milton high school environmental studies limestone run assessment december 12 th,2001

Milton High SchoolMilton High SchoolEnvironmental Environmental

StudiesStudiesLimestone Run Limestone Run

Assessment Assessment

December 12December 12thth,2001,2001

Environmental Studies ClassEnvironmental Studies Class

Gary Sassaman Dwight EberhartGary Sassaman Dwight Eberhart Chase Satteson Nate ChamberlinChase Satteson Nate Chamberlin Chris BuckChris Buck Derek Rabuck Derek Rabuck Josh AllenJosh Allen Chuck Coup Chuck Coup Matt SwallowMatt Swallow Amanda Herman Amanda Herman Matt OrsoMatt Orso Jason Shutt Jason Shutt Scott CoupScott Coup Ryan KelchnerRyan Kelchner Randy KrammRandy Kramm Levi YoderLevi Yoder

GrowingGrowing Greener Greener

GrantGrant

Limestone Run WatershedLimestone Run Watershed

The watershed is 11.6 sq. miles.The watershed is 11.6 sq. miles. The stream is ten miles long.The stream is ten miles long. Most of watershed is open Most of watershed is open

agricultural land.agricultural land. Routes 80 and 147 run through it and Routes 80 and 147 run through it and

254 parallels the creek.254 parallels the creek.

Trout Unlimited’ s Description of Limestone Trout Unlimited’ s Description of Limestone RunRun

“ “ This small stream has a mouth watering name This small stream has a mouth watering name but in reality it’s not at all appealing. There is but in reality it’s not at all appealing. There is limestone under the stream, and in some places limestone under the stream, and in some places there is the right aquatic weed ; however, this there is the right aquatic weed ; however, this stream could be a case study titled “cattle and stream could be a case study titled “cattle and there effect.” There is no shade, the banks have there effect.” There is no shade, the banks have been beaten down, it’s muddy, it is warm, and as it been beaten down, it’s muddy, it is warm, and as it is now, has nothing to recommend it.” is now, has nothing to recommend it.”

Problems With Limestone Problems With Limestone RunRun

On the 303d listOn the 303d listErosion and SedimentationErosion and SedimentationHigh Nitrate LevelsHigh Nitrate LevelsLack of Riparian BuffersLack of Riparian Buffers

Past ActivitiesPast Activities

In 1991 the class started doing water In 1991 the class started doing water testing.testing.

From 1992-99 they continued doing From 1992-99 they continued doing watershed treatment.watershed treatment.

Form 99-00 the class picked up the Form 99-00 the class picked up the “Watershed Concept.” “Watershed Concept.”

In 99-00 the class also made it’s ten In 99-00 the class also made it’s ten year plan.year plan.

GoalsGoals

Fish ReturnFish Return Reduce FloodingReduce Flooding Reduce SedimentReduce Sediment Reduce NutrientsReduce Nutrients Reduce Temp.Reduce Temp. Repair Stream bankRepair Stream bank Increase Dissolved Increase Dissolved

OxygenOxygen Create A Riparian BufferCreate A Riparian Buffer

TimelineTimeline

1999-2000 Beginning if ten year 1999-2000 Beginning if ten year plan.plan.

2000-20012000-2001 Coalition Coalition 2001-20032001-2003 Assessment Assessment 2006-20072006-2007 Trout Return Trout Return 2009-2010 Experimental Hatchery 2009-2010 Experimental Hatchery

Stream Hydraulics Stream Hydraulics

- Pattern - Pattern

- Dimension - Dimension -ProfileProfile

PatternPattern

The Sinuosity of the Creek.The Sinuosity of the Creek.

DimensionDimension

Cross Sectional ProfileCross Sectional Profile

ProfileProfile

Longitudinal Flow of StreamLongitudinal Flow of Stream

Things that effect Pattern, Things that effect Pattern, Dimension and Profile.Dimension and Profile.

