The GJWSA was originally formed as a watershed organization in June of 1982 to focus public attention on the water quality problems associated with stormwater-runoff and acid mine drainage in the Stonycreek, Little Conemaugh and Conemaugh watershed and to promote the water-based recreation potential of the Stonycreek, Little Conemaugh and Conemaugh Rivers and their tributaries. Recent improvements in water quality, spearheaded by groups such as the Stonycreek Conemaugh River Improvement Project (SCRIP) and the Wells Creek Watershed Association have renewed public interest in the recreation potential of both the Stonycreek and the Little Conemaugh Rivers. 

Today through the leadership of the Keystone Economic Development Corporation, Cambria County Conservation District, Southern Alleghenies Resource Conservation and Development Council, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy, and our partner, Pa-Conservation.Org, the watershed association is being restructured to focus on urban community issues and needs.  Environmental education, storm water management, public river access and the need for creative economic development opportunities are just a few of the issues the GJWSA hopes to work with community leaders to address. 
 

Now some are turning their gaze to the place where Stonycreek river and the little Conemaugh river converge: Johnstown, including water that runs through the city's concrete canyons of flood protection walls.

The Stonycreek River, after years of cleanup work, enters looking clear and healthy. But then the Little Conemaugh River converges with it near Point Stadium, carrying a surge of orange-brown pollution from upstream mine discharges. 

The Greater Johnstown Watershed Association has joined the fight to change that picture and address other water quality issues.  The watershed organization dates to the aftermath of Johnstown's 1977 Flood, when members banded together and worked on alleviating runoff from other towns.

But as the focus shifted to pollution issues and officials turned their attention to upstream problems, the Johnstown association disbanded. So Greater Johnstown Watershed Association fell by the wayside, and Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project, also known as SCRIP was born.

While SCRIP and other outlying (rural) watershed groups have made significant progress, much work remains. Parts of Stonycreek River now support fish, and water treatment systems filter pollutants and reduce water acidity in rural areas.

Now, in light of the Stonycreek cleanup, officials once again are organizing a grassroots effort in and around the city. The association has revived its nonprofit status and applied for several grants. Cash and in-kind donations from other organizations and businesses also have helped. Organizers now are starting a membership drive.

The association has an ambitious agenda for its coverage area, which touches three rivers - the Stonycreek, Little Conemaugh and Conemaugh - as well as 12 smaller watersheds and 20 municipalities. Members of GJWSA say they want to work with - not against - the area's other environmental groups. Many of them have shown tremendous support. "They encouraged us," Andrews said. "We need their help and support because they've done a lot of good things already." Besides pollution issues, organizers want to address matters including storm water runoff, erosion, river access, recreation and education.

As one of its first activities, the association, along with the help of volunteers, conducted a clean up along Old Solomon Run Road.  Click here to see the volunteers in action!