Indicators are measures that we use to understand conditions and trends. Ideally, they are readily quantifiable, reliable, informative, and can be updated over time.
One of the goals of this report was to identify a set of useful indicators of conditions and trends in the Schuylkill watershed. It was a challenging task because of the report’s broad scope and diverse audiences. Data limitations became a significant factor, because the Schuylkill is a large watershed and most information is available for political jurisdictions and not for the watershed.
As listed below, this report contains a variety of indicators that are not consistent in their level of precision or time periods they represent. In some cases, they describe conditions that have evolved over geologic time, e.g., stream orders, whereas elsewhere they report on water quality surveys undertaken in the last five years. However, collectively we hope they provide an overview of the watershed and that certain indicators will also serve as a benchmark for future efforts.
What are some of the defining characteristics of the Schuylkill watershed as reflected in its natural and human history, its present land use and development patterns, and its water use and water quality conditions?
- The watershed’s natural regions and their characteristics as revealed by conditions of climate, geology, groundwater, topography, soils and natural communities.
- The watershed’s drainage patterns, as seen through the structure of its tributaries (stream orders) and the configuration of its sub-watersheds.
- The watershed’s human history as evidenced by historic buildings, dams, canals and locks, and other historic structures.
- The watershed’s land-use patterns, i.e., the extent and distribution of open lands in agriculture and woodlands, and lands disturbed or paved by urban/suburban development.
- Population change and land development trends, as seen in the patterns of suburban growth, land consumed for development, and the stability of older communities.
- The extent to which the watershed is an important water source for public water supplies, industrial, agricultural and recreation uses.
- The biological health of the watershed’s aquatic communities, as measured by their diversity and abundance.
- The extent to which regional, county and municipal plans recognize the watershed, and the status of conservation planning for the river and its tributaries.
How are the river and its tributaries considered as a resource in the region today, and what activities are underway to protect or enhance those resources?
- The general health of the watershed’s fisheries, as measured by population levels, reproduction and mortality rates, and whether Schuylkill fish are safe for human consumption.
- The condition of native fish species such as American shad, and the status of efforts to increase their populations such as providing passages for upstream spawning.
- The condition of stream banks and associated streamside lands, and the status of efforts to maintain or restore such areas as riparian buffers.
- The presence and condition of wetlands in the watershed, and the level of effort to protect them and restore those that have been degraded.
- The existence of a network of permanently protected conservation lands that will protect the watershed ecosystem, and the status of land protection efforts.
- The extent to which the watershed’s developing communities are engaged in comprehensive strategies to protect both their ground and surface waters.
- The extent to which the watershed’s historic riverfront communities and the City of Philadelphia are investing in waterfront parks, pathways, and historic restorations capitalizing on the river as a community asset.
- The status of efforts to create an interconnected greenway system along the river and its tributaries, and land and water trails for public recreational uses.
How are we managing human stresses to maintain and/or restore the health of the watershed ecosystem?
- Classifications of protected water uses and water quality standards established for the Schuylkill and its tributaries, particularly those waters designated as high quality or exceptional value.
- Status of water quality assessments in the watershed as required by the federal Clean Water Act, and findings on the extent to which such waters are unimpaired.
- Extent to which the principal causes of impaired waters are understood in the watershed.
- Status of agricultural practices in the watershed, and the level of effort underway to improve management of soil erosion, chemical applications and the impacts of livestock operations.
- Status of management practices to control the impacts of urban storm water, such as Act 167 storm water management plans.
- Quantities and level of treatment of sewage waste from treatment plants and individual septic systems, and the status of management programs such as Act 537 sewage facilities plans and funding to improve treatment facilities.
- Quantities and levels of treatment associated with known and potential industrial pollutants manufactured, used or stored in the watershed, and the status of actions needed to achieve compliance with applicable regulations.
- Sources of acid water and dissolved metals draining from abandoned coal mines in the watershed, and the status of efforts to reclaim abandoned mine and encourage re-mining of older mines through green technology.
- Status of stream monitoring and the extent to which monitoring data are organized and available for research, watershed management and education.
- Scientific research needs in the watershed, and the extent to which they are funded and addressed by research institutions.
How well does the public understand the watershed and its importance, and what programs are in place to enhance the public awareness and appreciation of the Schuylkill?
- Public opinion surveys that reveal the public’s awareness, knowledge and opinions of the watershed’s condition and resources.
- Opportunities for the public to participate in events such as river trips, celebrations and watershed conferences.
- Educational curricula in primary and secondary schools that address watershed ecosystems and provide educational experiences in the field.
- Numbers of environmental education centers within or near the Schuylkill watershed that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn about the Schuylkill.
- The extent to which the Schuylkill and its tributaries have received special recognition under Pennsylvania’s Scenic River Act and state and federal heritage programs.
What kinds of agencies and nonprofit organizations are involved in activities beneficial to the watershed?
- Federal, state, regional and local agencies with planning, regulatory, resource management, funding and capital improvement programs.
- Nonprofits organizations engaged in resource conservation, community development, education, monitoring, and research activities.
- Public and nonprofit partnerships in the watershed
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