A Symposium on The History of Big Springs Creek and Its Brook Trout Fishery

Big Spring Creek, once a flourishing native brook trout fishery, is the subject of a day-long symposium to be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Foundation Conference Center on the campus of Shippensburg University.

Big Spring Creek arises from a large limestone spring north of Stoughstown, in Cumberland County, Pa., and joins Conodoguient Creek near the borough of Newville some five miles from its source. Fertile, low gradient, and of moderate size, Big Spring historically was home to a population of native brook trout described as being “unbelievable in size and numbers”.

Big Spring played a key role in settlement of the region and over the years man’s activities have had numerous physical, chemical and biological impact on the stream. As a result the stream has changed and its trout population has declined from its 19th century eminence to such an extent that brook trout currently are confined to a very small section of the stream near its source. The exact causes of the decline have been the subject of widespread interest in recent years. The time has come to gather and share the combined knowledge of Big Spring with those interested in the past, present and future of this important resource.

The goal of the symposium is to look back at what Big Spring was in the past and how it has changed over time in order to create for future reference a compendium of the existing historical and contemporary knowledge of the stream, its watershed and its brook trout fishery. That information is critical to understanding how and why the stream has changed and a basic component of any future efforts to restore, maintain and protect the stream and its native brook trout.

Based on existing scientific data and credible observations - some dating back to the early 19th century - symposium speakers will describe the early social and economic history of Big Spring Creek, the geology and hydrology of the watershed, and past and present land use in the area. They also will present contemporary data on water quality and aquatic life of the stream, trout population trends, and current efforts to reestablish habitat suitable for trout. The proceedings of the symposium eventually will be available in book form.

The symposium is open to the public but seating is limited to 120. Pre-registration and a $20 non-refundable- registration fee are required; registration deadline is March 1, 2008. The registration fee includes a luncheon and a reception following the symposium. Registration forms are available from Dr. Todd Hurd, Department of Biology, 1871 Old Main Drive, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pa. 17257; (TMHurd@ship.edu). For additional information contact Dr. Jim Gilford, 301-663-3966 or jhgilford@verizon.net.