slay12345
Member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2009
- Messages
- 267
Conservation projects are under way all over Lancaster County and they are helping to improve the Bay. Lititz Run has seen huge improvements that have changed it from a "dead" stream a number of years ago due to pollution to a gem now that has a number of phenominal hatches that are getting stronger each year and sports a small wild bow population. (Caught one yesterday)
But why stop there?
There is still room for improvement and a few factors that weren't secured in the early years of the project.
Two immediately come to mind. One is currently being worked on, and the other I hope to see started in the near future.
1. Trees... In the early years of the project the landowners didn't want many trees planted because they liked to see out across the pastures with an unobstructed view. However in current times, the C&R section is undergoing new tree plantings. About 30 trees of mixed species are waiting to be planted on the Thompson property. Last year he also planted about that many, most of which survived. Thermal pollution can be an issue on small streams and these new plantings will help ensure more steady temps year round. Some open space is required for the aquatic vegetation of a limestone spring to thrive so this is a touchy subject to do it "right".
Also the property above the spring house was just entered into CREP and will soon receive 300 plantings of various trees.
2. Stream bank fencing is another issue I see. There are a couple sections that lack the fencing, but still allow animals (large animals... cows and horses) to roam in those pastures. This is an issue wich is currently degrading the stream banks in those sections, and reducing water quality downstream.
Caught a wild bow in Ripparian Park yesterday. When I got there, I was amazed at how crystal clear the water was in that section. Kind of thought to my self, "man when was the last time it rained" cuz I was just down in the C&R section and noted to myself how murky the water was there. The C&R section is downstream from the unfenced areas and it shows a very obvious change in water clarity. We have a couple phone calls to makek today, but should find some official information on what we can do in these sections to improve the banks.
Sal and I have an interesting project on Lititz Run. He is in the research stage, but we'll check back soon hopefully within the month upon its completion.
But why stop there?
There is still room for improvement and a few factors that weren't secured in the early years of the project.
Two immediately come to mind. One is currently being worked on, and the other I hope to see started in the near future.
1. Trees... In the early years of the project the landowners didn't want many trees planted because they liked to see out across the pastures with an unobstructed view. However in current times, the C&R section is undergoing new tree plantings. About 30 trees of mixed species are waiting to be planted on the Thompson property. Last year he also planted about that many, most of which survived. Thermal pollution can be an issue on small streams and these new plantings will help ensure more steady temps year round. Some open space is required for the aquatic vegetation of a limestone spring to thrive so this is a touchy subject to do it "right".
Also the property above the spring house was just entered into CREP and will soon receive 300 plantings of various trees.
2. Stream bank fencing is another issue I see. There are a couple sections that lack the fencing, but still allow animals (large animals... cows and horses) to roam in those pastures. This is an issue wich is currently degrading the stream banks in those sections, and reducing water quality downstream.
Caught a wild bow in Ripparian Park yesterday. When I got there, I was amazed at how crystal clear the water was in that section. Kind of thought to my self, "man when was the last time it rained" cuz I was just down in the C&R section and noted to myself how murky the water was there. The C&R section is downstream from the unfenced areas and it shows a very obvious change in water clarity. We have a couple phone calls to makek today, but should find some official information on what we can do in these sections to improve the banks.
Sal and I have an interesting project on Lititz Run. He is in the research stage, but we'll check back soon hopefully within the month upon its completion.
