Rapid Stream Delisting is a data-driven approach that uses collaborative partnerships and GIS mapping to target watershed restoration activities and investments in manageable, high-potential areas. Proven effective in several Pennsylvania counties, the approach accelerates water quality improvements by concentrating resources where they can achieve the greatest impact.
Cumberland County’s Countywide Action Plan (CAP) established a framework for collaboration to address the Chesapeake Bay TMDL, aligned with the Cumberland County Comprehensive Plan and Land Partnerships Plan. In response to the CAP, Clean Water Cumberland—a locally driven collaborative—formed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, advance local water quality priorities, and strengthen partners’ capacity to implement projects and engage the public.
This project builds on Clean Water Cumberland’s existing partnerships and the modeling, analysis, outreach, and stewardship expertise of its members. Partners will apply a Rapid Stream Delisting approach, informed by lessons from other Pennsylvania communities, to accelerate watershed restoration across urban and agricultural landscapes.
The initiative will target priority catchments and focus on comprehensive, full-parcel restoration where it can deliver the greatest reductions in nutrients and sediment. It will also expand and formalize the Clean Water Cumberland coalition, strengthening coordination, implementation, maintenance, outreach, and collaborative decision-making.
EFC is supporting Clean Water Cumberland by coordinating award administration, partner communications, timelines, milestones, and deliverable quality assurance.
Partners:
Cumberland County, PA
Clean Water Cumberland
Water Center at Penn
Chesapeake Conservancy
Sponsor:
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Team Members: