of way areas within specific permit parameters.  There are 4 categories of activities that may occur in streams, including…

Brad Cummings, 102/105 Project Manager, BCCD
​With Spring and the hope of better weather just around the corner, some are anxious to start earth disturbance projects they were unable to complete last year before Winter set in.    If that describes you, then here is a brief guide explaining when an erosion control plan and/or permit will be needed for your new house, garage, barn, pond, driveway, fill site or nearly any other type of project:

Adam Chorba, Forest Specialist, Bradford County Conservation District.
It seems like there’s always something to do. However, if you find yourself with a little down time and you want to go out and enjoy some fresh air on some of these warmer days, and maybe even find a deer shed along the way, now is a great time to go prune your fruit trees. As with most things related to forestry, it’s both a science and an art.  And, because art is open to interpretation, I’m going to try and focus on the science part of it. Let’s start with why we prune. 

Miranda Neville, Agricultural Resource Specialist
At the Bradford County Conservation District, there are a lot of service that we provide that overlap with some of our partnering agencies. It often leads to the question “Well, what exactly DOES the BCCD do?” In the most basic summarization, we are here to provide informational and technical assistance to Bradford County landowners and farmers with environmental needs and education.
​
At the BCCD we have several teams dedicated to specific areas, but we all work closely. The Agriculture Team, Education, Engineering, Forestry, the Stream Team (Watershed Restoration), 102/105 Erosion & Sediment Control (Permitting), Dirt and Gravel Roads, and West Nile Virus Services (in no particular order).

Open AI. 2025. “PA State Tree.” ChatGPT (February 1 version). February 1, 2025. https://openai.com
In the lush, verdant forests of Pennsylvania, one tree stands as a sentinel of the state's rich natural heritage: the Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). This majestic tree, designated as the state tree in 1931, has woven its roots deeply into the history, ecology, and culture of Pennsylvania.
The Eastern Hemlock is more than just a tree; it's a keystone species that plays a critical role in maintaining the health and stability of Pennsylvania's forest ecosystems. With its evergreen needles, gracefully drooping branches, and towering height—often reaching up to 100 feet—the Hemlock provides a year-round canopy that shelters countless species of wildlife.

Republished from Penn State Extension- Jennifer Latzgo, Master Watershed Steward, Lehigh Valley

Impacts of Chloride Pollution on Stream Ecosystems
Chloride is problematic for stream organisms because it reduces oxygen levels and creates osmotic stress. "EPT" organisms: Ephemeroptera (mayflies), Plecoptera (stoneflies), and Trichoptera (caddisflies) are a vital part of the food web and are used as bioindicators of stream health. Research has shown that their numbers decrease significantly as chloride levels increase. Current research indicates that the threshold for long-term toxicity for these creatures for chloride is 50 mg/l.
​
Chloride also has an impact on other aquatic life. Studies have shown that chloride affects frogs and salamanders during their larval stages in vernal pools, causing deformities and increased mortality. Fish have been found to have reduced hatching rates and reduced growth overall, and aquatic plants are also affected because chloride affects their ability to absorb water through their roots. In ponds and lakes, salty water is denser and forms a layer of oxygen-deficient water at the bottom, which is harmful to wildlife.