Depth Depth SlopeSlope WidthWidth VelocityVelocity Flow ResistanceFlow Resistance Sediment SizeSediment Size Sediment LoadSediment Load Stream DischargeStream Discharge

Environmental StudiesEnvironmental StudiesBudgetBudget

& & EquipmentEquipment

By: Scott Coup, Ryan By: Scott Coup, Ryan Kelchner,& Randy KrammKelchner,& Randy Kramm

GrantsGrants

The Environmental Studies class The Environmental Studies class received two grants.received two grants.

- Growing Greener GrantGrowing Greener Grant

- John G. Clark, Jr. Environmental John G. Clark, Jr. Environmental Education Grant given by Merrill W. Education Grant given by Merrill W. Linn Land and Waterways ConservancyLinn Land and Waterways Conservancy

GrantsGrants

Growing Greener GrantGrowing Greener Grant

- The Growing Greener Grant provides the The Growing Greener Grant provides the Environmental Studies class with $23,920.Environmental Studies class with $23,920.

- It is good for 2 years.It is good for 2 years.

- The Grant calls for us to access 8 miles of - The Grant calls for us to access 8 miles of Limestone Run.Limestone Run.

John G. Clark Jr. Environmental John G. Clark Jr. Environmental

Educational GrantEducational Grant

- The Linn Conservancy Grant of $486 The Linn Conservancy Grant of $486 provided funds to buy two tidbits and provided funds to buy two tidbits and an optic shuttle.an optic shuttle.

-The equipment will help the -The equipment will help the Environmental Studies class to Environmental Studies class to collect data on the fluctuating water collect data on the fluctuating water temperature of Limestone Run.temperature of Limestone Run.

Budget for the GrowingBudget for the Growing Greener Greener GrantGrant

1. Sponsor Salaries/Benefits1. Sponsor Salaries/Benefits $1,300 $1,300

2. Equipment and Supplies2. Equipment and Supplies $11,620 $11,620

3. Contractual3. Contractual $5,000 $5,000

4. Construction (Stream bank fencing)4. Construction (Stream bank fencing) $6,000 $6,000

5. Total5. Total $23,920 $23,920

EquipmentEquipment

1 Lap Top Computer 1 Lap Top Computer $3,830.44$3,830.44

1 Digital Camcorder1 Digital Camcorder $892.59$892.59 1 Digital Camera1 Digital Camera $483.10$483.10 2 GPS/GIS Receivers2 GPS/GIS Receivers $567.90$567.90 3 Hip Chains3 Hip Chains $218.00$218.00 2 100ft Tape Measure2 100ft Tape Measure $59.50$59.50 1 300ft Tape Measure1 300ft Tape Measure $39.95$39.95 4 Waders4 Waders $210.00$210.00

Equipment/ContinuedEquipment/Continued

4 Stowaway tidbits 4 Stowaway tidbits $396.00$396.00 1 Base Station/ Coupler Kit1 Base Station/ Coupler Kit $70.00$70.00 1 Optic Shuttle1 Optic Shuttle $189.00$189.00 25 Safety Glasses25 Safety Glasses $96.25$96.25 2 Armored Thermometer 2 Armored Thermometer $19.00$19.00 2 (100/box) Latex Gloves2 (100/box) Latex Gloves $17.90$17.90 1 Boxcar 3.6 Starter Kit1 Boxcar 3.6 Starter Kit

$14.00$14.00 2 Tuff Stuff Flagging Tape2 Tuff Stuff Flagging Tape $3.20$3.20

Equipment/ContinuedEquipment/Continued 1 Kick Net with poles1 Kick Net with poles $78.00$78.00 3 6” Forceps3 6” Forceps $11.97$11.97 1 24/pk Wide Storage Bottles1 24/pk Wide Storage Bottles $23.85$23.85 1 Sledge Hammer1 Sledge Hammer $12.90$12.90 2 Model BP3180(Pruners) 2 Model BP3180(Pruners) $49.90 $49.90 1 Model RL Horizontal Laser1 Model RL Horizontal Laser $1,200.00 $1,200.00 1 Tripod 1 Tripod $120.00$120.00 1 Grade Rod 101 Grade Rod 10thsths or inches or inches $80.00$80.00

