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French Creek Project Contact: Environmental Results: 4,000 visitors participated in erosion control and stream protection programs. "Riverkeepers" volunteer group established to perform ongoing monitoring. 7,500 fourth grade students and 12,000 other residents heard presentation. |
Demonstration, Education & Outreach When You Care Enough to Preserve the Very Best
French Creek, a 1,270 square-mile watershed, harbors more than 80 species of fish and 27 freshwater mussels - more than any other place in the state. Several of these species are listed on federal or state endangered species lists. Non-point source pollution is the primary threat to the French Creek watershed and members of the community are providing solutions to this problem. More than 4,000 residents have participated in erosion control projects, tree and flower plantings, stream cleanups and other events. Local farmers and landowners have voluntarily implemented best management practices to conserve streams and monitor the long-term health of French Creek. More than 6,000 local students have visited the French Creek Outdoor Learning Center and 7,500 fourth grade students have learned about the ecology of French Creek through special presentations. Local groups, such as the Boy Scouts and 4H clubs, also are involved as volunteers in helping prevent non-point source pollution. The project has produced a 30-minute documentary video for TV and school use, conducts art and poetry contests for elementary students and attracts the interest of young and old to its Eco-tours, Creekfests and Quality of Life workshops that share the beauty of French Creek. The French Creek Project's interdisciplinary and intergenerational approach has allowed the people of Erie, Crawford, Mercer and Venago counties to preserve and enjoy their local environment, maintain biological diversity and protect endangered species. " To be successful, a watershed protection project
must be both inclusive and transparent. An inclusive approach requires
that a variety of viewpoints, even if they are at times divergent, are
consulted before decisions are made. Transparency means that decisions
that impact a public resource like a river or creek, must be made in an
open process, so that all can see." |
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Copyright © 2001, Environmental Fund for Pennsylvania
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