Completion of East Branch Sugar Creek Protection Project

By Rebecca Fagley, watershed specialist

On February 10, 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarded the Venango Conservation District with Growing Greener funding for our East Branch Sugar Creek Protection Project. 

Thanks to the Growing Greener grant, the Venango Conservation District, in partnership with Oakland Township, PA Fish and Boat Commision, and PA Game Commission worked together to implement 275 feet of modified mudsill and log-framed deflector streambank stabilization and fish enhancement structures along East Brank Sugar Creek this summer, July 2025.
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This project will improve water quality and stream health by stabilizing eroded banks, reducing sedimentation, and protecting the natural stream gradient. Habitat enhancement structures designed by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and installed on-site include modified mudsills and log-framed deflectors.
Together, these features will create healthier conditions for trout and other aquatic life while reducing erosion and improving overall stream function.