Stream Improvement Projects

    With our incorporation in 1980 and subsequent name change to Brandywine Trout and Conservation Club, we began to investigate specific projects that we could undertake to begin the process of improving fish habitat.  In the early years our efforts focused on the periodic removal of trash from the east branch streambed.  This would occasionally harvest tires, TV's, lawn mowers, appliances, furniture, and porcelain bathroom fixtures.  Since then we have continued with our trash pickup program and have done considerable work to improve stream habitat.

Reed's Road Project

    Our first major stream improvement project, the "Reed's Road Project" was planned and designed in conjunction with the state, approved by the Department of Environmental Resources and funded entirely by the club.  Consisting of 2 log deflectors, 3 rock deflectors, 2 channel blocks and boulders, it was finished in 1993.

Kerr Park Project

    Our second project, the "Kerr Park Project," started in 1997 and was designed to be completed in three phases.  The overall project specified 5 rock deflectors, 1 mudsill cribbing, boulders and bank stabilization through out Kerr Park.  With the installation of mudsill cribbing where Beaver Creek joins the East Branch, it continued from 1998 to 2001, adding 6 rock deflectors and 8 boulders to improve habitat and reduce bank erosion.  In 2002 the permit was extended to stabilize additional bank between Pennsylvania Ave. and Business Rte 30.  2003 plans called for the 2 additional log deflectors in the largest remaining area of slow water, and placement of numerous boulders.