Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship 2001

Muddy Run Watershed Association
2218 Wooded Way
Huntingdon, PA 16652

Contact:
Andy Patterson
(814) 643-5138
(814) 627-6831 (fax)

Environmental Results:

9 stormwater detention facilities constructed.

Maintenance
of nearly 400 stormwater inlets.

Partnerships
MUDDY RUN WATERSHED ASSOCIATION

Community Approach Prevents Flooding
in Muddy Run Watershed

Construction and development in central Huntingdon County has led to the in-filling of wetlands and diversion of naturally occurring channels, exacerbating flooding problems in the Muddy Run watershed. Heavy rainfalls and resultant flooding throughout 1996 prompted the Huntingdon Borough Council to found the Muddy Run Watershed Association. Comprised of stakeholders, including educational institutions, the Huntingdon Borough Council, developers and environmental groups, the association's goal is to help resolve problems in an educational and mutually beneficial way.

The Muddy Run Watershed Association actively sought developers participation in the partnership, recognizing the important role they can play in addressing runoff problems through stormwater management strategies at construction sites. As a result, developers have constructed seven stormwater detention facilities to address current and future storm flooding at no cost to the watershed group.

To reach out to the entire Huntingdon community, the watershed group also partnered with several educational institutions. The Huntingdon Area School District helped in the completion of two stormwater management projects on school property. A large detention facility and two wetlands have significantly reduced flooding downstream from the school. The association also works with the Huntingdon Middle School Environmental Club on numerous riparian planting projects, streambank stabilization projects and a stormwater detention wetland project on school property.

Through a partnership with Juniata College, three stormwater management facilities to control runoff to Muddy Run were constructed. The Juniata College Conservation Club is currently working to construct a riparian wetland, also on college property, that will prevent floods, create wildlife habitat and provide environmental education opportunities on campus.

The Muddy Run Watershed Association's community-oriented approach has facilitated the completion of numerous streambank stabilization projects, riparian plantings and stormwater detention facilities, while also maintaining approximately 400 stormwater inlets and other infrastructure.

"Instead of complaining about the developers, we made them our partners. I never dreamed that we could accomplish so much in such a short period of time just by working together. Partnerships really do achieve results."
Michelle Speck,
Member, Muddy Run Watershed Association

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