Three Key Facts:
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- Nearly $10 million in federal funding supports the restoration of 18 streams across six Pennsylvania counties there were polluted by farm runoff.
- Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay watershed supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in agriculture, fishing, and tourism.
- Outdoor recreation is vital to the state’s economy, with 6.9 million residents participating annually.
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For decades, nutrient pollution has plagued Pennsylvania’s waterways. The problem has hurt local communities, strained agriculture, and damaged ecosystems. Now, the Chesapeake Conservancy is stepping in with a transformative solution.
Backed by nearly $10 million in federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, this ambitious initiative will restore 18 streams polluted by farm runoff across six counties: Huntingdon, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Union and Snyder. These efforts are more than an environmental fix—they represent an investment in farming, job creation, and outdoor recreation.
Too many nutrients
Nutrient pollution occurs when excess nitrogen and phosphorus from sources like agricultural runoff, wastewater, and industrial discharges enter water systems.
While nutrients are essential for plant growth, too much of them in water can cause problems like harmful algal blooms, low oxygen levels, and damage to aquatic ecosystems. This pollution can harm water quality, wildlife, and even public health.
Broad Support Drives Success
The Chesapeake Conservancy has united a coalition of government agencies, nonprofit groups, and community leaders, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and local conservation districts. National organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency have also highlighted the project’s importance in meeting water quality goals.
Joel Dunn, President and CEO of the Chesapeake Conservancy, called the initiative a collaborative triumph. “This is the best partnership I’ve ever seen in my career.”
Nonprofit groups like the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay have also rallied behind the project. Their backing reinforces the program’s focus on sustainability, innovation, and long-term impact.
Boosting Local Economies
The Chesapeake Bay is more than a natural treasure—it’s an economic powerhouse. Its watershed sustains hundreds of thousands of jobs in agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Pennsylvania plays a key role in this economy. Cleaner streams strengthen farming by reducing soil erosion and improving crop yields. They also open doors for eco-tourism, including fishing and kayaking, which attract visitors and boost local businesses.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, more than 6.9 million Pennsylvanians engage in outdoor recreation every year. Cleaner waterways enhance those experiences, driving tourism and creating ripple effects in the rural economy.
Given the benefits, it’s not surprising that projects like these are popular: recent polling shows that 71% of voters back the Act’s investments in programs like this one.
Building a Better Future
The Chesapeake Conservancy’s stream restoration initiative is more than a cleanup—it’s a transformation. By improving water quality, enhancing ecosystems, and driving economic opportunities, the project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. It’s not just about restoring streams; it’s about creating a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania.
