Grant funded projects
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2019 Dominion Watershed Mini-Grant (Stormwater Simulator)
In December of 2018, the North Fork Watershed Association, in cooperation with the Jefferson Conservation District, applied for a Dominion Watershed Mini Grant to purchase a Stormwater Simulator. This tabletop model helps students understand the critical role that floodplains play in the life of a watershed and the impact of unplanned development and human activity in this environment. The Stormwater Simulator helps to promote the importance of water quality and how to protect the North Fork Watershed. It will be used to conduct educational events throughout Jefferson County. |
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2017 Dominion Watershed Mini-Grant (North Fork Watershed Sign)
Four North Fork Watershed Signs were placed at the entrance to the Dr. Walter Dick Memorial Park to raise awareness to "protect our watershed". Waterwheels were also purchased to educate citizens about how to conserve water.
At an award ceremony, Don Crytzer, NFWA and Grace Pesselato, Jefferson Conservation District, (pictured below) were presented with an award signifying the North Fork Watershed Association is a Watershed Mini-Grant Winner. The Grant is part of the Dominion Watershed Mini Grants Program and is administered by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The grant in the amount of $1,150 enabled the NFWA to update their brochure and place educational signage in the county.
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2017 DEP Environmental Education Grant (Sign, Storm Drain Markers, Watershed Camp)
The Jefferson Conservation District was awarded an environmental education grant through the Department of Environmental Protection. This grant provided funding for the creation of the North Fork Watershed Sign. The sign has been installed at the Dr. Walter Dick Park in Brookville to educate the public about the North Fork Watershed which is the source of Brookville's water supply. It raises awareness about the importance of the watershed and water quality. The sign has been placed along the path where it will educate the public for many years to come. The sign was designed by Grace Pesselato. The District would like to thank the North Fork Watershed Association, Brookville Borough Council and Brookville Municipal Authority for their assistance in the creation and installation of the sign. Also, a special thanks to Judy Schwab for her beautiful photo which is featured on our sign. |
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As another part of this grant, the District was able to hold two watershed camps in the County. On August 25, 2016, students attending the Summer Camp at the YMCA in Brookville were taught about water pollution from Grace Pesselato, JCCD's Watershed Specialist. Using the Enviroscape, students learned how water pollution can get into our streams from every day activities in their neighborhoods.
They learned that many of the storm drains in Brookville and surrounding towns lead directly to a stream. They now understand why it is important not to dump pollutants into those storm drains. Students were able to go outside and place storm drain markers on sixteen storm drains along Main Street. These markers will make the public aware that pollutants dumped in the storm drains may potentially pollute our streams. This was a great way for these young people to have a positive impact on our environment. |
Growing Greener Grant 2004
The North Fork Watershed Association was the recipient of a Growing Greener Grant in June, 2004. The grant was for $100,000 and involved assessing the North Fork Watershed through comprehensive water and soil monitoring programs which assisted in creating the restoration plan. The Jefferson County Conservation District was the project sponsor for this grant.
Concern over acid deposition and its affects on the watershed has been the primary reason for these specific evaluation efforts and for the initiation of the intensive monitoring events. Regular monitoring of water quality and flow was to be done every 6 weeks beginning in June, 2004 for a total of 18 months. The samples were taken from 25 separate sites located within the watershed. The results helped to determine if the low pH found in the North Fork and it's tributaries was chronic or episodic. Check the water sampling page for more information on this.
Concern over acid deposition and its affects on the watershed has been the primary reason for these specific evaluation efforts and for the initiation of the intensive monitoring events. Regular monitoring of water quality and flow was to be done every 6 weeks beginning in June, 2004 for a total of 18 months. The samples were taken from 25 separate sites located within the watershed. The results helped to determine if the low pH found in the North Fork and it's tributaries was chronic or episodic. Check the water sampling page for more information on this.
Manners Run Grant
A $49,766 Manners Dam Run Watershed Liming Grant was funded in 2007 and was conducted under the direction and sponsorship of the Jefferson County Conservation District with in-kind contributions from the North Fork Watershed Association members. Most of the in-kind was in the form of labor from active members and individual contributions.
The actual land liming occurred in the fall of 2007, with application to approximately 250 acres of the watershed that is not presently, or in the near future, being timbered. The entire project was located on State Game Lands and permission was granted by the Pa State Game Commission.
Pre-sampling of soil, water, and vegetative analysis was conducted to determine the degree to which the sub-watershed lacks in buffering capacity. Ideally, the liming will provide just enough buffering to help decrease the acidity of the water from acid deposition before collecting into the tributaries. This study consisted of a 2 ton per acre addition of lime, which is roughly one third to one half of the recommended application as per soil analysis. Shock to environmental systems was most likely eliminated by applying minimal quantities, in addition to providing some information, through future analysis, of the buffering capacity provided at that rate and how long it will last. More information about this liming project can be found here.
A $49,766 Manners Dam Run Watershed Liming Grant was funded in 2007 and was conducted under the direction and sponsorship of the Jefferson County Conservation District with in-kind contributions from the North Fork Watershed Association members. Most of the in-kind was in the form of labor from active members and individual contributions.
The actual land liming occurred in the fall of 2007, with application to approximately 250 acres of the watershed that is not presently, or in the near future, being timbered. The entire project was located on State Game Lands and permission was granted by the Pa State Game Commission.
Pre-sampling of soil, water, and vegetative analysis was conducted to determine the degree to which the sub-watershed lacks in buffering capacity. Ideally, the liming will provide just enough buffering to help decrease the acidity of the water from acid deposition before collecting into the tributaries. This study consisted of a 2 ton per acre addition of lime, which is roughly one third to one half of the recommended application as per soil analysis. Shock to environmental systems was most likely eliminated by applying minimal quantities, in addition to providing some information, through future analysis, of the buffering capacity provided at that rate and how long it will last. More information about this liming project can be found here.