Stream Team

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The USC Stream Team has been hard at work hosting Emergency Stream Intervention (ESI) trainings throughout the Upper Susquehanna watershed and beyond. This poster is describes the steps taken to develop the ESI program:

Stream Corridor Rehabilitation includes natural stream design techniques, stream rehabilitation and stabilization, floodplain enhancement and buffers that we generally think about in the flooding/erosion arena. The problems associated with streams are many, usually large and can be expensive. We have developed a USC Stream Team, led by Bradford County Conservation District to provide technical expertise and training to USC members.

The Steam Team’s guiding principals are

Stream issues will be approached on systemic manner considering whole watershed condition and impact
When possible, stream issues will be monitored to determine rate and status of observed or perceived impairments
Stream issues will be approached with a restoration objective as opposed to a stabilization approach where possible
Restoration includes consideration of geomorphic, hydrologic, habitat, water quality, riparian, social and economic values
Stream issues will be approached in a pragmatic manner with the realization that funding, materials and other resources are limited
The education of landowners, municipal officials, maintenance personnel, land use planners, etc. is of primary importance in order to effect cultural change in how we manage our streams and watersheds
Creative, cost effective approaches to stream restoration is encouraged in management, regulation and actual in channel work
Information learned in our region regarding stream restoration (what works and what doesn’t work) will be shared and networked
Local empowerment through education, training, actual experience, etc. is a primary objective (use of local designers, contractors, material suppliers)
Further research of regional stream system elements is needed to better understand the complexity of our local streams

Stream Team Goals

Engage in statewide initiative to develop road ditch maintenance program.
Conduct and facilitate trainings on Emergency Stream Intervention, Best Management Practice Implementation, and the USC Stream Corridor Assessment Guide to contractors, municipal officials and SWCD members.
Secure funding for a Stream Team Engineering technician.
Development and secure funding for USC Stream Team Application that allows information to be collected and retained for both project assessment and implementation.

Targeted 2024 Projects

Accelerate implementation of stream restoration projects in partnership with a diversity of landowners.
Secure funding to support stream restoration efforts in the watershed
Host virtual ESI Training Session and continue to expand our online training resources
Build capacity of stream team with a stream design training