USC Citizens for Land Stewardship
Conservation and stewardship of land and natural resources in Upper St. Clair



McLaughlin Run Project




2001 Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship

2001 Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship

Presented to the Township of Upper St. Clair
and USC Citizens for Land Stewardship


The Governor's Award cited these environmental results for the McLaughlin Run Project:

  • 19 impacted streams identified and recommendations developed for watershed improvement

  • 215 feet of agricultural streambank fencing installed

  • 320 feet of stream buffer planted

The Governor's Award also provided this description of the McLaughlin Run Project:

Watershed Protection: Start Small, But Think Big

The USC Citizens for Land Stewardship approached the Township of Upper St. Clair in 1998 to form a partnership to improve the riparian buffer, water quality and stream beauty of McLaughlin Run, a tributary of Chartiers Creek. The vision was to stimulate community involvement by initiating a McLaughlin Run Watershed project focusing on non-point source pollution, improved water quality and environmental awareness.

Proposed as a single demonstration of non-point source pollution reduction and stream bank stabilization, the McLaughlin Run project also featured the additional benefits of enhanced flood protection and improved habitat for wildlife. Although it had limited total watershed impact, its value was demonstrated through improved stream corridor management and conservation awareness.

The first phase of the project included the completion of a comprehensive watershed assessment, which provided a basis for targeted, prioritized watershed restoration efforts. These new priorities laid the groundwork for even more opportunities for inter-municipal partnership and coordination, increasing public support and making watershed protection projects more cost effective.

Today, the McLaughlin Run project continues to grow. Along one tributary, hundreds of feet of agricultural stream bank fencing were installed to protect the stream for livestock. Volunteers from the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, school children and local service organizations planted native plants along hundreds of feet of the stream bank to reintroduce native species. An Eagle Scout project stenciled more than 500 storm drains in the community with a fish logo and the wording, “Dump no Waste - Drains to Stream”. A day-long educational session was held during Upper St. Clair Community Day, providing information to more than 300 residents.


“This worthy environmental project would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our partner, the USC Citizens for Land Stewardship. The township is grateful for the considerable time, talent and energy contributed by our volunteers and staff in shepherding this project along.”

Mark S. Mansfield
Assistant Township Manager
Township of Upper St. Clair


Congratulations to all who helped make the McLaughlin Run Project an award-winning success!

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