Penn Soil RC&D Council
RC&D : "The Catalyst for Community Improvement"

The Jackson Run Task Force is comprised of members from the Warren County Emergency Management Agency, Warren County Planning and Zoning, Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council, the U.S. Forest Service, Warren County Commissioners, the Conewango Creek Watershed Association, the Warren County Conservation District, and several small business owners and residents who have been actively dedicated to the environmental health and safety of the Jackson Run Watershed. 

 In seeking an environmentally sound plan to reduce flooding of Jackson Run, the long-term goals of the group are to reintroduce more natural stream-flow characteristics and reduce peak discharge to Jackson Run thereby reducing impacts of flooding on stream-side businesses and residents, improve water quality, and maximize the effectiveness of the floodplain. A future goal of the group is to eventually complete a watershed assessment so we can more precisely determine the status of the watershed.  This, however, will require funding and assistance which will take some time to obtain.

 Short term tasks include an evaluation of the current storm drains and the dikes, as well as an assessment of the lower 6600ft. of the stream.  This phase will require funding for an engineering firm to conduct this assessment as well as funding for any on-the-ground projects suggested as a result of the assessment.

 Long-term solutions will involve the local governments and residents of the entire watershed through one-on-one public meetings and education.  Local residents will be shown the active role they can undertake through the use of best management practices such as the protection and enhancement of wetlands, establishment of riparian buffers and numerous ways to reduce run-off from their properties. Townships and other official involvement is needed to accomplish tasks such as reducing the hydrologic conditions of roads, overseeing maintenance of dikes and storm drains, as well as  instituting best management land use practices on public lands.  Stormwater and zoning ordinances should be examined and implemented for the overall benefit of the watershed in matters of timbering, replacing and maintaining riparian buffers, and wetland easements.  The active roles of all parties involved will be a key factor in helping restore Jackson Run.

 Penn Soil RC&D has accepted a request from the Warren County Conservation District to provide technical assistance on this project in seeking funding for the project and in assisting with development of the plan.  Penn Soil RC&D has established a restricted fund account to assist the Jackson Run Task Force in developing a solution to the stormwater management problems in this watershed.  Interested parties are invited to support this project.

The Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development Council welcomes contributions from private citizens, community groups, local municipalities, or other interested parties to help make this project successful.

Your Contribution is tax-deductible.  If you would like more information about how you can contribute to The Penn Soil RC&D Council in support of the Jackson Run Task Force,  Please contact Dianna Hendrick, Penn Soil RC&D Program Assistant, (814)-226-8160 ext 192 or email dianna.hendrick@rcdnet.net 

The Penn Soil Resource Conservation & Development Council is a non-profit (501(c)(3)Organization registered in Pennsylvania.  A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.  Registration does not imply endorsement.