Buffalo Creek
Watershed Conservation Plan

The Buffalo Creek Watershed drains 171 square miles of eastern Butler County, western Armstrong County, and extreme northeast Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. It includes portions of 15 townships and four boroughs.

Map of the Buffalo Creek Watershed. Click to view a PDF(150K)of this map. See Resources below for more maps and downloadable information.

The development of a River Conservation Plan for the Buffalo Creek Valley is an initiative of Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP). ASWP works to inspire and educate the people of southwestern Pennsylvania to be respectful stewards of the natural world. We have pursued these goals at our Todd Nature Reserve in Buffalo Township since 1942.

The Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Program was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to conserve and enhance river resources through preparation and accomplishment of locally initiated river conservation plans. The program provides technical and financial assistance to municipalities and river support groups to carry out planning, implementation, acquisition and development activities and is funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park, and Conservation Act. ASWP has received funding from DCNR to develop a River Conservation Plan for the Buffalo Creek Watershed.

The River Conservation Plan is a comprehensive watershed- or river-corridor-based study identifying significant natural, recreational and cultural resources. Issues, concerns and threats to resources and values are determined locally as part of planning, and methods to conserve, restore, and enhance and waterways are recommended. Upon completion of a Conservation Plan, the watershed is eligible for listing on the Pennsylvania River Registry. The registry recognizes rivers in communities that have completed conservation plans. It is also an avenue to endorse local initiatives by binding them together in a statewide recognition program. In order for a river to be placed on the registry, it must have an approved plan and local municipal support. Registry status must be achieved to qualify for additional implementation, development or acquisition grants. To date, nine municipalities have provided letters of support for the Buffalo Creek Watershed Conservation Plan.

Our watershed contains a wealth of ecological, recreational, and cultural resources. Both opportunities and challenges await in the future. These issues require that the watershed's stakeholders find common ground, and plan for the future with common goals. The Buffalo Creek Watershed Conservation Plan will provide a vehicle to accomplish this. By finding common ground, facilitated through the Conservation Plan, stakeholders can provide for the long-term viability and sustainability of the watershed, its unique landscape and ecological features, and the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Public involvement and input is crucial for the success of the Plan. ASWP has initiated a comprehensive public involvement process to facilitate this effort. We invite you to participate! For more information, contact Brian Shema at Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania: 412 963-6100 or by email.

Buffalo Creek Watershed Conservation Plan