LONGACRE PHASE II
A STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT
BACKGROUND: The PVTU and Longacre Family Farm Relationship
PVTU has partnered with the Longacre family for the better part of the last 25 years on a variety of stream improvement, habitat enhancements, and riparian restoration work on this multi-generation working family farm. The 0.7-mile stretch of West Branch Perkiomen Creek that bisects the farm through Washington Township is currently rated as a Class A Wild Trout Stream and boasts a thriving population of wild brown trout, clean cold water, and healthy ecosystem.
However, it was not always this way.
Like much of the region in the Perkiomen Watershed, centuries of intense agricultural use were not always kind to the environment. Trees and vegetation were cleared; streams were dammed for mills; cattle and livestock were given free rein. Severe bank erosion and bottom degradation, increased water temperature, and sedimentation severely impaired the stream ecosystems.
Through the Longacre family’s gracious commitment and cooperation, PVTU has been fortunate to help restore this stretch of water. New fencing, cattle crossings, replanting of stream side trees and vegetation, and the installation of in-stream structures to mitigate stream bank erosion has dramatically restored the habitat on this small stretch of the West Branch Perkiomen Creek.
PVTU and the Longacre Family will continue to advocate for and protect this important and valuable resource. Our work on the farm has been recognized by Berks County Conservation District, Schuylkill River Greenways, and PA Trout Unlimited for Outstanding Conservation Work.
West Branch Perkiomen Creek Longacre Phase II
Stream bank stabilization and habitat improvement project
COMPLETED: August 2024
Location: Longacre Farm, Barto, PA
Partners: Perkiomen Valley Trout Unlimited, Longacre Farm, Berks County Conservation District, Schuylkill River Greenways, Dwight Gehman Trust, Keller Small Stream Solutions, Flyway Excavating.
Project Description: Stream bank stabilization, erosion remediation, and habitat improvements on 1200-foot section of West Branch Perkiomen Creek. Environmental improvements include stabilization and remediation of multiple stream bank erosion and collapsing vertical banks, channel flow improvements, and fish and macroinvertebrate habitat improvements. Included a variety of modified mud sills, multi-log vanes, toe logs, in-stream placement of random boulders, and riparian improvements including live-stakes and native tree plantings.
Dwight Gehman's Legacy and the Longacre Project
We honor the contributions of PVTU member Dwight Gehman. West Branch Perkiomen Creek was one of Dwight’s favorite streams. In his will, Dwight left a significant sum of money to PVTU to use for continued stream restoration work on Longacre. A significant part of the funding for Longacre Phase 1 and 2 came from this tranche of funds, and also enabled PVTU to secure larger grants. Without Dwight’s contributions, these projects may not have been possible.
PVTU commissioned a sign at the entrance of the Longacre stretch of Perkiomen Creek dedicated to Dwight and explaining his contributions to PVTU and the Longacre project.
While Dwight has departed this life, his legacy lives on the West Branch.