Equipment/Continued Equipment/Continued

1 Sensor for Laser w/bracket1 Sensor for Laser w/bracket $250.00$250.00 ArcView GIS 3.2ArcView GIS 3.2 $495.00$495.00 Magellan GPS Map 330MMagellan GPS Map 330M $538.00$538.00 Canon Camera & Accessories Canon Camera & Accessories totaltotal

$892.59$892.59

This is a list of all the basic tools This is a list of all the basic tools and and equipment that we use while out equipment that we use while out

assessing Limestone Run. assessing Limestone Run.

MappingMapping

Uses Uses Equipment UsedEquipment Used ProblemsProblems

UsesUses

Show DataShow Data Future ComparisonFuture Comparison

Limestone Run

Montour

Northumberland

N

EW

S

Fully CompleteStream Bank Assessement Only

3 0 3 6 Miles

EquipmentEquipment

GPSGPS Hip ChainsHip Chains ArcViewArcView

ProblemsProblems

Programs Do Not InterfacePrograms Do Not Interface Security Setting On school ComputerSecurity Setting On school Computer

-Chuck Coup-Chuck Coup

-Amanda Herman-Amanda Herman

-Randy Kramm-Randy Kramm

-Ryan Kelchner-Ryan Kelchner

THALWAGTHALWAG

WATERS EDGEWATERS EDGE

BANKFULLBANKFULL

TOP OF BANKTOP OF BANKLeft Bank Right Bank

POOL

RIFFLE Bed Profile

Water Level

Bankfull

Top of Bank

Cross Sectional Profile

• Scott Coup

• Matt Swallow

• Josh Allen

Procedures for Cross Section

• Establish benchmarks on each side of the stream

• Pound one piece of rebar in at each benchmark

• Attach the tape measure to the rebar with spring clamps so that is stretches the width of the stream.

Level II Assessment

-Cross Sections -Takes accurate measurements of the dimension of the physical properties of the creek

-Cross Sections are used to find problems with the stream so we can repair the flaws

Limestone Run Restoration Limestone Run Restoration ProjectProject

Pebble CountPebble CountWhat do pebbles have to do What do pebbles have to do with the stream?with the stream?How the pebbles affect the How the pebbles affect the stream.stream.

Pebble CountPebble Count

Pebbles affect the streams water speed. Pebbles affect the streams water speed.

The rocks in the stream can either slow The rocks in the stream can either slow down the water speed or speed it up.down the water speed or speed it up.

The bigger the rocks the slower the The bigger the rocks the slower the water. This is because the rocks cause water. This is because the rocks cause resistance of the current resistance of the current

The smaller the rocks the faster the The smaller the rocks the faster the current can go. This is because the water current can go. This is because the water has no resistance from rocks.has no resistance from rocks.


The Pebbles also can fill up a stream The Pebbles also can fill up a stream bed which is a problem with some bed which is a problem with some streams.streams.


The ProcessThe Process

In a reach or part of a stream you In a reach or part of a stream you go about every 100ft and measure go about every 100ft and measure 10 pebbles at the tip of you boot.10 pebbles at the tip of you boot.


The process /cont.The process /cont.

When you pick up your first rock you When you pick up your first rock you measure the three longest axis of the measure the three longest axis of the pebble( length, height, width). Then pebble( length, height, width). Then you record those records. you record those records.

