With Pennsylvania’s flagship waterbodies like the Delaware River struggling to restore fish and wildlife populations, small creeks offer hope for a broader turnaround, write Scott Ensign and David Arscott for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

According to Pennsylvania’s recent river health report card, waterbodies throughout the state are likely to begin the spring season with diminished populations of aquatic inhabitants compared to last year.

The number of impaired streams and rivers in the commonwealth increased by 852 miles over the last two years, while only 154 miles were restored and removed from the list.

Overall, rivers across the state are in worse condition than they were two years ago, with 37 percent of waterways still classified as impaired.

However despite the broader challenges, the report highlights a sliver of hope, noting that concentrating on small headwater streams could accelerate waterway improvements.

Often unnoticed, these streams could see cleaner conditions and healthier fish and wildlife populations through focused watershed efforts.

The approach would involve aggressive stormwater runoff reduction and treatment, removal of sewer overflows, upgrades to sewage treatment facilities, forest restoration, healthier agricultural soils, and reduced chemical use on both private and public lands.

Read more about the issues affecting the Delaware River and how creeks offer hope for a turnaround in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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