COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources
Tuscarora State Park
R R 1 Box 1051
Barnesville, PA 18214-9715
July 17, 1997

CONTACT:Erin C. Rasor-Shellhamer
Environmental Ed. Specialist

The Tuscarora State Park lake received a helping hand on the weekend of June 27 and 28. Tamaqua Boy Scout Troop # 755 came to the park to help one of their own members, Nathan Banditilli, complete his Eagle Scout project. Nathan's project was to construct and place 21 porcupine crib structures in the manmade lake at Tuscarora State Park as part of the Fish Habitat Improvement Plan. The structures help small fish by offering protection from larger fish, provides a protected site for egg laying, and serves as a base for plants such as algae and plankton to grow.

In 1991, after an extensive study and survey of the lake's topography, plant, fish, and invertebrate species, the unique plan was approved by the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Dams and Waterway Management. Tuscarora's lake then became a part of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Adopt-A-Lake program. It was after this approval that all necessary permits were secured and projects in the lake could officially begin.

The plan was implemented in 1991 when a total of 46 porcupine crib structures were placed near the mooring area of the lake. Since then, several trees have been felled along the lake edge to offer additional fish habitat. On June 27 and 28, 21 additional porcupine crib structures were added to the south shore of the lake bringing the plan closer to its fulfillment.

17 volunteers assembled the 21 structures. Each structure is constructed of 52 2" x 2" x 4' hemlock boards, eight full-size concrete blocks, and strapping. Each weighs approximately 400 pounds and is 44" high and 48" wide. The boards were air-nailed together; however, the block and strapping were not immediately added. They day they were placed, 31 volunteers loaded the bottoms of these structures onto two boats with rollers, added the block, finished air-nailing the boards, and added the strapping. The boats then hauled the cribs to the proper sites. Over 150 combined hours of volunteer service went into the project.

The weekend was beneficial not only to small fish, but also to those who took part in the project. The project showed that partnerships among groups is beneficial to all involved. In addition to the Tamaqua Boy Scouts, Tuscarora State Park, the Bureau of State Park's Resource Management and Planning Division, the PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the Little Schuylkill Conservation Club were all represented. All worked together to accomplish the goal of improved fish habitat at Tuscarora State Park. Hopefully, this type of partnership and volunteerism may find its way into other organizations for the benefit of us all.