The proposed stream restoration project will employ natural channel design principles to enhance the stream s dimensions, pattern, and profile

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of the Interior, awarded a $135,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (CFDA 15.631) to the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation, effective June 24, 2025 through September 1, 2025. The award funds a comprehensive stream and wetland restoration project in Pennsylvania employing natural channel design principles. Deliverables include the installation of in-stream restoration structures such as rock cross vanes, mudsills, log vanes, toe wood, and brush revetments, along with strategic boulder placement to create fish habitats. The project will implement riparian plantings above the bank full elevation to establish a naturally vegetated riparian zone for long-term channel stability and conduct wetland restoration through regrading and removal of hydrologic restrictions and invasive plant species.

The awardee will collaborate with the USFWS and local partners to collect environmental data, conduct topographic surveys and site mapping, develop detailed project designs, and prepare permit packages for regulatory review. Wetland delineations and conceptual designs will inform the restoration strategy, which prioritizes the reestablishment of natural hydrology and the introduction of native wetland plants. All proposed in-stream work will occur at or below the bankfull elevation without significantly affecting flood flows, ensuring compliance with environmental and hydrologic standards while delivering quantifiable benefits to federal trust species and habitats.

This approach aims to increase streambank stability, reduce erosion, improve floodplain connectivity, and expand available instream habitat. Specifically, we propose the use of in-stream restoration structures such as rock cross vanes, mudsills, log vanes, TOE wood, and brush revetments. These structures will generally adhere to the specifications set by the natural resources conservation service and the pennsylvania fish and boat commission. Additionally, boulders may be strategically placed to create fish habitats. All proposed work will occur at or below the bank full elevation and will not significantly affect flood flows. Riparian plantings above the bank full elevation will be implemented to restore a naturally vegetated riparian zone, which, once mature, will provide long-term stability to the stream channel. Wetland restoration will involve regrading areas around existing wetlands. Wildlife for everyone endowment foundation will collect environmental data and use current wetland delineations to ensure comprehensive project design. Impoundments will be regraded or rebuilt to support natural hydrology instead of stagnant water. Hydrologic restrictions and invasive plants will be removed, and native wetland plants will be introduced to restore functions lost due to past inundation or agriculture. The fish and wildlife service will collaborate with wildlife for everyone endowment foundation and local partners on topographic surveys, site maps, and detailed designs. Once conceptual designs are ready, permit packages will be submitted for review.