Conodoguinet Creek | How Healthy is Conodoguinet Creek?
682 small streams contribute to the Conodoguinet Creek! Read on to see how this impacts its health.
PA Department of Environmental Protection classifies the entire creek as a High Quality Cold Water Fishery (HQ-CWF), which means it is suitable for trout in some sections. Two-thirds of the Conodoguinet’s flow is from groundwater sources, particularly in the southern half of the basin, which is generally underlain with limestone. Limestone creeks are typically fed by cold underground springs. Several of the creek’s tributaries, especially the Letort Spring Run, are still well-known for their trout populations. The geology of the Conodoguinet is a mix of shale rock found on the southern slope of Blue Mountain and in the northern half of Cumberland County. This geology affects the health of the 682 small streams that contribute to the creek. In the more southern section of the county is a wide valley of limestone soils, making it flatter and richer for agriculture.
Municipalities in the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed:
East Pennsboro Township (direct flow), Wormleysburg Borough (direct flow), Hampden Township (direct flow into Conodoguinet and via Trindle Spring Run), Mechanicsburg Borough (via Trindle Spring Run Tributary), Monroe Township (via Trindle Spring Run, Hogestown Run, and Dogwood Run Tributaries), Upper Allen Township (via Trindle Spring Run), Silver Spring Township (direct flow into Conodoguinet mainstem and via Simmons Creek, Trindle Spring Run, and Hogestown Run), and Carlisle Borough (via Letort, Alexander Spring Run, and direct flow to Conodoguinet)
Watershed Facts
Unique Fact
On a typical summer day, avid canoeists and anglers can be found within the river channel, in both rural and urban areas. The creek's ribbon of greenery is alive with herons, kingfishers and other streamside creatures.
