This is a multi-phase project to stabilize streambanks and stream channel, reduce erosion and sedimentation,and improve stream habitat through the installation of GP-1 fish habitat enhancement structures along a segment of Shobers Run adjacent to the Bedford Middle School, between the Watson Street bridge and the Bedford Elks property boundary. The full segment is approximately 1800 feet long.
Phase One was primarily funded by an Embrace-A-Stream grant from National Trout Unlimited, augmented by a grant from the Bedford County Action Plan (CAP). This phase was completed in 2021 and focused on stabilizing an eroded bank that threatened a structure on a residential property. A large modified mud-sill was installed along with a smaller mud-sill and two log-framed rock deflectors. Additional work (Phase Two - fully funded by CAP) at the site to complete some landscaping details was completed in September of 2023.
Phase Three installed devices on the stream section upstream of Phase One to the parcel line at the Bedford Elks property. Completed in the summer of 2023, this phase was entirely funded by CAP.
The remnants of Hurricane Ida caused flooding of streams throughout much of Bedford County and Shobers Run experienced high waters that caused some damage to stream banks along the Heritage Trail segments on the Omni Bedford Springs property. The Bedford Joint Municpal Authority (BJMA) was concerned that the trail's bridge structures could be threatened by future high water events and contacted the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) for assistance in evaluating the stream bank conditions and designing a resilient solution to erosion threats. BJMA also contacted the Conservation District for assistance with permitting, funding, and constructing planning. The District provided technical assistance with the GP-1 permit process, recommended an application for CAP funding, and contact with Fort Bedford Trout Unlimited to coordinate with the PFBC for construction.
The Beaver Creek project was completed in the summer of 2022 and was built as depicted in the above aerial photo with annotations. The slide show explains the process that led to the successful completion of the project.
The Western PA Conservancy applied for Countywide Action Plan funding for stream improvement projects to reduce sediment pollution in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2021 and 2022, these projects were located along Bobs Creek; in 2023, projects were completed on Bobs Creek, Wallacks Branch (a tributary to Bobs Creek), and Yellow Creek. (Photos in this section attributed to the Western PA Conservancy)
Log-framed Deflectors in Bobs Creek downstream from Weyant Bridge, 2021
View of Log-framed Deflectors in Bobs Creek from right stream bank downstream from Weyant Bridge, 2021
View From Weyant Bridge of Log-framed Deflectors in Bobs Creek, 2021
Log-framed stone deflectors with cross-span log, 2022
Log-framed stone deflector upstream from Weyant Bridge, 2022
Modified mud-sill upstream from Weyant Bridge, 2022
Modified mud-sill upstream from Weyant Bridge, 2022
Log-framed stone deflectors in Bobs Creek upstream from SR869 bridge north of Pavia, 2023
Log-framed stone deflectors with cross-span log in Wallacks Branch near Burnt House Picnic Area, Blue Knob State Park, 2023
Log-framed stone deflectors with cross-span log in Wallacks Branch near Burnt House Picnic Area, Blue Knob State Park, 2023
Modified mud-sill with log-framed stone deflector and rock-log grade control, Yellow Creek at mill property south of Woodbury
Grade control, Yellow Creek at mill property south of Woodbury
Log-framed stone deflector and rock-log grade control, Yellow Creek at mill property south of Woodbury
Modified mud-sill, Yellow Creek at mill property south of Woodbury
Modified mud-sill, Yellow Creek at mill property south of Woodbury
Bedford County Conservation District
702 West Pitt Street
Bedford, PA 15522-6580
Phone: (814) 310-3286
Fax: (814) 610-1682
bccd@bedfordcounty
conservation.com
