Erie County Times

Senator Dan Laughlin has announced that the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy received a grant exceeding $169,000 to enhance water quality in the Trout Run Watershed located in Waterford Township, Erie County. The funding aims to benefit the watershed's wild trout populations and improve conditions in Lake Leboeuf and downstream areas of French Creek.

Laughlin expressed his support for the initiative, stating, "As an avid sportsman, I understand the importance of improving water quality in the Trout Run Watershed." He highlighted that these efforts would positively affect freshwater mussels and fish species.

The grant will facilitate targeted landowner outreach to implement erosion and sediment controls on farmlands. Additionally, it will fund planting 10 acres of forested riparian buffers and grass filter strips while stabilizing 1,000 linear feet of streambank. Laughlin noted that "these landowner outreach efforts will foster conversations about how to reduce excess nutrients and fertilizers from agricultural operations which are the leading causes of reduced water quality in the watershed."

Residents interested in more state-related news can visit Senator Laughlin’s website or follow him on social media platforms.