Watershed Resources
Explore our dedicated programs aimed at preserving the natural beauty and resources of Penns Valley. Join us in making a lasting impact through education and conservation.
Dive Into the Data: Stream Temperatures, Watershed Health & Community Voices
Explore nearly two decades of stream temperature monitoring across the Upper Penns Creek Watershed—revealing how conservation practices like riparian buffers and streambank fencing are making a measurable difference.
Check out our updated maps, graphs, and reports to see how local actions are protecting critical cold-water habitats for native trout.
Below you’ll find:
- The original 2002 Watershed Assessment, a foundation for our early conservation work
- Watershed Assessment 2.0, shaped by community input and focused on the future
- A new interactive project map created with PEC, highlighting 20+ years of impact
- View maps, reports, and project insights that connect data with real-world change.
Interactive Watershed Projects Map
In 2023, we partnered with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) to tell the story of the last twenty years of watershed conservation projects at PVCA through an interactive map. This map showcases the impact of our conservation efforts, and can be used as an educational tool to gain a greater understanding of the UPCW.
Stream Thermal Monitoring Data
The Penns Valley Conservation Association temperature monitoring initiative is a long-term monitoring program to capture the trends and changes in water temperature across the Upper Penns Creek Watershed. Temperature data were collected in 2002 and then again from 2012-2020 through the PVCA Watershed Committee. The framework of the thermal data locations reflects historical watershed improvement projects to analyze the impact of best management practices such as riparian buffers and streambank fencing on stream temperature. Button needs link
Map of Observation Locations
The data points on the map below (shown with red icons) are either current or historical temperature monitoring locations from various years. The horizontal line in the graphs at 70° represents the critical trout threshold, the temperature that begins to stress trout and impair their ability to reproduce and thrive.
Watershed Assessments
Upper Penns Creek Watershed Assessment
Crafted in 2002, the Upper Penns Creek Watershed (UPCW) Assessment Report inventories and analyzes existing natural and cultural resources within the UPCW. This report was intended to serve as a baseline for understanding the health of the UPCW and for assisting local decision-making and education. After guiding two decades of actions and activities, a significant amount of the work initially outlined has been completed.
Phase One – Community Conversations Summary
2.0 is focused on the next steps; informed by a series of community conversations (focus groups) comprised of local residents, experts, business owners, farmers, and various community members who have an interest in the long term health of the UPCW, and compiled by our partners at BSA / LA, the Community Conversations Summary provides a comprehensive and practical overview of potential areas of focus and action steps for watershed conservation initiatives.
Join Our Conservation Efforts
Become a part of our mission to protect Penns Valley’s natural resources. Your involvement can make a significant difference in preserving our environment for future generations.
Upper Penns Creek Watershed Municipality Websites
Potter Township
Centre Hall Borough
Millheim Borough
Gregg Township
Haines Township
Penn Township
Miles Township