How to Improve a Class B Brook Trout Stream to a Class A Brook Trout Stream

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Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Shannon Run, located in Westmoreland County, is a Class B Brook Trout Stream that exhibits some characteristics of a Class A Brook Trout Stream. The stream is notable for producing wild brook trout populations along with being located on public land and is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Brook trout are an indicator species, which means their presence is a key indicator of a high stream quality. In efforts to help show and express the quality of this stream, a stream assessment was conducted by the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Watershed class. This assessment was conducted in four different locations. Each location had a culvert downstream from where data was collected in efforts to observe the or potential quality issues of these culverts. The results of the stream assessment are crucial for helping classify and conserve Shannon Run in future efforts.