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Electroshocking survey on the upper J

Wild trout survey on the upper river yields encouraging results

PAFBC electroshocking
PAFBC electroshocking

We are pleased that Kris Kuhn, Fisheries Manager for the south central district, and his PFBC crew  electroshock surveyed two 300 meter stretches of the upper J between Bellwood and Tyrone (upstream from the DHALO) on June 10th. Large numbers of brown trout were found at both both locations. (During the survey they captured one of our telemetry study fish -see picture below).

Observers, including  LJRA officers, are hopeful that, once the results are totaled, more than a Class A population will have been found at both locations. Being declared a wild Class A fishery is a requirement for gaining high quality cold water (HQCW) Designated Use and the added protection that follows this designation by PADEP. Adding this very significant section of the upper J to HQCW designated use list is one big step forward towards meeting the LJRA  goal of obtaining HQCW designation for the entire river.

42.5 cm brown
A 42.5 centimeter telemetry study brown captured during the survey. He looked to be in fine shape. There was no sign of the sutured wound for the transmitter, however the antenna exit point was reddened for a small area around it (you can see it in the close up).

These observations,  together with the increasing presence of pollution intolerant mayflies and stoneflies throughout the river, are very exciting developments indeed!

Gorge float clean up

Natural Area (Gorge) River Bank Float Clean-up

some of the items pulled out of the Gorge by boaters in 2014
some of the items pulled out of the Gorge by boaters in 2014

The boating and kayaking members of the LJRA once again are organizing a float cleanup of the Little Juniata Natural Area from the Spruce Creek Church to Barree on Saturday, May 7th, 9:00 am to noon. Meet at the Spruce Creek United Methodist Church parking lot at 8:45 AM. Groups (church, office, clubs, etc.) are welcome.   We will have johnboats and canoeists for hauling the trash but need kayakers and hikers to access the riverbanks. Car shuttle service provided. All bags, gloves and vests furnished by LJRA. (we go rain/snow or wind)

Download a printable flyer

Contact: John Corr  [email protected] or Bill Anderson  [email protected]

LJRA Riverbank clean up

LJRA 2016 Riverbank cleanup

Thanks to all!

Cleanup

It didn’t go as planned and the final stages have yet to be completed, but the 11th Annual LJRA bank clean up was a success!   Volunteers collected 61 tires and filled 1.5 large roll-away dumpsters so far. The major work was done on April 16th, but different groups who could not attend the make up date organized or will organize on the following weekends.

April 23rd: Angie Spagnoli (PSU-Altoona) organized a group of students to clean Spring Run in Altoona, the uppermost headwater of the LJ. They filled more than 130 garbage bags full of trash and lots of other large objects. This was the first time the clean up extended that far up the watershed. Great job PSU-Altoona

April 30th: Boy scouts will clean the upper river

May 7th: Our boating members and their friends are planning to float the Gorge area and clean areas inaccessible by foot

Thanks to Spruce Creek United Methodist Church for the great lunch, Sheetz Co for bottled water, Tastykake Co. for treats and Veederoot Co. for a monetary donation and commitment of labor

If you are interested in helping with the remaining stages of the clean up email [email protected].

BWO on the upper J

IMG_2179

This little beauty landed on me this weekend on the upper J where Sandy Run enters near Pinecroft.  Quite a few were in the air. Signs that the upper J is rebounding?  Join our efforts to improve the water quality of the upper J and it’s hatches. Join the LJRA and monitor the website for volunteer opportunities.