Lower Letort Designated Class A Effective February 18, 2006, the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) approved the addition of 3 miles of Letort Spring Run, from Post Road Bridge downstream to the mouth at the Conodoguinet, to its list of Class A Wild Trout Streams. It is the Commission's policy to manage self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations as a renewable natural resource with no stocking and to conserve that resource and the angling that it provides. Class A wild trout populations represent the best of this Commonwealth's naturally reproducing trout fisheries. It is expected that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will upgrade this section from Cold Water Fishery to High Quality - Cold Water Fishery based on the presence of a Class A wild brown trout population, providing additional protection to this water. In 1981 a sewage treatment plant discharge was relocated from Letort Spring Run to Conodoguinet Creek. Surveys in 1984 and 1985 documented a low-density wild brown trout population that was not capable of sustaining a significant fishery. CVTU members then annually stocked 9,000 fingerling brown trout provided by PFBC. By 1999 water quality and habitat had recovered, and brown trout reproduction was sustaining the population, therefore the fingerling stocking ended. Early in 2002 CVTU completed the restoration of a 1,000 ft. section of severely degraded stream habitat downstream of Shady Lane. The project included a new meandering channel within the existing wide channel, installation of rock vanes, overhanging bank cover to provide supplemental habitat, gravel spawning areas, and riparian plantings. This area had been identified as a high priority during a CVTU watershed assessment project. The assessment, design, and construction were funded by PA's Growing Greener program. A survey of Section 05 of Letort Spring Run conducted in early November 2005 documented a wild brown trout population far in excess of the minimum criteria for Class A status. The Capuano Reach Project enhanced the habitat of a 500 ft. section upstream from the PA Turnpike bridge. **************************************************************************** Acid rain is a major problem in freestone mountain streams such as Mountain Creek. The terrain has little buffering capacity resulting in increased acidity of the water, especially during Spring snowmelt runoff. This often coincides with the hatching of brook trout eggs and emergence of fry from the spawning redds. As this is the most susceptible stage of brook trout to the effects of acidification, complete reproductive failure can result. This also led to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission discontinuing pre-season stocking of Mountain Creek above Laurel Lake. Tony Dranzo proposed the application of limestone sand, which has been successful in several projects in WV, VA, and PA, to improve the water quality of acidified streams. After CVTU's Board of Directors approved the project, Tony went to Adams County TU and secured their partnership. District Forester Mike Kusco of Michaux State Forest and his staff provided valuable assistance and resources. Both DEP and the PA Fish and Boat Commission gave the project their blessing. On April 20 and 21, 2004, approximately 100 tons of #10 limestone sand were deposited into two branches of the upper reaches of Mountain Creek. The limestone sand was obtained from Vulcan Materials of Hanover, PA and was transported to the site by R L Deitch Farms of Carlisle, PA, both of whom provided significant discounts. This project is currently set-up as a three year demonstration. Additional limestone sand will be applied as required. Water quality and aquatic insect macro invertebrate samples will be taken periodically to monitor the results. **************************************************************************** Preliminary data from a recent electro fishing survey of three stations at Big Spring Creek show encouraging signs of recovery. Compared to a similar survey in 2000, there are significant numbers of young-of-the-year Brook and Rainbow trout in the mid and lower areas of the Heritage section where previously there were almost none. Click here for the survey data. **************************************************************************** On June 27, CVTU and its consultants participated in a meeting with DEP and Olympic Reality concerning the DEP permitting process for the proposed Home Depot along the Letort. Several major concerns that DEP continues to have with the plans Olympic has submitted were discussed in detail. These concerns mainly involve the placement of storm water features in a karst topography relative to bedrock and the water table. Potential problems: the creation of new sinkholes, a direct conduit to the Letort that would prevent any type of treatment, and problems that may develop as a result of blasting that must occur to locate any of the features in bedrock. The bottom line is that Olympic must go back to the drawing board and re-work the plan to address DEP's concerns. These concerns need to be addressed before any discussion of water quality and the treatment of storm water run off and parking lot pollutants can take place. Olympic still has a lot of work to do before this permit can be issued. **************************************************************************** We have awarded the contract for the assessment work at Big Spring. Your Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Review Committee and selected Rivers Unlimited from Boalsburg. Rivers Unlimited is headed by Casey Clapsaddle who did a lot of design work for the Fish and Wildlife Service and is now out on his own. The assessment work is now underway. **************************************************************************** The in-stream work of our Shady Lane project is now complete. There is lots of new structure and habitat and it's amazing to already see gravel where there was once "muck". The trout are already back in place - even evidence of young of the year. This will be an interesting place to fish. Go have a look and see what you think. The "Shady Lane Project," which included an assessment of the entire watershed, is funded under a PA Growing Greener Grant. |
