Controls on Nutrient Levels for Spruce Creek and a Major Tributary

Spruce Creek, one of the premier trout fisheries in the state, economically bolsters an otherwise agricultural regional economy. Although both the tourism and agricultural industries are essential to the Spruce Creek watershed region’s economy; agricultural land use, if not properly managed, does present potential environmental risks to the stream. In previous work, baseline water quality
parameters were measured for Spruce Creek and these data are beginning to elucidate a better understanding of variable nutrient level patterns, localized areas of nutrient loading, and the interactions between stream flow dynamics and nutrient levels. This study will expand the data collection efforts and employ high frequency sampling and analysis (HFSA) techniques to develop
more accurate predictive models for use in understanding the physical and chemical aspects of the stream to highlight conditions that lead to stream impairment.

The objectives of the study are threefold: (1) Illustrate the influence of agricultural inputs to the stream: The dataset may quantify the effect of agricultural practices in the Spruce Creek watershed. The data will allow us to complete the development of a predictive model that will help avoid impairment of the stream’s health. Additionally, the data will allow the researchers to help engineer solutions to minimize agricultural influence upon the stream. (2) Provide research experience for undergraduates: The students involved in the experience will gain invaluable practical training in water quality assessment and collection of information. (3) Involve and spark interest in the local community: The dataset will be accessible to the community and presented at local meetings. The study will provide valuable information to a community that relies so heavily on the health of the stream.

This project assists with training and education of several students and supports two junior faculty and one senior faculty at Juniata College, a small private school in south-central Pennsylvania.