2023 Project HighlightKelly Road Bridge Replacement- Smithfield Township- Tomjack Creek
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Stream Staff
Joe Quatrini Watershed Specialist 570-485-3138 Jonathan VanNoy Natural Resource Specialist 570-485-3129 |
What is a watershed?A watershed is an area of land where all of the water that falls within it drains to a common point, such as a stream, river, lake, or ocean. Watersheds play a vital role in the hydrological cycle by collecting and transporting water, nutrients, and sediment. They can vary in size, from small creeks to larger river basins that cover thousands of square miles. Watersheds are essential for providing freshwater resources, supporting diverse ecosystems, and influencing the quality of waterbodies downstream. They also serve as natural boundaries for managing land use and conservation efforts. Understanding and managing watersheds is crucial for sustainable water management and environmental protection.
Bradford County is part of the North Branch Susquehanna River basin, which flows into the main Susquehanna River basin, then into the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay watershed spans around 4,500 square miles and stretches into 6 states (New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virgina, Delaware, and the District of Columbia). Watershed management done within Bradford County helps improve the struggling water quality in the Chesapeake Bay by reducing sediment and excessive nutrients that float downstream. |
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Bradford County WatershedsBradford County has a number of watersheds. The major watersheds are:
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Our Watershed Program
The BCCD has formed strong partnerships with local, federal, and state agencies to help assist Bradford County landowners in performing watershed management. At the BCCD we are able to assist the public through the whole project process from survey, design, permitting, and construction of streambank rehabilitation and stream crossing projects. By doing this we are able to cut back on consulting costs and use that money to implement more projects in our community. We aggressively search for project funding and are one of the top counties in the state for funding awarded and project completions.
County Stream Initiative Program
The Bradford County Commissioners and Conservation District created the County Stream Initiative Program in 2016 for residents and businesses that are seeking assistance in addressing stream erosion problems. To be considered eligible, the stream must be threatening a structure (i.e. imminent danger to a home, business, utility, etc.). Conservation District staff will visit each site to collect preliminary data and rank projects for the limited funding. Contact our office to learn more about the program and schedule a site visit.
County Stream Initiative Program
The Bradford County Commissioners and Conservation District created the County Stream Initiative Program in 2016 for residents and businesses that are seeking assistance in addressing stream erosion problems. To be considered eligible, the stream must be threatening a structure (i.e. imminent danger to a home, business, utility, etc.). Conservation District staff will visit each site to collect preliminary data and rank projects for the limited funding. Contact our office to learn more about the program and schedule a site visit.
RESTORATION IMPACT
STREAM PROJECT RESTORATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE 2006:
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20.9
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+38,049
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+88,789
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+38,789
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Total Rehabilitated Stream Miles
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Sediment Savings (Tons/Year)
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The BCCD is committed to the protection and conservation of our natural resources and will continue its efforts to
reduce sediment and nutrient pollution to our waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
reduce sediment and nutrient pollution to our waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
Completed Streambank Restoration Projects
Still have questions about streams / watersheds? Give our stream team a call!