Johnstons Run Watershed Management Plan
Based on the results of the watershed characterization, including desktop assessment, field assessments, and modeling – the following issues have been identified as primary factors in the watershed; basic restoration approaches are noted. The results of the studies were presented at a community workshop and will be posted in full online.
· Water Quality – elevated nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria. Sources include agriculture, livestock, urban runoff, and streambank erosion. These can be improved with both urban and agricultural Best Management Practicies (BMPs) addressing water quality.
· Stream Erosion – 72% of stream banks assessed have varying degrees of erosion. Erosion is addressed by streambank stabilization and stream restoration, stormwater BMPs to reduce peak flows, agricultural BMPs including livestock exclusion fencing and installation of riparian buffers. http://www.franklinccd.org/WatershedProgram.html
· Riparian Buffer – 96% of the assessed channel is lacking adequate vegetative cover. Condition is addressed primarily through establishment of riparian buffers and proper management of streamside resources. Buffer management in agricultural settings should include livestock fencing to ensure success of planting efforts. (add pictures of riparian buffer change)
Specific Restoration Projects were identified for properties and landowners who participated in the Watershed Assessment. Many thanks to these landowners for their watershed stewardship and for their commitment to Revitalization of Johnstons Run. Additional recommendations can be developed for interested landowners. Johnstons Run Revitalization Council is working with Franklin County Conservation District to identify programs and grants that can help accomplish these projects.
· Water Quality – elevated nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria. Sources include agriculture, livestock, urban runoff, and streambank erosion. These can be improved with both urban and agricultural Best Management Practicies (BMPs) addressing water quality.
· Stream Erosion – 72% of stream banks assessed have varying degrees of erosion. Erosion is addressed by streambank stabilization and stream restoration, stormwater BMPs to reduce peak flows, agricultural BMPs including livestock exclusion fencing and installation of riparian buffers. http://www.franklinccd.org/WatershedProgram.html
· Riparian Buffer – 96% of the assessed channel is lacking adequate vegetative cover. Condition is addressed primarily through establishment of riparian buffers and proper management of streamside resources. Buffer management in agricultural settings should include livestock fencing to ensure success of planting efforts. (add pictures of riparian buffer change)
Specific Restoration Projects were identified for properties and landowners who participated in the Watershed Assessment. Many thanks to these landowners for their watershed stewardship and for their commitment to Revitalization of Johnstons Run. Additional recommendations can be developed for interested landowners. Johnstons Run Revitalization Council is working with Franklin County Conservation District to identify programs and grants that can help accomplish these projects.
Further input and insights on the Johnstons Run Watershed Assessment and Management Plan are appreciated and can be sent via Contact Us
Many Thanks to our partners at Environmental Finance Center, KCI,Inc and National Park Services. With gratitude to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the generous capacity building grant. Thank you to Tuscarora Wildlife Education Program (TWEP) Center for an inspiring meeting space. Thank you to the tireless work of the Johnstons Run Revitalization Council - Laura Puckett (Project Director), Tammy Piper (Franklin County Conservation District), Liz McClintick (Environmental Educator TSD, TWEP advisory board), Liz George MD (President, MACWell), Tammy Oberholzer and Dawn Shiller (Mercersburg Borough), Bob Whitmore (MACWell)
Many Thanks to our partners at Environmental Finance Center, KCI,Inc and National Park Services. With gratitude to National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for the generous capacity building grant. Thank you to Tuscarora Wildlife Education Program (TWEP) Center for an inspiring meeting space. Thank you to the tireless work of the Johnstons Run Revitalization Council - Laura Puckett (Project Director), Tammy Piper (Franklin County Conservation District), Liz McClintick (Environmental Educator TSD, TWEP advisory board), Liz George MD (President, MACWell), Tammy Oberholzer and Dawn Shiller (Mercersburg Borough), Bob Whitmore (MACWell)