McKean County Streambank Stabilization Initiative

The McKean County Conservation District completed nine streambank stabilization initiative projects located on various streams throughout McKean County as a part of their Streambank Stabilization Initiative.

This year marks the culmination of a three year project with the Smethport Country Club to stabilize approximately 1,000 feet of Ice Pond Brook.  The District also hopes to further stabilize the stream by planting a riparian buffer where possible.

Since 2007 the District has completed 52 streambank restoration projects throughout McKean County by utilizing: 96  multi-log deflectors, 15 single-log deflectors, 13 modified mud sills, 2 bank fill benches, 12 rock cross vanes, 5 log cross vanes, 1 rock vane deflector, 1 bank cover cribbing, 100’ of toe logs, 100 Tons of Rip-Rap through their partnership with the Division of Habitat Management of the PA Fish & Boat Commission.

These projects have stabilized approximately 7,618 feet of streambank, creating 2 miles of riparian area by planting 900 shrubs and preventing an estimated 525 tons of sediment from entering the Waters of the Commonwealth.

$574,320.48 in funding for this initiative was secured from the following sources: $150,000.00 through DEP’s Growing Greener II County Environmental Initiative. $117,020.48 through DEP’s Stream Improvement Program. $255,000.00 through PA Fish & Boat Commission’s Sinnemahoning Watershed Grant Program. $52,300 through Casella to satisfy a DEP permit condition.