Protecting, Preserving, and Restoring the Youghiogheny River Watershed

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We advocate to prevent continued impacts to the watershed primarily caused by fossil fuel extraction.

Learn about how we are pursuing on-the-ground restoration of past environmental damages.

We help to create and enhance recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.

About MWA

Mountain Watershed Association's mission is to protect, preserve and restore the Youghiogheny River watershed and its broader communities through conservation, recreation, education, and advocacy. We pursue on-the-ground restoration of past environmental damages while we advocate to protect the watershed from new sources of pollution, primarily caused by fossil fuel development.

Fire Warnings for the Yough Watershed

November 7, 2024

To reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires due to dry weather conditions, low water levels in communities, and fire activity, Pennsylvania DCNR, Maryland DNR, and the state of West Virginia…

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Update on Lottery Calendars

October 25, 2024

An update on calendars! Mountain Watershed Association will no longer be selling lottery calendars moving forward. We deeply appreciate those who have supported us by purchasing these calendars over the…

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Help Pollinators & Native Wildlife with Lazy Landscaping!

October 23, 2024

It’s nearing the end of the growing season here in Western Pennsylvania. The nights get chilly, the wildflowers and herbaceous plants, once fragrant and colorful, will start to turn brown…

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EPA hears from Community Regarding MAX Environmental Yukon Facility 

October 22, 2024

On October 9th, 2024, residents of Yukon, PA and surrounding communities gathered for a listening session hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the MAX Environmental (MAX) hazardous waste…

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EPA to host Listening Session for Yukon community

October 8, 2024

On Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30pm the EPA will host a virtual listening session to hear comments and concerns from the community regarding the MAX Environmental Yukon facility that is now operating under…

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Fire Warnings for the Yough Watershed

November 7, 2024

To reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires due to dry weather conditions, low water levels in communities, and fire activity, Pennsylvania DCNR, Maryland DNR, and the state of West Virginia…

Read More

Update on Lottery Calendars

October 25, 2024

An update on calendars! Mountain Watershed Association will no longer be selling lottery calendars moving forward. We deeply appreciate those who have supported us by purchasing these calendars over the…

Read More

Help Pollinators & Native Wildlife with Lazy Landscaping!

October 23, 2024

It’s nearing the end of the growing season here in Western Pennsylvania. The nights get chilly, the wildflowers and herbaceous plants, once fragrant and colorful, will start to turn brown…

Read More

EPA hears from Community Regarding MAX Environmental Yukon Facility 

October 22, 2024

On October 9th, 2024, residents of Yukon, PA and surrounding communities gathered for a listening session hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the MAX Environmental (MAX) hazardous waste…

Read More

EPA to host Listening Session for Yukon community

October 8, 2024

On Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30pm the EPA will host a virtual listening session to hear comments and concerns from the community regarding the MAX Environmental Yukon facility that is now operating under…

Read More

Upcoming Events

Yough Defense Party

November 21
Falls City Pub
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Stories of the River

In watersheds every action affects the entire system. We work towards a world where our communities and decision-makers learn from watersheds and act as if what affects one of us affects all of us.

Jesse

MWA is fighting the good fight and going up against the big hitters to restore the Yough to what it is meant to be.

- Jesse Wilson, a recreation-loving bike tour manager who is often dependent on the creaks as a source of drinking water when out on his adventures. Due to extensive resource extraction, AMD runoff, E. Coli, etc., the water is frequently not drinkable even after filtration.

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I appreciate MWA because without them, I wouldn’t have known how to do this alone. MWA is helping me and my community fight.

- Peg Mansberry, a resident near Poplar Run working with her community to fight a proposed strip mine that would pollute the river and bring back the toxic, orange waters of her youth.

Picklo

“The Mountain Watershed were the only people we could talk to that actually understood,” says Mary Jo, “They tried everything they could, the advice they gave, just knowing someone was there listening to us.”

- Mike and Mary Jo Picklo, residents impacted by the Acosta deep mine who turned to Mountain Watershed for legal education and direct action support.

MWA is fighting the good fight and going up against the big hitters to restore this place to what it is meant to be.

- Jesse Wilson, a recreation-loving bike tour manager who is often dependent on the creaks as a source of drinking water when out on his adventures. Due to extensive resource extraction, AMD runoff, E. Coli, etc., the water is frequently not drinkable even after filtration.

I appreciate MWA because without them, I wouldn’t have known how to do this alone.

- Peg Mansberry, a resident near Poplar Run working with her community to fight a proposed strip mine that would pollute the river and bring back the toxic, orange waters of her youth.

Direct Support Fund

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APPLY TO MWA'S DIRECT SUPPORT FUND!

The Direct Support Fund provides small grants to grassroots groups and advocates working toward social change on environmental justice, shale gas and petrochemical issues.

Direct Support Fund

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APPLY TO MWA'S DIRECT SUPPORT FUND!

The Direct Support Fund provides small grants to grassroots groups and advocates working toward social change on environmental justice, shale gas and petrochemical issues.

Support Our Conservation and Advocacy Work

LAND CONSERVATION

Mountain Watershed Association protects, conserves and restores land and water for the diversity of the region’s plants, animals and their ecosystems.

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RUSTIC RIDGE COAL MINE

Stop the Rustic Ridge Deep Mine Expansion

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GORGE WASHOUT TRAIL PROJECT

Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) is exploring options for fixing the 2021 wash out on the gorge section of the Indian Creek Valley Trail.

Learn more

Support Our Conservation and Advocacy Work

LAND CONSERVATION

Mountain Watershed Association protects, conserves and restores land and water for the diversity of the region’s plants, animals and their ecosystems.

Learn more

RUSTIC RIDGE COAL MINE

Stop the Rustic Ridge Deep Mine Expansion

Learn more

GORGE WASHOUT TRAIL PROJECT

Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) is exploring options for fixing the 2021 wash out on the gorge section of the Indian Creek Valley Trail.

Learn more
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