Email: Jim Hutcheson, Chapter President or call 717-249-7298 |
Letort Threatened by Development: The spawning beds and wildlife habitat of the Letort are threatened by a plan for developing Radio Square by Home Depot. This is the same location Walmart attempted to develop in 1994. We oppose any development on this site due to the old landfill located on the site and the potential danger to the Letort Spring Run. The Letort borders the site. If you wish to make a financial contribution to protect the Letort, please send your contribution for the Letort Defense Fund to P.O. Box 520, Carlisle, PA 17013. We have received several thousand dollars to date and have pledges from several TU chapters and individuals. For more information, see Radio Square Development. New York Times article: Sunday, February 4, 2001 History of Big Spring: 1970: Fish Commission announces that the Big Spring Fish Culture Station, which is under construction, "will be one of the most modern facilities of its king in the world and it will be one of the few specifically designed to give adequate treatment to waste water emerging from its outflow." The Commission does not incorporate the pollution prevention techology of water recirculation into the hatchery's design, however. 1971: A biological survey of Big Spring Creek finds that, prior to completion of the hatchery, "each sampling station contains pollution sensitive, facultative and tolerant invertebrates indicating a healthy stream environment." At this time, the upper half-mile of Big Spring contains a prolific population of wild brook trout. 1972: A Fish Commission official writes that "adequate protection has been and will be provided for the brook trout population" of Big Spring Creek. Operations begin at the Big Spring hatchery. The wastewater treatment system never functions as designed but remains in operation. Mid to Late 1970's: By 1974, DER biologists report that the hatchery has caused mild impariment of the upper 1.4 miles of the creek. The wild brook trout population declines rapidly. 1989: The Fish Commission reports that fishing is virtually nonexistent over 95 percent of the upper 1.5 miles of the creek. At PFBC's request, DEP relaxes several limitations in the discharge permit. PFBC had been threatened with a lawsuit for violating the permit limits. 1992: The first 230 yards of Big Spring Creek is reclassified as "Exceptional Value Waters," the state's highest water quality category. "No adverse measureable change" in water quality may occur in this segment. 1993-97: The mass of phosphorus discharged by the hatchery increases 95.8 percent; the mass of suspended sdischarged increases 56 percent. 1997-2000: Biological studies by DEP and others conclude that the hatchery has severly impaired the water quality and aquatic life of Big Spring Creek, whcih is added to the state's offical list of imparied waters in 1998. 2000: Detection of toxic PCBs in fish tissue samples causes PFBC to issue a warning against eating more than one meal per week of fish caught in waters stocked with Big Spring hatchery trout. The hatchery is the suspected source of PCBs detected "at levels of ecological concern" in the sediment, insects, and fish in Big Spring Creek below the hatchery discharge. 2001: No wild brook trout remain in Big Spring Creek, which has the embarrassing distinction of being simultaneously on the lists of "Exceptional Value" and "impaired" waters. The hatchery closes in November. CVTU receives a Growing Greener grant for the initial assessment phase of the restoration of Big Spring. For more information on the problems facing Big Spring Creek, please check out the study by Dr. John J. Black and Gene Macri M.S. Who We Are: We are 450+ volunteers in one of 56 Trout Unlimited Chapters in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth has over 9,000 TU members interested in the protection of our wild trout resources. We restore streams through habitat improvement projects, conduct seminars on water quality and fisheries management. We work to educate the next generation about the importance of clean water and wild trout. We invite you to join us. We're more than "just a fishing organization." The work we accomplish is equally important to all those who enjoy outdoor sports or simply the beauty of nature. In fact, clean water is the lifeblood of virtually every creature and plant on earth. Come join us as we enjoy and protect our local limestone streams. Our waters are recognized by serious trout fishermen around the country and overseas. The Letort is here, as is the Yellow Breeches. We also are blessed with Green Spring and Big Spring. |
Cumberland Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited Dedicated to the Preservation and Enhancement of Cold Water Resources and Clean Water |
May 21, 7PM - The May Members Meeting will feature Art Rorex as our guest speaker. Art is one of our CVTU members who, since retirement, has traveled to some interesting fly fishing destinations. His presentation will be a "slide show" of recent trips to Yellowstone Park, Montana, Alaska, New Zealand and Argentina along with a discussion of the sometimes unique fishing techniques and familiar patterns used at each locale. Art will also discuss both the entertaining and challenging aspects of long distance fishing travel. Questions are encouraged. We look forward to seeing you there. . |
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updated on: 4/24/08
