Agriculture PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Poverty Hill Farm, West Wheatfield Township Visitors to the peaceful yet stunning scenery
of Buttermilk Falls will notice the improved clarity of the flowing water thanks to the restoration techniques used on Hires Run. The project’s expected environmental results are the prevention of an estimated 8.6 tons of sediment from entering Hires Run each year. By applying best management practices, ICCD was able to stabilize the streambanks and reduce erosion and nutrient loading from livestock operations. Specifically, restricting cattle from nearby Poverty Hill Farm from having access to the stream resulted in countless immediate benefits to overall improvement of the water quality and health of Buttermilk Falls. The project also included the planting of a forested riparian buffer which will provide continued protection for the health of the stream for years to come. The final phase of the project was to install an educational sign in the parking lot. The goal with this sign is to provide visitors to Buttermilk Falls with information on keeping water clean. The improved water quality of Hires Run and Buttermilk Falls attest to the success of this project. It is important for ICCD to ensure that Indiana County’s streams are clean and healthy for our communities. As conservationist John Muir stated, “The sun shines not on us, but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us.”
Before
After
FUNDING SOURCES $88,152 — Department of Environmental Protection Mariner East 2 Pipeline Penalty Funds
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2021 Annual Report
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