In 2016, Indiana found very poor fish health in 1.27 miles of Big Branch after years of pollution. 7 years later, its fish score reached 48 and the segment was clearedBig Branch’s recovery is ultimately a reminder that environmental restoration is often measured in years rather than weeks. The stream did ...
03 Sep, 2026, 03.59 AM IST
In 2012, Indiana began protecting Flat Creek, a 54-mile stream affected by pollution. 10 years later, multiple stretches had recovered enough to be removed from the listFlat Creek in Indiana experienced significant water quality issues for years. A 2012 plan initiated watershed improvement efforts and best ...
03 Sep, 2026, 02.51 AM IST
In 2012, Indiana farmers adopted cover crops that helped stop 5,695 tons of soil from reaching waterways each year. 9 years later, Prairie Creek scored 50 and was removedPrairie Creek in Indiana was once impaired for aquatic communities. A watershed management plan implemented in 2012 led to significant impr...
03 Sep, 2026, 02.01 AM IST
In 1994, Idaho listed Rapid Creek for sediment after grazing added excess sediment. 20 years later, 3 reaches were delisted after BMPs improved habitat and water qualityRapid Creek in southeastern Idaho was listed for sediment impairment in 1994 after assessments found that several streams did not support c...
03 Sep, 2026, 12.40 AM IST
In 2012, Jefferson County SWCD teamed up with local groups to restore Indian-Kentuck Creek. 12 years later, conservation work cut nitrogen pollution by 81,259 pounds a yearAgricultural best management practices improved water quality in the Brushy Fork subwatershed. Nutrient and phosphorus inputs were reduced,...
02 Sep, 2026, 08.50 PM IST
Clint Eastwood sold 280 acres of his California coastal property for $3.08 million in 1995 — The surprising conservation deal that helped keep Carmel land undevelopedClint Eastwood’s 1995 sale of roughly 280 acres of his California coastal property to Monterey County for $3.08 million became an important...
02 Sep, 2026, 05.30 PM IST
In 2016, Colorado listed 67 miles of Timpas Creek as impaired for sulfate. 7 years later, local farmers helped delist 24 miles after BMPs restored drinking water qualityTimpas Creek's sulfate levels significantly decreased due to improved irrigation practices. Voluntary efforts by local producers focused on...
01 Sep, 2026, 05.48 PM IST
In 1995, North Dakota's Richland County SCD began monitoring Antelope Creek for bacteria. 10 years later, a watershed project tackled septic, livestock and farm sources to cut bacteriaAntelope Creek and Wild Rice River saw reduced bacteria levels after conservation efforts. Best management practices addressed animal feedi...
31 Aug, 2026, 11.24 PM IST
In the late 1990s, Arkansas agencies urged landowners to use BMPs to keep cattle from streams. Today, 2 agencies and local owners protect these sensitive waters togetherFulton County faced water quality issues, prompting conservation efforts in the late 1990s. Landowners embraced livestock exclusion and con...
31 Aug, 2026, 10.38 PM IST
In 2008, Virginia listed Grease Creek as impaired for swimming. 16 years later, DEQ cleared it from the impaired list after watershed BMPs restored water quality in 2024Grease Creek in Virginia has finally escaped a problem that followed it for 16 years. The creek was listed as impaired for swimming in 2008...
31 Aug, 2026, 10.29 PM IST
In 2006, Illinois listed 10.69 miles of Cahokia Creek as impaired. 14 years later, Heartlands Conservancy's BMPs improved the stream, leading to delisting in 2020Cahokia Creek in Illinois was impaired due to severe streambank erosion and lack of vegetation. Heartlands Conservancy used grant funding t...
31 Aug, 2026, 01.31 AM IST
In 2006, Delaware listed the Broadkill watershed for nitrogen and phosphorus impairment. 18 years later, BMPs restored 7.6 miles of Ingrams Branch, ending the phosphorusThe restoration of Ingrams Branch is a powerful example of how best management practices can produce measurable improvements in water quali...
29 Aug, 2026, 09.41 PM IST
In 1994, Idaho listed Rapid Creek for sediment impairment. 18 years later, restoration improved habitat scores and Lower Rapid Creek was removed from the 2012 impaired waters listRapid Creek in southeastern Idaho offers a compelling example of how long-term watershed restoration can transform water quality and aquati...
29 Aug, 2026, 08.28 PM IST
In 1996, New York flagged Upper Tonawanda Creek as a water-supply concern. 16 years later, NYSDEC removed it from the impaired list after farm BMPs improved water qualityNew York's Tonawanda Creek was once impaired by agricultural pollution. Farmers implemented best management practices to reduce soil erosio...
29 Aug, 2026, 12.19 AM IST
In 1994, Illinois EPA listed 50.75 miles of Silver Creek as impaired by farm pollution. 28 years later, Illinois removed the creek from its impaired list in 2022Upper Silver Creek in Illinois has been removed from an impaired waters list. Best management practices were installed to reduce pollution ...
27 Aug, 2026, 10.50 PM IST
In 2022, researchers began work on a 3/4-mile Cherry Creek restoration in Pennsylvania. 4 years later, the stream has better habitat, cleaner water and healthier floodplains nowA restoration project along a three-quarter-mile section of Cherry Creek at TNC’s Blakeslee Preserve in northeastern Pennsylvania began in ...
27 Aug, 2026, 10.41 PM IST
In 2021, Pat McElhenny led removal of a dam that had held back water for 100 years. 1 year later, the original Sterry Creek channel resurfaced intact, restoring a natural floodplain on Moosic MountainA 100-year-old dam came down on Moosic Mountain in Pennsylvania, but the real surprise appeared afterward. Sterry Creek’s original channel ...
27 Aug, 2026, 07.30 PM IST