Restoring Streams, Cultivating Partnerships: A Success Story in Lancaster County

(Co-written by Amanda Goldsmith, Lancaster County Conservation District)

Lancaster County is a place where history and agriculture blend seamlessly, creating a lifestyle that cherishes the land and its potential for positive environmental impact. This is particularly evident in the ongoing efforts to reduce the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment load flowing downstream to the Chesapeake Bay, much of which originates from local farms. The success of these efforts is largely due to the collaborative spirit of the community, exemplified by a recent dam removal and riparian buffer project on a farm on North Hollander Road in Gordonville.

The journey of this project began in 2021 when the Lancaster County Conservation District approached a plain-sect farmer with a proposal to restore the stream, an unnamed tributary to Muddy Run, running through his property. The stream was getting clogged with sediment due to a dam on site and a concrete steam crossing acting like a dam. Recognizing the importance of the initiative, the farmer agreed to participate, setting the stage for a collaboration that would involve multiple organizations, students, and community members.

One of the significant components of the project was the physical restoration work, which included the removal of a dam, replacement of a concrete stream crossing with a rock bottom stream crossing, riffle installation for project stability, and the installation of a 35-foot riparian buffer with streamside fencing. Unique Excavating, an experienced excavator specializing in stream restoration, constructed the project over three days. 

A shining example of community collaboration was seen in June when 27 students from Conestoga Valley High School’s AP Environmental Science and CP Ecology classes, led by Mr. Hovan, joined the effort. These students planted 220 native trees and shrubs to create the streamside buffer, a critical step in stabilizing the streambank and enhancing the local ecosystem. The trees and shrubs, including persimmon and sycamore trees as well as low bush blueberry and winterberry, were sourced from Octoraro Native Nursery in Kirkwood, highlighting another local partnership.

“This project is a testament to collaboration and commitment to aquatic restoration,” said Amanda Goldsmith, Watershed Specialist at Lancaster County Conservation District. “Many different entities came together including an Amish farmer, two state agencies, a national non-profit, a local high school, and the Conservation District. Together, we reconnected a stream and restored native habitat for the wildlife and community that live there.”

In Lancaster County, the spirit of cooperation is alive and well, proving that through collaborative efforts, we can make a lasting impact on our environment and community.

* The Lancaster County Conservation District took the lead in coordinating the project, securing funding through the York & Lancaster Counties Habitat Improvement Grant Program provided by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Additional funding to support the project came from a 319 grant administered through DEP, which supports riparian buffers, stream crossings, and fencing installation on tributaries to Mill Creek. The dam removal project is a part of a statewide initiative, the PA Aquatic Connectivity Team (PACT), a collaboration between the PA Fish & Boat Commission and American Rivers. Aquatic organism passage is essential for wildlife and this initiative connects partners across the state to coordinate and record dam removals.