Mountain Watershed Association

10/23/2026

As much as the Yough Defense Party is a celebration of our river, it's also a celebration of local makers and businesses that make our region special! This year, more than ever, we're proud to feature human-made works in our silent auction ❣️

The Yough Defense silent auction is a local favorite every year. It showcases a mix of outdoor gear, art that's both functional and fanciful, and unique local experiences you can only find in the .

Donating to the silent auction is a powerful way to support MWA! If you have something to contribute, visit tinyurl.com/party-2026!

10/23/2026

Sign and share this petition to support property owners and stakeholders in East Huntingdon and Mount PleasantTownships as they work to protect their community.

From the petition…An asphalt plant in this location could affect air quality, odors, truck traffic, noise, stormwater, property values, tourism, agriculture, and the daily enjoyment of nearby homes and outdoor spaces.

Mount Pleasant and East Huntingdon should not be asked to bear the risks of a private industrial project without transparency, accountability, and a complete public review.

https://www.change.org/p/protect-mount-pleasant-and-east-huntingdon-pause-the-asphalt-plant?recruiter=1433446443&recruited_by_id=d74c8800-cedc-11f1-9fcd-cd64289908b2&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_petition&utm_medium=mobileNativeShare&share_id=Vhf4QvVgmT&fbclid=IwVERDUAVISBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAWZkaWQWUQ2HzhAofljE_orfVOZ4_VrOpOJxlXNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5di0Ft8hdDS4kXCKIAJ3pXVOIZWlKJ2kwwKF6jMmrn_AJDlUZidftEwqpksw_aem_edFJXtsTa0IfdetXku_ehQ

Protect Mount Pleasant and East Huntingdon: Pause the Asphalt Plant

10/22/2026

Head over to our YouTube channel () to take an adventure with Fred Zelt, Ph.D. In this edition of Yough Talks, we learn about the geology of the Youghiogheny River gorge in Ohiopyle!

https://youtu.be/lpusct2pYR0?is=CGyLiVMbqb0HjSOO

Western Pennsylvania native Fred Zelt started learning from rock outcrops at 17 years old, earned geology degrees at MIT and Princeton (Ph.D.), and served for 30 years as a researcher, explorer and executive with ExxonMobil that included assignments in Houston, Norway, England and New Orleans.

In retirement, Fred returned to Western Pennsylvania and took up bicycling, pedaled across the USA, created a STEM and Cycling curriculum, created Earth Science Excursions, LLC and led more than 70 geology-themed hikes and bike rides.

His informal YouTube videos about the geology and landscapes of Western Pennsylvania’s bike trails have accumulated several thousand views. In 2023, Fred led the first geologic study of Fallingwater and published the results in Geological Society of America Field Guide 66. Fred and his wife, Donna, have been married for 42 years and have four adult children and six grandchildren.

We're incredibly grateful that Fred was able to share his expertise with us!

10/21/2026

Last weekend we had a great crew and fantastic weather for our road cleanup.

Roadside litter may seem like a small issue, it has a big environmental impact. Trash on our roads can kill animals through ingestion, attraction, and entanglement, it can release toxic chemicals and microplastics into soil and water, clog storm drains, diminish the quality of life for residents, and negatively impact tourism.

Taking a morning to clean up makes a huge difference to our valley! Thanks to everyone who helped us get trash off the road!

10/21/2026

We're just a month away from the Yough Defense Party! It's coming up on Thursday, November 19 at Falls City Pub from 4 pm - 11 pm.

For just a $25 donation you'll get:

- Live music from Randy Myers and Ferncliff Collective
- One free drink, redeemable for a b**r or canned cocktail
- A snack table full of tasty potluck dishes (bring one to share!)
- Access to our silent auction for thoughtful holiday gifts
- First dibs on new "Defend the Yough" shirts and hoodies

The funds that we raise at the party support river cleanups, hazardous waste sampling, community education, pollution monitoring, and more. Each ticket sold gets us closer to a cleaner, safer watershed for all.

What's more, Yough Defense is a time to gather and uplift our community. We truly hope you can join us for this celebration of our beautiful home river!

Get your tickets at mtwatershed.com/events

10/19/2026

A LARGE-SCALE underground coal mine is active and proposing to expand in the Laurel Highlands. This mine is already hurting our community’s private water supplies, homes, and roads.

Join this public meeting for:

- Get an update on current mining areas, permit renewals for Rustic Ridge I, and permit status for Rustic Ridge II.
- Review the Water and Structure inventory, get tips on monitoring your property. View the most recent mining maps, and learn about the importance of pre-mining surveys.
- Learn how to prepare a comment for the DEP Informal Public Conference on the Rustic Ridge Coal Mining Permit Renewal on November 10!

It’s more important than ever to join as one voice in opposition to the proposed coal mine expansion threatening the Laurel Highlands.

Dinner will be provided!

Call us at 724-455-4200, or email [email protected] with questions!

(Virtual option via Zoom)

10/19/2026

Sign this petition to protect Blacklick Creek!

Protect Blacklick Creek From Hot, Chemical-Laced Power Plant Wastewater

10/16/2026

Volunteers from Subaru did a great job on our Richter Run property today! They helped to install a gate, clean up, w**d whack, and more. Thanks for helping us improve this area!

The trails are partially finished, and we hope to have this property open by fall 2027!

10/15/2026

Tinyurl.com/Magic-eye-petition

The Fayette County Commissioners held a hearing today on a zoning case regarding a petition by Magic Eye Partners, LLC, to expand M1 Light Industrial zoning to several parcels adjacent to a 120+ acre M1 parcel along the Youghiogheny River near Narrows Road.

This comes on the heels of the Fayette County Planning Commission's draft data center ordinance, which in its current form would allow data center construction on M1 and M2 parcels within 500 feet of occupied residences and 300 feet of property lines. By adding more M1 land to the map in Connellsville Township, it is possible that a data center could land in one of Fayette County's thriving communities, and impact public health, the environment, property values, and recreation.

The property considered in the petition is just outside the bounds of the City of Connellsville and adjacent to a recreationally robust section of the Youghiogheny River, just downstream of the bustling Yough River Park, and within view of the acclaimed Great Allegheny Passage trail.

Mountain Watershed Association asks that Fayette County not approve the rezoning petition without a written and approved plan for the future of the property, and that a clause be added stating no data center or cryptocurrency mine will be developed on the site in order to protect Connellsville Township and its natural, historic, and community assets.

If you could not attend the meeting, please take a moment to sign this petition!

Tomorrow, the Fayette County Commissioners will be hearing a zoning case in the Lafayette Room of the Fayette County Gallatin Building located at 2 West Main Street, 1st Floor, Uniontown, Pennsylvania regarding a petition by Magic Eye Partners, LLC, to expand M1 Light Industrial zoning to several pa...