News

Scroll down for an update on our conservation work, our ongoing campaigns, our upcoming events, our volunteer opportunities, and press.

MWA’s Nurdle Patrols, 1-Year Later

By James Cato / November 22, 2021

In the water, nurdles can be mistaken for a bubble. On land, they look like a rounded quartz pebble. But unlike quartz, they float and leach toxins into the water,…

A step-by-step guide to logging in and bidding for the Yough Defense Party Virtual Auction

By Stacey Magda / November 5, 2021

The Yough Defense Party is back! Join us in-person on the partio at the Falls City Pub on Thursday, November 18th starting at 2pm! Or join in on the fun…

Invenergy Gets Its Air Permit, But More Hurdles Ahead

By James Cato / October 6, 2021

This Tuesday, October 5, the gas-fired power plant proposed for Elizabeth Township known as Invenergy’s “Allegheny Energy Center” received its air emissions permit from the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD).…

Direct Support Funding Available for Environmental Justice Organizers

By James Cato / August 31, 2021

Usually, we notice and act on environmental issues close to home. Be it discolored water in our backyard creek or a petition to cut use of single-use plastics, any local…

Mussel Surveys in Indian Creek

By Morgan Moran / August 16, 2021

Recently, from July 20th to the 23rd, MWA conducted freshwater mussel surveys with assistance from Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC).  DCNR staff members from Ohiopyle and Laurel Hill State Park were…

Living in the Midst of Climate Change

By Hannah Spencer / August 10, 2021

I am currently expecting the arrival of my first child. When people ask, “Are you excited? Are you nervous?,” my answer confirms both. I mean, what expecting parent isn’t nervous?…

Mountain Watershed Association Presents Stream Sessions Film Series

By James Cato / August 5, 2021

This summer, Mountain Watershed Association is partnering with Working Films to present the Stream Sessions Film Series that will include four films scheduled for August, September, October, and November. Venues…

Residents Turn Out for Invenergy Public Hearing

By James Cato / June 15, 2021

            On June 8th 2021 the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) hosted a public hearing for the proposed 639MW shale gas-fired power plant, Invenergy’s “Allegheny Energy Center.” The proposal was met…

The Birds & Blooms of the Indian Creek Gorge

By Morgan Moran / June 1, 2021

Saturday, May 1, MWA was able to host its yearly Birds and Blooms walk.  To our surprise, around 35 individuals were able to attend the hike!  Like previous years, this…

Swim Season 2021 is upon us!

By Carla Ruddock / April 27, 2021

Life is resurging all throughout the Youghiogheny River watershed! Spring has sprung as evident by the sounds of birds chirping, squirrel frolicking, while plants and trees bloom. That can mean…

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Blue Hole Creek still polluted, but no further action from PA DEP (ACTION ITEM)

April 30, 2026

A whole year after MWA learned about lead pollution in Blue Hole Creek in Forbes State Forest, this once-pristine stream remains contaminated…

Your Water Bill Could Go Up — Here’s What That Letter Really Means

April 27, 2026
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Recently, many Indian Creek Valley Water Authority (ICVWA) customers opened their mail and found a “Rate Impact Notice” about possible future rate…

MWA Files Appeal After $2.8M Cut to Mine-Damage Protections

April 21, 2026
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MWA has filed an appeal challenging a decision to cut millions of dollars in financial protections for damage from underground coal mining…

Happy Egg Season! What’s About to Hatch?

April 10, 2026

It’s my favorite time of year! EGG SEASON. No, not just Easter egg hunts. But the time of year where some birds…

The Vernal Pool, a Salamander Nursery!

April 3, 2026

I’ve been seeing a ton of social media posts about vernal pools, but, what are they?  What is a vernal pool? It’s…