Wow! What a summer it has been. There have been many highs and some real concerns for area streams. We’ve had the spring and early summer hatches, then we’ve had the events on Honey Creek. Some of the membership may be unaware of the recent events that have occurred on Honey Creek, and to a much lesser degree affecting Kish Creek, this summer.

Beginning early in June, Honey Creek appeared to occasionally become very discolored for apparently no obvious reason. To describe the color of the water during these events, I would say Off-White best describes it. The water clarity was greatly reduced and it appeared to contain some type of suspended, very fine solid. Upon the first events, we attempted to contact DEP. They investigated a similar complaint from us last summer. In the beginning we were getting no reactions or attention. After several events we contacted the Conservation District and with their support finally got the attention for action on Honey Creek. DEP sent several representatives to investigate including Mining Enforcement and Ground Water Quality personnel. Along with Conservation District staff, DEP began an investigation that is still open. All obvious sources of potential cause were examined and no conclusive evidence was revealed. I have to repeat that at the present time no cause for the problem has been determined.

So where do we stand on the problem, you ask? We are working closely with the Conservation District staff in monitoring the stream. The Conservation District under the Growing Greener grant are monitoring the stream at seven locations along its length. Any hint of abnormal discoloration or precipitant in the water will set into action the following plan. 1.We have access to a water testing kit and were instructed on the procedures for samples collection and proper testing. 2. We contact the Conservation District for action on their end. 3. We have a contact at DEP who will respond immediately to view the problem. (This is a key missing element, DEP has not been able to actually see the problem at its worst.) 4. DEP will call whichever of its divisions most need to investigate.

The plan is in place, but fortunately for all of us at TU and those who are interested in the quality of our waterways and ground water, there have been no events since the beginning of August. But we are ready for any hint of the problem to go into action.

We have acquired access to the stream at several locations on private property with landowner permission. All we have spoken to are equally concerned and wish to help.

I would like to thank Dan Dunmire, Kadie Pruss and the staff of the Mifflin County Conservation District for their help and response to the problem. Also to all the Penns Creek TU members who have volunteered to help monitor the stream and help find answers to the problem. We could still use more volunteers to monitor the stream…All it would mean is a nice peaceful drive along a Class A trout stream once or twice a month looking for discoloration. Please call Brian Frey, if you are interested at 717-242-0119. Leave a message if I’m not home and I’ll call you back.

All those concerned with issues regarding Honey Creek and the Kish Watershed as a whole, will be happy to hear that we are working with the Mifflin County Conservation District on the formation of the Kish Watershed Association. The first organizational meeting will be taking place at the end of September. All TU members interested in conservation issues in this watershed are encouraged to attend. The Kish Watershed is a huge area that includes all of the valley tributaries. The association is being formed to find solutions to ground water, pollution, erosion, and conservation issues affecting the watershed. This is not a TU organization, but we are supporting it and aiding in the formation. This organization is open to all persons interested in water related issues. Please support this effort in any way you can, as it will serve as a valuable resource to our TU chapter.

The Penns Creek Chapter of TU has several other efforts in the works for completion this fall.

We will finally have a sign for our Chapter and its partners on the Kish Creek habitat improvement project near the Youth Park in Reedsville. The Mifflin-Juniata Vo-Tech School is constructing the sign for us at minimal cost to the chapter. Thanks to Jeff Zimmerman for suggesting having the Vo-Tech make the sign. Approximate completion time is October.

The Chapter also met with James Knarr, owner of property adjacent to Kish Creek along the old railroad bed under the twin bridges area of Rt 322 at our May 2001 meeting. The topic was to try to stop, with the chapter’s help illegal dumping under the bridges and along the stream. Mr. Knarr was very open to the chapter constructing a gate on Old Railroad Lane, across from Wagner Tire, to prevent the dumping. This will create a "Walk-in Fishing Access" to the Narrows area of Kish Creek. We are in the process of getting prices for the gate and approval of a design and right of way from PennDot and the township. We will assure that keys to the gate are supplied to the appropriate people. Again, Thanks to Mr. Knarr for caring enough about the stream and his property to allow this to happen.

Once again this year the Penns Creek Chapter of TU participated in the annual National Wild Turkey Federation Youth Day at Seven Mountains Scout Camp. Approximately 80 kids participated in the event which included various stations with outdoor activities. All seemed to have a great time and enjoyed the activities.

We once again ran the fishing and fly tying stations. Dennison Peiffer, with the help of Cherie Brown and Kelly Moore, ran the fishing station. Although water conditions were tough on the pond and fishing difficult, all had a great time wetting a line.

Fred Fultz and Brian Frey worked the tying station. All of the kids took home a fantastic Wooly Bugger and some experience at the vise. All materials, vises and equipment were supplied by Dan Shields at Flyfisher’s Paradise. We appreciate their generosity and look forward to working with them in the future.

Thanks to the Wild Turkey Federation for inviting us to participate in this event.

Please be aware that Penn’s Creek is facing a potentially big issue. The quarry in Centre County is petitioning to quarry below the water table. This could have devastating effects on the stream. Please support any efforts to prevent this from happening and attend any public meetings to voice your opinion against this action. Several are scheduled and dates, locations will be passed along as we receive them. Also, writing to representatives as a taxpayer will help. We have to prevent this.