Results and Accomplishments Washington County is doing more streamside fencing than any other eastern county: more than 60 miles of riparian fencing has been installed. Instream restoration, cattle crossings, plantings, and alternate watering sources round out restoration activities. Farmers are planting native grasses on less productive areas, expanding forage for cows, and providing better wildlife habitat.
Crews from Cal U are acting as landowner agents, constructing projects using 75 percent USDA cost share funds, and 25 percent in-kind contributions from partners and foundation funds. Projects are being used as training for biology students from the University. The restoration effort, in turn, beneﬁ ts by having a University Wildlife Conservation Specialist involved in project planning and design. Projects combine the latest habitat restoration techniques including in-stream restoration, an element often missing from agricultural restoration projects.
A number of partners, including the NRCS, the FWS, Ducks Unlimited, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, provide valuable technical assistance in the planning and design of projects. The Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pheasants Forever, and Ducks Unlimited provide in-kind assistance. The Washington County Conservation District helps secure funding.
About 50 landowners are participating in the program, producing measurable improvements in water quality. Researchers from Cal U are monitoring water quality over the long term.