Brief history of the LJRA:
The Little Juniata River Association was first formed in 1998 by a small group of concerned local citizens following a major bug kill on the river. The original mission was to “Monitor the aquatic insect species and their population as they return to the river”. Several of the founding members including John Pascavage, Lee Pryor and Sam Winters were trained by PA Department of Environmental Protection in proper methods for taking bug samples which they proceeded to do at eight sites on the Little Juniata. The cause of this almost total loss of trout food was never determined.
From 1998 until 2003, LJRA efforts were limited to monitoring water quality and the rebound of mayfly and caddis species. During this time the LJRA was organized as a 501 c3 Pennsylvania non-profit. In early 2004, current president, Bill Anderson led an effort to expand the LJA Mission from strictly monitoring to the current mission (see above). Since that time the LJRA has received many awards from state agencies, environmental non-profits and national organizations for its effective protection and improvement of this small Central Pennsylvania river.
The LJRA vision is for a fine Class A wild trout fishery extending from the headwaters near Altoona, 32 miles downstream to the junction with the Frankstown Branch. It is also our goal to achieve protection from pollution and degradation for the entire watershed by upgrading the PADEP “Designated Use” to “High Quality Cold Water”.
LJRA now has over 400 members and through the efforts of its many volunteers, it continues to be a steadfast defender of the river. Here are some of the actions taken:
- Lobbied the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, successfully for Catch and Release regulations (14 miles). Gave public testimony to the PF&BC commissioners resulting in enactment of this no-kill policy.
- Stopped major sedimentation by repairing eight sites totaling 1400 ft. of badly eroding banks in the upper river. Typical stream bank erosion site being repaired with large stone, root wads and log cribbing to stop erosion and produce excellent fish habitat. Eight such sites have been addressed.
- Planted over 1000 shrubs and trees to restore riparian buffers.
- Helped to persuade the AWA to install pollution abatement facilities to remove 90+ % of all phosphorous from the waste water stream.
- Paid landowners over $200,000 for five miles of permanent public fishing easements. See Story here.
- Monitored bugs and water temperatures for entire river (ongoing).
- Fought off unwise development on steep wooded slopes.
- Conducted annual clean-ups on more than 20 miles of river banks since 2005.
- Secured increased levels of protection for Little Juniata tributaries.
- Encouraged PF&BC to conduct a study on the effectiveness of the fingerling stocking program. This resulted in the designation of 13 miles of the J as a Class A wild trout fishery and elimination of the hatchery stocking program. See the full report of the electroshocking here.
- Assisted the PF&BC in acquiring 52 acres surrounding Sandy Run. This area contains the largest springs in the upper watershed and provides an essential shot of cold water for the J. PAFBC control will protect the area from development and misuse. Story here.
By-laws of the LJRA
Brochure and membership application
Links to LJRA in the news:
Bill Anderson was interviewed on the Open Air Podcast. Bill’s interview starts at 17 minutes into the podcast. If the clip does not load in your browser visit: http://theopenairproject.com.
http://theopenairproject.com/?powerpress_pinw=426-podcast
http://www.outdoornews.com/March-2015/A-Blair-County-man-is-our-Person-of-the-Year/
http://www.fieldandstream.com/videos/heroes/heroes-of-conservation-2014-the-coldwater-crusader
http://www.flyfisherman.com/east-coast/making-a-difference-the-little-juniata-river-association/
http://www.chesapeakebay.net/blog/restoration_spotlight_from_open_sewer_to_class_a_trout_stream
Videos
The Following was produced by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council
The following was produced by the Chesapeake Bay Program
Heroes of Conservation 2014: The Coldwater… by FieldandStream
Heroes of Conservation 2014: The Coldwater… by FieldandStream
Future Goals
- Continue efforts to improve water quality and trout habitat in the upper river to extend greater protections to the entire river and increase recreational opportunities throughout the watershed.
- Identify and act on additional opportunities to increase public access through easement programs and landowner cooperation
- Educate municipalities and businesses on best practices to protect the Little Juniata and its tributaries.
- Increase membership and member participation among fishers, boaters, hikers, conservationists and naturalists