ClearWater Conservancy gets $80,000 grant to protect waterways

STATE COLLEGE — Water quality in the Juniata and Susquehanna watersheds will soon be on the rise thanks to a recently announced riparian buffer grant awarded to ClearWater Conservancy through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The grant, according to ClearWater’s habitat biologist Colleen DeLong, will allow the group to introduce vegetated areas to local streams — in particular Spring Creek in Halfmoon Township — to help shade and partially protect the waterway from the impact of adjacent land uses.

DeLong also said riparian buffers play a key role in increasing water quality in associated streams, rivers and lakes, thus providing environmental benefits.

“We’re very excited to know we received this grant,” said DeLong. “It really takes a lot of things to put these buffers in. We have to rebuild steam banks, fix any damages that have occurred in the area and do any necessary landscaping. There’s a lot more to it.”

In total, DCNR awarded $790,000 for 13 grants for riparian buffer projects.

‘Streamside forest buffers provide a wide range of benefits to both the environment and to landowners, including better water quality, habitat for pollinators that can assist with crop production and increased opportunities for recreational activities,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

According to Debra Nardone, executive director of ClearWater Conservancy, the grant will be distributed over a four-year period at $20,000 each year.

“We can actually do quite a bit with $20,000 because we have such great partners in the community to work with that will provide matching funds,” said Nardone. “The landowners have been fabulous working with us on these projects and allowing us access to their properties.”

The grant award was announced by state Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Lock Haven. It is administered through the Community Conservation Partnership Program with dollars from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax and the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which receives its funding from landfill tipping fees.

“This funding will provide sustainable income for landowners through what DCNR calls a multi-functional buffer option,” said Hanna. “This is great news for our waterways and for enhancement of fish habitat in our region.”

Nardone said ClearWater Conservancy has installed riparian buffers to more than 18 miles of streams in and around Centre County.