Legislators Learn About Levee System Stream Restoration

Mark Stockley Giving Presentation

Another annual Legislative Breakfast is in the books for the Cambria County Conservation District. Similar to last year, the breakfast was held at Kosta’s Restaurant in Ebensburg starting at 8:30 am, and featured a buffet of breakfast foods. Legislators, partners, and various local organization representatives from around the area were invited to join together to share in some of the accomplishments the District has made over the last year.

As in years past, a presentation was given to guests showcasing an aspect of District happenings.  This year’s presentation titled, “Stream Restoration within Flood Control  Levee Systems” presented by District employee Mark Stockley, gave guests the opportunity to view some of the projects the District has been involved in for nearly two decades. The presentation was done using a newly utilized format, a more interactive 3D aerial mapping type video. The presentation featured aerial imagery as well as traditional still photography to show stream restoration projects the District was involved in for the past 20 years. Patton, Nanty Glo, Northern Cambria, and Cherry Tree all have flood control projects that have had stream restoration/ fish habitat structures placed in them in order to create a more natural stream setting, with the added benefit of bank stabilization. Stockley showed before structure placement and after structure placement photography of the flood control projects, accompanied with aerial imagery from 2017 and 2018. The aerial imagery was able to show the structures and give the audience the sense of an in person tour of the projects, without leaving their seats at the restaurant.

With nearly 50 people in attendance, many questions came from the audience. Along with questions came testimonials from participating municipal agencies to support the work being done within their respective flood control projects. Each audience member also received a program highlighting some of the year’s past happenings. From education to Dirt and Gravel Road projects, erosion and sedimentation permits to agriculture plans, the audience was able to see a snapshot of the year to dates District accomplishments. District staff looks forward to putting together a new presentation for next year’s Legislative Breakfast!