Letort Threatened by Development: The spawning beds and wildlife habitat of the Letort are threatened by a plan for developing Radio Square by Home Depot. This is the same location Walmart attempted to develop in 1994. We oppose any development on this site due to the old landfill located on the site and the potential danger to the Letort Spring Run. The Letort borders the site. If you wish to make a financial contribution to protect the Letort, please send your contribution for the Letort Defense Fund to P.O. Box 520, Carlisle, PA 17013. We have received several thousand dollars to date and have pledges from several TU chapters and individuals. For more information, see Radio Square Development. New York Times article: Sunday, February 4, 2001 History of Big Spring: 1970: Fish Commission announces that the Big Spring Fish Culture Station, which is under construction, "will be one of the most modern facilities of its king in the world and it will be one of the few specifically designed to give adequate treatment to waste water emerging from its outflow." The Commission does not incorporate the pollution prevention techology of water recirculation into the hatchery's design, however. 1971: A biological survey of Big Spring Creek finds that, prior to completion of the hatchery, "each sampling station contains pollution sensitive, facultative and tolerant invertebrates indicating a healthy stream environment." At this time, the upper half-mile of Big Spring contains a prolific population of wild brook trout. 1972: A Fish Commission official writes that "adequate protection has been and will be provided for the brook trout population" of Big Spring Creek. Operations begin at the Big Spring hatchery. The wastewater treatment system never functions as designed but remains in operation. Mid to Late 1970's: By 1974, DER biologists report that the hatchery has caused mild impariment of the upper 1.4 miles of the creek. The wild brook trout population declines rapidly. 1989: The Fish Commission reports that fishing is virtually nonexistent over 95 percent of the upper 1.5 miles of the creek. At PFBC's request, DEP relaxes several limitations in the discharge permit. PFBC had been threatened with a lawsuit for violating the permit limits. 1992: The first 230 yards of Big Spring Creek is reclassified as "Exceptional Value Waters," the state's highest water quality category. "No adverse measureable change" in water quality may occur in this segment. 1993-97: The mass of phosphorus discharged by the hatchery increases 95.8 percent; the mass of suspended sdischarged increases 56 percent. 1997-2000: Biological studies by DEP and others conclude that the hatchery has severly impaired the water quality and aquatic life of Big Spring Creek, whcih is added to the state's offical list of imparied waters in 1998. 2000: Detection of toxic PCBs in fish tissue samples causes PFBC to issue a warning against eating more than one meal per week of fish caught in waters stocked with Big Spring hatchery trout. The hatchery is the suspected source of PCBs detected "at levels of ecological concern" in the sediment, insects, and fish in Big Spring Creek below the hatchery discharge. 2001: No wild brook trout remain in Big Spring Creek, which has the embarrassing distinction of being simultaneously on the lists of "Exceptional Value" and "impaired" waters. The hatchery closes in November. CVTU receives a Growing Greener grant for the initial assessment phase of the restoration of Big Spring. For more information on the problems facing Big Spring Creek, please check out the study by Dr. John J. Black and Gene Macri M.S. Who We Are: We are 450+ volunteers in one of 56 Trout Unlimited Chapters in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth has over 9,000 TU members interested in the protection of our wild trout resources. We restore streams through habitat improvement projects, conduct seminars on water quality and fisheries management. We work to educate the next generation about the importance of clean water and wild trout. We invite you to join us. We're more than "just a fishing organization." The work we accomplish is equally important to all those who enjoy outdoor sports or simply the beauty of nature. In fact, clean water is the lifeblood of virtually every creature and plant on earth. Come join us as we enjoy and protect our local limestone streams. Our waters are recognized by serious trout fishermen around the country and overseas. The Letort is here, as is the Yellow Breeches. We also are blessed with Green Spring and Big Spring. |
Fishing Report |
Email: Jim Hutcheson, Chapter President or call 717-249-7298 |
Lower Letort Designated Class A Effective February 18, 2006, the PA Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) approved the addition of 3 miles of Letort Spring Run, from Post Road Bridge downstream to the mouth at the Conodoguinet, to its list of Class A Wild Trout Streams. It is the Commission's policy to manage self-sustaining Class A wild trout populations as a renewable natural resource with no stocking and to conserve that resource and the angling that it provides. Class A wild trout populations represent the best of this Commonwealth's naturally reproducing trout fisheries. It is expected that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will upgrade this section from Cold Water Fishery to High Quality - Cold Water Fishery based on the presence of a Class A wild brown trout population, providing additional protection to this water. In 1981 a sewage treatment plant discharge was relocated from Letort Spring Run to Conodoguinet Creek. Surveys in 1984 and 1985 documented a low-density wild brown trout population that was not capable of sustaining a significant fishery. CVTU members then annually stocked 9,000 fingerling brown trout provided by PFBC. By 1999 water quality and habitat had recovered, and brown trout reproduction was sustaining the population, therefore the fingerling stocking ended. Early in 2002 CVTU completed the restoration of a 1,000 ft. section of severely degraded stream habitat downstream of Shady Lane. The project included a new meandering channel within the existing wide channel, installation