Train wreck

Commission Approves Grant Program to Restore Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed
Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has approved a program to award grants of up to $100,000 to projects to restore the Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed, which was damaged in a June 30, 2006, train derailment in rural Norwich Township, McKean County. The action was taken at yesterday’s quarterly meeting.
The program stems from a settlement with Norfolk Southern as a result of 31 rail cars derailing and spilling sodium hydroxide into Big Fill Run, Sinnemahoning-Portage Creek and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay the Commonwealth $7.35 million as restitution for environmental damages. The PFBC received $3.675 million of the settlement and must use the funds to develop and implement projects that benefit fishing, boating and aquatic resources in Cameron, Elk, McKean or Potter counties.CLICK HERE to read the full release

Good deal. I lived on the Portage Branch of Sinamahoning Creek, my house was between the gun shop and the hardware store about a mile out of Emporium. When I sold it and moved out of the area, the creek was one thing I really missed. One of the biggest browns I've ever caught was right behind my house, basically right in my back yard! Really hated to see that one persons neglect could cause that much damage. From what I understand, there is SOME life begining to show in the creek. I used to put a sump pump in the creek and fill my pool with it. When I had the water tested, the guy couldn't believe how pure it was. Hopefully, it will be restored to what it was before!

i was wandering y last year no one was fishing driftwood branch when i was on my way to camp when there use to always be a bunch of ppl down there

That was a shame. I have a camp nearby in Austin and always enjoyed fishing there. I am glad that it is coming back. I just hope it is as good as it was.