Riverkeeper reflections |
 Numerous concerns shared with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (MSRKA) concerning an unknown barge-like structure in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near Williamsport (between Arch and Maynard streets) led to feelers to various agencies in the region.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) authorized a permit for geotechnical investigation on April 27, for a future utility line that will cross under the river, according to agency spokesperson Megan Lehman.
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 Results to an online survey developed by the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association focused on finding trends and answers for potentially declining muskrat numbers across the state continue to highlight some of the same patterns seen by biologists.
The survey is still active and more feedback from trappers and other outdoor enthusiasts is encouraged. So far, 91 percent of those surveyed indicated that water quality in the areas they spend time outdoors has either stayed the same or noticeably improved over the past decade. However, during the same time, 82 percent of those surveyed indicated either a population about the same or declining – 27 percent of all who were surveyed suggested they’ve noticed a drastic decline in the species over the past 10 years. “What’s so interesting (and I’ve only made it through the first half) is that there’s a huge variety of reasons mentioned for decline, and not a single one that keeps coming up over and over,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist and mammals specialist Thomas Keller. “This is obviously reflective of what we currently know (which is practically nothing) about the decline), but have many of the same thoughts.” Press release: Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Assoc. picks Katie Cassidy as new Deputy Director5/3/2026  Katie Cassidy has been hired as the new Deputy Director for the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and its Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership and will officially begin her new role on May 11, 2026.
“Katie’s track record, including vital leadership roles over the past decade with the Wildlife Leadership Academy, really stands out. She has a special skillset that we are excited to add to our team as we strive to best protect and promote our river and its resources,” said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper and association Executive Director John Zaktansky. Cassidy is leaving her fulltime role as Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement at the Wildlife Leadership Academy, one of several key positions she has held over the past 12 years that has helped grow the outreach program for alumni, allowing students to conduct hundreds of projects and connect with thousands of individuals across Pennsylvania every year. From 2018 through 2025, she was head of recruitment for the Academy, helping build key connections that boosted attendance well past available placement for programs. |
AuthorsRiverkeeper John Zaktansky is an award-winning journalist and avid promoter of the outdoors who loves camping, kayaking, fishing and hunting with the family. Archives
May 2026
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