2017 LYCOMING COLLEGE SPRING MAGAZINE

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banks of Elk CreekBy
Miriam Mylin
the previous year, and assisted
employees of Chief Oil and
Gas, which provided labor,
equipment and funding for
the project, with constructing
more habitats.
The structures included
multi-log vanes, which
consisted of three logs pinned
to the streambed with metal
rods or large rocks; and
mudsills, which are logs that
hold the bottom portion of
the bank in place and provide
an overhanging structure
for trout to swim under for
shade and protection. These
structures also provide pockets
of refuge from predators and
overly warm water, while
minimizing stream bank
erosion. As an additional
measure against erosion,
bank slopes were reduced and
resurfaced with fresh soil,
and the areas were seeded and
mulched.
Ongoing monitoring of
fish in those streams has
shown significant increases
in trout populations since the
installation of the fish habitats.
“This experience taught
me that people have different
views about what stream
restoration means and how to
accomplish it,” said Novella. “I
have also learned how to take
on a project by myself and lead
others to make it successful.
Those two things are huge in
my development as a student
and as a future professional.”
Under the leadership of
Mel Zimmerman, Ph.D.,
biology professor emeritus
and director of the CWI,
the institute has completed
hundreds of projects that have
analyzed, documented and
restored the health of local
waterways. Since the program
started in 1989, he has
garnered more than $500,000
in grants and other donations,
with the help of the College
advancement office, to fund
these projects. Zimmerman
has partnered with every
major environmental agency
in the area and has mentored
more than 300 students
through paid internships and
course practicums.
“Projects like these help
students learn leadership
skills, reinforce techniques
and concepts learned in the
classroom and introduce
students to a large network of
working professionals,” said
Zimmerman.
More about the Clean Wa-
ter Institute can be found at:
the
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