Stream Improvement Project at Kish Park

The stream banks at Kish Park will be getting a “face lift”  this summer. The plans for a multi-phased stream improvement project, planned to start construction at the end of July, were presented at a public meeting on June 28^th at Kish Park. Grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR), and the PA Coldwater Heritage Partnership will be funding the installation of fish habitat structures and stream side tree and shrub plantings at the park.

In 2017 the MCCD conducted several site assessments and completed a Water Resource Inventory and Evaluation for Kish Park. The plan listed several recommendations for resource improvements at the park. Recommendations included:

Phase 1: Fish habitat enhancement and stream bank stabilization
Phase 2: Riparian buffer enhancement and establishment
Phase 3: Other natural resource improvements

Phase 1 of the project will include the installation of fish habitat structures as designed by the PA Fish and Boat Commission Habitat Division.  These structures will stabilize the stream banks, provide additional fish habitat, center stream flow, as well as provide better access for anglers. Phase 2 of the project will include the planting of native trees and shrubs along the banks of Kishacoquillas Creek. These trees and shrubs will further stabilize the stream banks and provide shade and overhanging vegetation for fish and other aquatic species. These plantings are also intended to add aesthetic appeal through the incorporation of flowering trees and shrubs.

Project Partners
Derry Township
Mifflin County Conservation District
Derry Township Tree Committee
Penn’s Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
PA Fish and Boat Commission