Nearly 46 miles long, Raccoon Creek winds through wood lots, agricultural land, and previously mine-stripped land. The impacts of this land use along Raccoon Creek has led to more than 2.5 miles of the Creek being degraded by runoff and vegetation removal.
In early 2021, Beaver County Conservation District received a $25,285 Environmental Stewardship Fund grant (Growing Greener) to continue the Raccoon Creek stabilization project (Phase I was completed by Allegheny County Conservation District). Phase II of this project seeks to implement natural stream design structures in the section of Raccoon Creek located in Hanover Township that will ultimately mitigate erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and improve water quality.
Located between Pittsburgh and West Virginia, the Raccoon Creek Watershed covers 184 square miles and is home to 35,000 people. Classified as a priority watershed by the PA Department of Environmental Protection, the area abounds with biodiversity and natural heritage, as well as outdoor recreational opportunities. Three major streams within the watershed – King’s Creek, Traverse Creek, and Service Creek – contain classifications as High Quality Warm Water Fisheries, while the mouth of the Raccoon Creek empties into the Ohio River, home to threatened and endangered aquatic wildlife.
It’s estimated that this project will prevent 400 – 800 of sediment from entering Raccoon Creek, protecting and enhancing the water quality of the region and beyond.