Stream Bank Stream Bank AssessmentAssessment

Chris Buck and Matt OrsoChris Buck and Matt Orso

IntroductionIntroductionto Stream Bank Assessmentto Stream Bank Assessment

We used the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Stream We used the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Stream and Riparian Habitats Rapid Assessment Protocol. and Riparian Habitats Rapid Assessment Protocol. The Protocol is a comprehensive stream The Protocol is a comprehensive stream assessment and inventory protocol which assessment and inventory protocol which incorporates riparian corridor and stream stability incorporates riparian corridor and stream stability assessments. The protocol is for use for us to assessments. The protocol is for use for us to rapidly identify, assess, and prioritize stream rapidly identify, assess, and prioritize stream corridor conditions within a watershed. The corridor conditions within a watershed. The assessment only provides a relative ranking rather assessment only provides a relative ranking rather than a quantitive evaluation of magnitudes of than a quantitive evaluation of magnitudes of change. The information gained will give us an idea change. The information gained will give us an idea of the potential problems but not identify cause of the potential problems but not identify cause and effect relationships influenced by factors and effect relationships influenced by factors located outside the assessment area. To figure out located outside the assessment area. To figure out the main problem and cause and effect we would the main problem and cause and effect we would need to complete a more detailed assessment.need to complete a more detailed assessment.

The Two Main Assessment The Two Main Assessment SectionsSections

Stream stabilityStream stability Bank Height Root Depth Root DensityBank Height Root Depth Root Density Bank Angle Surface Protection Bank Angle Surface Protection Aggrading Stream Beds Aggrading Stream Beds Degrading Stream BedsDegrading Stream Beds

Riparian an In stream Habitat AssessmentRiparian an In stream Habitat Assessment Instream Cover Epifaunal Pool VariabilityInstream Cover Epifaunal Pool Variability Shading Water Appearance Nutrient Enrichment Shading Water Appearance Nutrient Enrichment Bank Vegetation Riparian Vegetation Riparian Bank Vegetation Riparian Vegetation Riparian

ZoneZone Nutrient Uptake PotentialNutrient Uptake Potential

ResultsResults

RIHRIH SSSS TOTALTOTAL

7 Springs Farm7 Springs Farm 3434 99 4343

LideckerLidecker 4343 4444 8787

Hoover 1Hoover 1 3030 3838 6868

Cottner Cottner 5858 4848 106106

Hoover 2Hoover 2 4141 1717 5858

ResultsResults

RIHRIH SSSS TOTALTOTAL

Robert PfleegorRobert Pfleegor 7070 64 134 64 134

Davis FarmDavis Farm 62 62 65 65 127 127

James FarmJames Farm 4040 60 60 100 100

Catholic Pavilion Catholic Pavilion 51/204 74 127 51/204 74 127

Woods to 147 Bridge 159/204 82 241Woods to 147 Bridge 159/204 82 241

Chemical TestingChemical Testing Alkalinity Alkalinity HardnessHardness pHpH NitratesNitrates AmmoniaAmmonia Dissolved OxygenDissolved Oxygen Dissolved Carbon DioxideDissolved Carbon Dioxide ChlorideChloride SilicaSilica

AlkalinityAlkalinity

Refers to the capability of water to Refers to the capability of water to neutralize acid.neutralize acid.

Alkalinity comes from the calcium Alkalinity comes from the calcium and magnesium in the stream.and magnesium in the stream.

Preferred Alkalinity of fresh water Preferred Alkalinity of fresh water streams:100 - 200ppmstreams:100 - 200ppm

Our results between 150-220ppm out Our results between 150-220ppm out of the 6 sites we tested.of the 6 sites we tested.

HardnessHardness

Measure of positively charged metal Measure of positively charged metal ions in the water such as calcium, ions in the water such as calcium, manganese, and iron.manganese, and iron.

The preferred level of Hardness in The preferred level of Hardness in fresh water streams: 61-120ppmfresh water streams: 61-120ppm

Our results were between 260-Our results were between 260-310ppm. (6 Sites)310ppm. (6 Sites)

pHpH

Measure of hydrogen concentrations Measure of hydrogen concentrations in the water.in the water.

The preferred levels of pH in The preferred levels of pH in freshwater streams: 6.5-8.2freshwater streams: 6.5-8.2

Our results were between: 7.5-8.5 (6 Our results were between: 7.5-8.5 (6 Sites)Sites)

NitratesNitrates

Come from the decay of organic Come from the decay of organic materials and fertilizers that have materials and fertilizers that have drained into the stream.drained into the stream.

