Fish population dynamics in Little Mahoning Creek: Implications for future conservation efforts

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) has focused conservation efforts on Little Mahoning Creek for several years due to the exceptional water quality and high biodiversity found in this watershed. To date, numerous species of freshwater mussels, macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and fish have been collected from this imperiled stream located deep within the bituminous coal region of southwest Pennsylvania. Historical data has revealed several interesting trends observed in the mainstem of Little Mahoning Creek. In some instances, biodiversity in fish populations has increased, while other “intact” communities found in previous surveys are now greatly reduced based on 2007 electrofishing data. Little Mahoning Creek historically has been a hot spot for oil and gas activities, with a total of 2,355 wells drilled to date. Recent increases in oil and gas exploration activities (i.e. new dirt and gravel roads, water withdrawals, and new well locations) could have contributed to the reductions in fish diversity in the lower reaches of Little Mahoning Creek. In addition, changing agricultural practices have caused erosion and sedimentation issues in the tributaries and mainstem portions of the watershed. WPC has been actively working with private landowners, agricultural producers, and industry to mitigate these impacts through proper best management practices.