Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2012 - 61

CURRENTS
Thorn Creek Habitat Improvement Project
The Thorn Creek Habitat Improvement Project (TCHIP) began several years ago after the completion of a major sewage project by the Saxonburg Area Authority (SAA). The goals of TCHIP are to increase fish habitat, stabilize stream banks, install riparian buffer, develop an outdoor classroom area for local students and community members, increase recreational opportunities and collaborate with as many different local partners as possible. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) enrolled the property owner into a Cooperative Habitat Improvement Program (CHIP). This program provides public fishing access to Thorn Creek, Butler County, and limited funding to build fish habitat enhancement structures. The first phase of this project included the placement of four instream devices to create fish habitat and narrow the stream channel. The second phase placed two more deflectors in Thorn Creek upstream from the initial phase, and the third phase, which was completed on July 31, 2012, included a modified mud sill and two multi-log vane deflectors. Designs for the fourth phase were completed on another 500 feet of stream bank. Construction to build four more deflectors will take place in 2013 and 2014. Designs and construction oversight for the project was provided by Mark Sausser, PFBC Stream Habitat Manager; Keith Beamer, PFBC Stream Habitat Section Assistant Manager; and Mike Swartz, PFBC Lake Habitat Section Assistant Manager. A special thank you goes to Dave Andrews, Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance Vice President and Project Director, in organizing all materials and equipment for the project. Partners include Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance, PFBC, Penn Township, Saxonburg Area Authority and Jon Pyzdrowski, landowner.
photo-Eric Levis photo-Tom Hutchinson photo-Pennsylvania Environmental Council

PFBC presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Jon Pyzdrowski, landowner, for graciously allowing public access to his property along Thorn Creek through the PFBC 60 agreement. This agreement states that public access is granted on the stream corridor for fishing purposes. Pictured are (left to right) Dave Andrews, Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance Vice President and Project Director; Jon Pyzdrowski; and Mark Sausser, PFBC Stream Habitat Manager.

Dave Andrews, Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance Vice President and Project Director, accepts the 2012 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for the Thorn Creek Habitat Improvement Project, Butler County. Pictured are (left to right) Paul King, Pennsylvania Environmental Council President; Dave Andrews; and Michael Krancer, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary.

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director John A. Arway (front, right) joins Governor Tom Corbett (front, center) on September 25 in the state Capitol as the governor ceremonially signs into law Senate Bill 1049 legislation, which gives the agency the flexibility to creatively market fishing licenses. Effective December 1, 2012, PFBC plans to offer multi-year fishing licenses for the first time. Joining them are Senator Richard Kasunic (front, left), D-Fayette County, the primary sponsor of the legislation; and (back row, from left) PFBC Commissioner and Board Vice President G. Warren Elliott; Devin DeMario, PFBC Legislative Liaison; and Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Director of Policy and Planning. The bill was signed into law June 22 as Act 66 of 2012 and became effective August 22.

2013 “Pennsylvania Waters” Two-patch Sets
available in late-November.
One patch features a highlighted river, stream or lake. The second patch features a fish species found in the selected water. For 2013, Pymatuning Reservoir and a muskellunge have been chosen as the set. Visit www.wildernesseditions.com to purchase these sets along with the 2012 patch set. These make excellent holiday gifts!
PFBC website: www.ﬁshandboat.com Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • November/December 2012

NovDec12.indd 61

10/4/12 2:13 PM

http://www.wildernesseditions.com http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2012