Preferred levels of nitrates in fresh Preferred levels of nitrates in fresh water streams: less than 1ppm.water streams: less than 1ppm.

Our results were between 17.2-18.9. Our results were between 17.2-18.9. (6 Sites) (6 Sites)

AmmoniaAmmonia

Waste product of metabolismWaste product of metabolism Found in streams, most likely from Found in streams, most likely from

direct animal waste.direct animal waste. Preferred levels of ammonia in fresh Preferred levels of ammonia in fresh

water stream: .1-.15ppmwater stream: .1-.15ppm Our results were all less than 1ppm. Our results were all less than 1ppm.

(6 Sites) (6 Sites)

Dissolved Carbon Dioxide Dissolved Carbon Dioxide (CO(CO22))

Comes from the decay of organic Comes from the decay of organic materials.materials.

Dissolved Carbon Dioxide makes Dissolved Carbon Dioxide makes respiration difficult for aquatic respiration difficult for aquatic organisms.organisms.

Preferred levels of carbon dioxide: Preferred levels of carbon dioxide: none measurablenone measurable

Our results were between 2-15ppm. Our results were between 2-15ppm. (6 Sites) (6 Sites)

Dissolved OxygenDissolved Oxygen

Amount of oxygen that is free and Amount of oxygen that is free and can be used by aquatic organismscan be used by aquatic organisms

Preferred level of dissolved oxygen in Preferred level of dissolved oxygen in fresh water streams: 6-10ppmfresh water streams: 6-10ppm

We did not get the opportunity to We did not get the opportunity to test dissolved oxygen at this time.test dissolved oxygen at this time.

ChlorideChloride

May be from naturally occurring salt May be from naturally occurring salt deposits in the earth or from deposits in the earth or from industrial waste and sewage.industrial waste and sewage.

Preferred levels is 10-20 mg/LPreferred levels is 10-20 mg/L Our results were 42-70mg/L. (6 Sites)Our results were 42-70mg/L. (6 Sites)

SilicaSilica

Occurs naturally in streamsOccurs naturally in streams Used by some aquatic organisms to Used by some aquatic organisms to

build up their skeletal structure.build up their skeletal structure. Preferred levels of silica in fresh Preferred levels of silica in fresh

water streams: 10-20ppmwater streams: 10-20ppm Our results were 1-7ppm . (6 Sites)Our results were 1-7ppm . (6 Sites)

Biological TestingBiological Testing

Josh Allen and Matt SwallowJosh Allen and Matt Swallow

Macroinvertabrate TestingMacroinvertabrate Testing

LocationLocation

ToolsTools

ProcessProcess

ResultsResults

Water Quality RatingWater Quality Rating

SITESITE SCORESCORE RATINGRATING

> 40> 40 GOODGOOD

1 and 21 and 2

(21.1, 21.6)(21.1, 21.6) 20-4020-40 FAIRFAIR

< 20< 20 POORPOOR

Index Created By:Index Created By:

State Parks Watershed Education State Parks Watershed Education Macroinvertabrate Stream Macroinvertabrate Stream Assessment (Level 1)Assessment (Level 1)


What are the purposes for RiparianWhat are the purposes for Riparian

Buffers and Stream Bank Fences?Buffers and Stream Bank Fences? What is some of the Vegetation What is some of the Vegetation used for the Riparian Buffers?used for the Riparian Buffers? What will Riparian Buffers and What will Riparian Buffers and Stream Bank Fences do for the Stream Bank Fences do for the environment?environment?


