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.

Massive 3.75 GW power plant complex proposed for rural Fayette County

September 3, 2026

Near the community of Isabella in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, NextEra Energy Resources is proposing to construct the 3.75 GW East Riverside Energy Center, which would be one of the…

Troubled Waters – a gathering at Blue Hole Creek

September 1, 2026

In early August, MWA staff and community members gathered at a beloved local swimming hole. The day was warm and tropical, the water clear and inviting. The creek burbled over…

Sewickley Township Approves New Rules for Data Centers

August 24, 2026

The Sewickley Township Board of Supervisors in Westmoreland County approved a new ordinance governing data centers at its meeting on July 15, 2026. This ordinance creates local control over how…

Following MWA Legal Victory, DEP Accepts First Unsuitable-for-Mining Petition for Review in 30 Years

August 11, 2026

MELCROFT, Pa. — On August 6, 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) formally accepted Mountain Watershed Association’s petition for technical review under Pennsylvania’s Unsuitable for Mining program—the first…

What Does the Proposed ICVWA Settlement Mean for Our Community?

August 6, 2026

Indian Creek Valley Water Authority (ICVWA), a publicly owned water utility, is proposing to sell its water system to Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC), a privately owned water utility. ICVWA…

Massive 3.75 GW power plant complex proposed for rural Fayette County

September 3, 2026

Near the community of Isabella in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, NextEra Energy Resources is proposing to construct the 3.75 GW East Riverside Energy Center, which would be one of the…

Troubled Waters – a gathering at Blue Hole Creek

September 1, 2026

In early August, MWA staff and community members gathered at a beloved local swimming hole. The day was warm and tropical, the water clear and inviting. The creek burbled over…

Sewickley Township Approves New Rules for Data Centers

August 24, 2026

The Sewickley Township Board of Supervisors in Westmoreland County approved a new ordinance governing data centers at its meeting on July 15, 2026. This ordinance creates local control over how…

Following MWA Legal Victory, DEP Accepts First Unsuitable-for-Mining Petition for Review in 30 Years

August 11, 2026

MELCROFT, Pa. — On August 6, 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) formally accepted Mountain Watershed Association’s petition for technical review under Pennsylvania’s Unsuitable for Mining program—the first…

What Does the Proposed ICVWA Settlement Mean for Our Community?

August 6, 2026

Indian Creek Valley Water Authority (ICVWA), a publicly owned water utility, is proposing to sell its water system to Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC), a privately owned water utility. ICVWA…

Upcoming Events

Indian Creek Watershed Festival

September 26 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Indian Creek Community Center
Free

Heart of the Highlands Piano Recital

October 4 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sparks in the Valley

Member Appreciation Party

October 14 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Donegal Event Center
Free

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

DSC_0389-4

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.

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

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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