Exceptional Value Designation
In 2008, we began our quest to redesignate Aquashicola Creek, starting at the headwaters of Ross Common Creek in Ross Township to the confluence with Buckwha Creek in Little Gap, from a High- Quality Cold Water Fishery (HQ-CWF) to an Exceptional Value (EV) stream. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sets these designations. After nearly two years of research and data gathering to compile a list of qualifiers, we submitted our Petition for Redesignation to DEP in September of 2010 where it was accepted and sent to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). The EQB accepted our Petition for further study in December 2010. And there it remained. Our Qualifiers for the redesignation:
- The Monroe County Water Quality Study and DEP biologists found that these surface waters possess a high quality aquatic community as a basis for special protection waters.
- Starting at the headwaters and then downstream for approximately eight miles, Aquashicola Creek is within the boundary of Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
- DEP, the Pa Fish & Boat Commission, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service have determined the presence of bog turtles, listed as Endangered by Pennsylvania and Threatened by the federal Endangered Species Act.
- As a result of bog turtles being found in the watershed, all wetlands are considered to be Exceptional Value as habitat that supports the turtles.
- A 2.2- mile segment of the stream in Ross Township is designated a "Class A Wild Trout Stream" by Pa Fish & Boat Commission.
- The Pennsylvania Game Commission acquired over 1,000 acres in Ross and Eldred Townships on both sides of the stream. This parcel is part of State Game Lands (SGL) 168.
At that time, we faced a huge legal challenge in the form of a proposed private racetrack called Alpine Rose. This monstrosity was to be built on the banks of Aquashicola Creek in Eldred township and would have stretched up to the Appalachian Trail on the side of Kittatinny Ridge. It would have required blasting and huge earth disturbances during construction. When up and running, pollutants such as oil, gasoline, and other such things would run off into the creek. Noise from the track would ruin the peace and quiet of this rural area.
After 11 years of fighting this track, a coalition of many environmental groups and state and federal agencies prevailed, and the 360 acre property was added to State Game Lands 168. That story would need a book to detail all the hard work and time spent on defeating Alpine. Blue Mountain Preservation Association was a very small, dedicated group that kept the heat on Alpine and took them to court several times.
In the ensuing years, we made sure DEP was aware of all changes in the watershed that would affect our Petition. A list:
- Alpine Rose gone- land was added to SGL 168.
- The Brook Snaketail dragonfly, a species never recorded in Pennsylvania, was documented in wetlands along the creek. Ironically, it was on former Alpine Property!
- An Additional 1,000 acres was added to SGL 168 just upstream from the former Alpine land.
- Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge purchased 340 acres of land in Ross township that includes about one half mile of the stream and is on both banks.
As of January 3, 2022, Aquashicola Creek is listed as EXCEPTIONAL VALUE on DEP Existing Use List!!!!!!!!!