of rock vanes, overhanging bank cover to provide supplemental habitat, gravel spawning areas, and riparian plantings. This area had been identified as a high priority during a CVTU watershed assessment project. The assessment, design, and construction were funded by PA's Growing Greener program. A survey of Section 05 of Letort Spring Run conducted in early November 2005 documented a wild brown trout population far in excess of the minimum criteria for Class A status. The Capuano Reach Project enhanced the habitat of a 500 ft. section upstream from the PA Turnpike bridge. **************************************************************************** Acid rain is a major problem in freestone mountain streams such as Mountain Creek. The terrain has little buffering capacity resulting in increased acidity of the water, especially during Spring snowmelt runoff. This often coincides with the hatching of brook trout eggs and emergence of fry from the spawning redds. As this is the most susceptible stage of brook trout to the effects of acidification, complete reproductive failure can result. This also led to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission discontinuing pre-season stocking of Mountain Creek above Laurel Lake. Tony Dranzo proposed the application of limestone sand, which has been successful in several projects in WV, VA, and PA, to improve the water quality of acidified streams. After CVTU's Board of Directors approved the project, Tony went to Adams County TU and secured their partnership. District Forester Mike Kusco of Michaux State Forest and his staff provided valuable assistance and resources. Both DEP and the PA Fish and Boat Commission gave the project their blessing. On April 20 and 21, 2004, approximately 100 tons of #10 limestone sand were deposited into two branches of the upper reaches of Mountain Creek. The limestone sand was obtained from Vulcan Materials of Hanover, PA and was transported to the site by R L Deitch Farms of Carlisle, PA, both of whom provided significant discounts. This project is currently set-up as a three year demonstration. Additional limestone sand will be applied as required. Water quality and aquatic insect macro invertebrate samples will be taken periodically to monitor the results. **************************************************************************** Preliminary data from a recent electro fishing survey of three stations at Big Spring Creek show encouraging signs of recovery. Compared to a similar survey in 2000, there are significant numbers of young-of-the-year Brook and Rainbow trout in the mid and lower areas of the Heritage section where previously there were almost none. Click here for the survey data. **************************************************************************** On June 27, CVTU and its consultants participated in a meeting with DEP and Olympic Reality concerning the DEP permitting process for the proposed Home Depot along the Letort. Several major concerns that DEP continues to have with the plans Olympic has submitted were discussed in detail. These concerns mainly involve the placement of storm water features in a karst topography relative to bedrock and the water table. Potential problems: the creation of new sinkholes, a direct conduit to the Letort that would prevent any type of treatment, and problems that may develop as a result of blasting that must occur to locate any of the features in bedrock. The bottom line is that Olympic must go back to the drawing board and re-work the plan to address DEP's concerns. These concerns need to be addressed before any discussion of water quality and the treatment of storm water run off and parking lot pollutants can take place. Olympic still has a lot of work to do before this permit can be issued. **************************************************************************** We have awarded the contract for the assessment work at Big Spring. Your Board voted unanimously to accept the recommendation of the Review Committee and selected Rivers Unlimited from Boalsburg. Rivers Unlimited is headed by Casey Clapsaddle who did a lot of design work for the Fish and Wildlife Service and is now out on his own. The assessment work is now underway. **************************************************************************** The in-stream work of our Shady Lane project is now complete. There is lots of new structure and habitat and it's amazing to already see gravel where there was once "muck". The trout are already back in place - even evidence of young of the year. This will be an interesting place to fish. Go have a look and see what you think. The "Shady Lane Project," which included an assessment of the entire watershed, is funded under a PA Growing Greener Grant. |
+ Recipient of the 2005 Trout Unlimited "Silver Trout" National Conservation award + |
P.O. Box 520, Carlisle, PA 17013 |
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CVTU has now published a book, CVTU's Favorite Flies - Fifty-three Productive Fly Patterns from Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited. When Fly of the Month was inaugurated in our monthly newsletter, members were challenged. "Do you have a secret weapon that you want to share with your fellow CVTU members? Do you have an invention that the trout just can't resist? Submit your favorite pattern...". The members responded, and this book is a compilation of over five years of Fly of the Month patterns. Some are classics, some are flies adapted from other areas that have been successful here, and some are inventions of the contributors. All are proven patterns that will be worthy additions to your fly box. Books may be purchased at monthly members meetings. The book is 6" x 9", 86 pages, and spiral bound to lay flat on your tying desk. Books are now in stock! To order by mail, click on "Order Form" below. Preview: CVTU's Favorite Flies Fifty-three Productive Fly Patterns from Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited |
