Jacobs Creek Watershed Association (JCWA) was first organized in the 1960’s in an effort to address the severe flooding problems in the Scottdale area. Through the efforts of a small but diligent group of volunteers, JCWAs founders were able to work with the U,S. Army Corps of Engineers to build three flood control dams: the Acme Dam, The Bridgeport Dam and the Greenlick Dam. These dams have successfully prevented the extreme flooding of the 1960’s and 1970’s and are currently used by area people to fish, canoe, boat and enjoy nature.
After JCWAs successful first effort, the association eventually disbanded. The group reformed in the late 1990’s when a Watershed Specialist for the Westmoreland Conservation District noted problems in the Jacobs Creek Watershed and wanted to address these issues, Now JCWAs current President, Mike Barrick gathered a group of concerned watershed residents to reform JCWA to address current watershed concerns: stream erosion and sedimentation, abandoned mine drainage discharges and agricultural runoff problems.
Since the late 1990’s, JCWA has completed numerous stream and watershed improvement projects with the help of the Fayette County Conservation District, the Westmoreland Conservation District, local municipalities, businesses and government agencies. JCWA also conducts environmental education talks, participates in youth programs and holds fun, informative and educational recreational events.
Please see JCWAs Events and Partner’s webpage at www.jacobscreekwatershed.org for more details.