Riparian BuffersRiparian Buffers– Purposes Purposes

Reduce soil erosionReduce soil erosion Prevent excess nutrients-nitrogen and phosphorousPrevent excess nutrients-nitrogen and phosphorous Provide necessary food, cover, and shade for wildlifeProvide necessary food, cover, and shade for wildlife Hunters and Anglers enjoy a variety of game speciesHunters and Anglers enjoy a variety of game species Unique learning opportunities (serve as outside Unique learning opportunities (serve as outside

classrooms) classrooms) Hikers and Campers enjoy the aesthetic qualities Hikers and Campers enjoy the aesthetic qualities

provide by a well-managed riparian zoneprovide by a well-managed riparian zone


Riparian BuffersRiparian Buffers– Zone 1-Zone 1-

Matures forest along waters edge to maintain habitat, Matures forest along waters edge to maintain habitat, food, water temperature, and helps stabilize banks food, water temperature, and helps stabilize banks and remove nutrients.and remove nutrients.

– Vegetation RequirementsVegetation Requirements Red MapleRed Maple Black MapleBlack Maple

Silver MapleSilver Maple Red AshRed Ash

Shad BushShad Bush Sweet-boy MagnoliaSweet-boy Magnolia

Yellow BirchYellow Birch Black WillowBlack Willow


Riparian BuffersRiparian Buffers

– Zone 2 VegetationZone 2 Vegetation Zone 2 contains a managed forest. The primary Zone 2 contains a managed forest. The primary

function of Zone2 is to remove sediment, function of Zone2 is to remove sediment, nutrients and other pollutants from surface and nutrients and other pollutants from surface and ground water. It also provides habitat and ground water. It also provides habitat and allows for economic benefits to the landowner allows for economic benefits to the landowner from the forest resource.from the forest resource.

– White AshWhite Ash ShrubsShrubs– Honey LocustHoney Locust Black WalnutBlack Walnut


Riparian BuffersRiparian Buffers– Zone 3 VegetationZone 3 Vegetation

Zone 3 contains grass filter strips, level Zone 3 contains grass filter strips, level spreaders or other features which can slow spreaders or other features which can slow runoff, infiltrate water and help filter runoff, infiltrate water and help filter sediment and its associated chemicals.sediment and its associated chemicals.

– Tall GrassesTall Grasses


Stream bank FencingStream bank Fencing– Process used to help keep cattle out of Process used to help keep cattle out of

the stream.the stream.– Reduces stream bank erosion.Reduces stream bank erosion.– Increases habitat for micro organisms.Increases habitat for micro organisms.– Help protect the buffer along the edge Help protect the buffer along the edge

of the stream bank.of the stream bank.


What is CREP?What is CREP? What land is eligible for CREP, and What land is eligible for CREP, and

what are the Price Ranges?what are the Price Ranges? What are some of the goals for What are some of the goals for

CREP?CREP?


CREPCREP– A new program in PA started in June A new program in PA started in June

2000.2000.– A USDA programA USDA program

Founded by state and non-profit partnersFounded by state and non-profit partners

– The Gov’t leases the land from the The Gov’t leases the land from the property owner for 15 yrs.property owner for 15 yrs.

– 50’ on each side of the stream.50’ on each side of the stream.

Limestone Run Restoration Limestone Run Restoration ProjectProject CREPCREP

– Average Price per acre.Average Price per acre. Northumberland Co. = $100-$115Northumberland Co. = $100-$115 Montour Co. is slightly higher. Montour Co. is slightly higher.

– Prices depend upon soil type and qualityPrices depend upon soil type and quality– Lowest price in North is Hv soil @ $88/acre.Lowest price in North is Hv soil @ $88/acre.– Highest price in North is WsA soil @ $116/acre.Highest price in North is WsA soil @ $116/acre.– The soils for the land can be determined in the local The soils for the land can be determined in the local

soils book.soils book.

– Goals of CREP.Goals of CREP. Decrease soil erosion and runoff.Decrease soil erosion and runoff. Improve water quality.Improve water quality. Improve wildlife and fisheries habitat.Improve wildlife and fisheries habitat. Increase farm income on marginal land.Increase farm income on marginal land.

milton high school environmental studies limestone run assessment december 12 th,2001

Documents

small stream

riparian buffer slide

dimension profile slide

experimental hatchery

watershed concept

watershed treatment

stream hydraulics pattern

growing greener grant