​A small team from Susquehanna University and the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association captured and relocated more than 50 fish from the top resting pool of the fish passageway alongside the Adam T. Bower Memorial Fabridam near Shamokin Dam to the nearby river on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. 

The project is part of an ongoing effort between the two groups to help rescue fish species trapped in the pools when water levels drop within the passageway while also researching species that use the channel.

“This is the first time we have been able to access and remove fish in the spring and we were anxious to see what species were here now versus when we do this in the fall after a full summer’s worth of flow through the passageway,” said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. “We have relocated more than 1,000 fish now in this location and unfortunately the conditions weren’t great when we were there on Tuesday.”

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is still investigating issues related to a petroleum-based spill in the Clearfield area of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River that was initially reported on March 9. 

"A member of DEP’s Emergency Response Team was dispatched to the site and spoke with the Incident Commander for Clearfield County EMA," reported agency Press Secretary Neil Shader in an email to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association. "Upon DEP’s arrival, the Clearfield Fire Department had already placed absorbent booms and pads on the river and at a storm drain outfall that appeared to be the point of origin."

The agency coordinated with the Clearfield Fire Department at the scene and conducted an onsite investigation, "including confirming the visible oily sheen, taking readings with handheld equipment at multiple locations, visually checking the booms and discussing with the fire department personnel onsite any potential sources of the oily sheen and when it would be appropriate to remove the booms," according to Shader's email.

​The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to investigate a fish kill situation on Pine Creek, a tributary of Penns Creek, in Centre County near Woodward, PA, as well as a second complaint out of Coburn, which is where Pine Creek intersects Penns Creek.
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“Two complaints of fish kills in the Penns Creek watershed in Centre County were recently received by DEP and investigated. One was a localized minor aquatic kill observed on Pine Creek, a tributary to Penns Creek, near the village of Woodward. Investigations were conducted by DEP and PFBC, with no cause or source located to date,” said DEP Press Secretary Neil Shader in an email to the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association after a request for info. “The other complaint on Pine Creek near the Coburn area revealed no observable aquatic kill and no readily identified source of contamination. Both investigations continue.”

Sarah DePasquale was the individual who reported the Woodward-area fish kill situation on March 4, 2026. The site is “just 30 feet from my front door,” she said.

​Imagine a moment a white ceramic bowl filled with your favorite fruity or chocolate cereal. Fruit Loops, Fruity Pebbles, Count Chocula, Cocoa Pebbles. You pour in some pure white milk, let it sit a moment and then start snagging the semi-soggy cereal with your spoon.

By the time you work your way down to the milk in the bottom of the bowl, what do you find?

In most cases, the milk isn’t as white as it once was. The dyes, sugars and more have “contaminated” it, not just in color, but in taste, too.

​Last weekend, reports came out from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Environmental Protection about fish consumption advisories related to PFOS (Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), one of several compounds known collectively as "forever chemicals" that have been tied back to a variety of health issues. 

One specifically in our watershed is reportedly on Briar Creek in Columbia County. We reached out to both agencies and the following Q&A was sent back to us by the DEP's Northcentral Region Communications Manager, Megan Lehman:

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
                                                                                                                 
Title: Deputy Director
Reports to: Executive Director 
Works in coordination with the Board of Directors
Status: Full time
Salary: $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience

The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership is searching for an engaging, detail-oriented leader with a talent for growing nonprofit capacity, securing new resources, and managing administrative needs while working with our Executive Director to maximize impact across a wide coverage area.

​The ideal candidate will show a consistency in integrity, creativity, and compassion for others, with a special interest in helping protect and promote our river and its resources.

Our Deputy Director will fill an essential core role with our Executive Director to build upon the association’s strong foundation and better serve the association’s mission across an expanded watershed.

Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Montour Preserve’s Education Center for a special movie presentation of Michael Kinney’s award-winning documentary, “Old River”

The film was recorded during Kinney’s 24-day, 228-mile paddling trip across the entire West Branch of the Susquehanna River. It includes the fascinating story behind the trip, many key sights and sounds along the way and covers a wide variety of river issues.