Mountain Watershed Association

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...

10/15/2026

Thanks to everyone who took time out of their week to join us for our annual Member Appreciation Party in Donegal! We had a blast hanging out with our members and Board of Directors.

Special shout-out to the Upper Ursina Collective, Vin de Matrix, and Cinderlands Brewing for bringing the most fun vibes and excellent tunes for the evening!

10/14/2026

Concerned about data center development in Fayette County? Take our survey! Tinyurl.com/data-fayette

Established protective zoning and ordinances are some of the most effective tools to protect our communities. They are enforceable rules that the county and individual municipalities can use as guidelines ahead of development to ensure communities are protected.

Make your voice heard! Please take a moment, and tell us what protections are most important to you. The survey will close on October 31, 2026, and then we will send the responses to local and county officials.

10/13/2026

Join ProtectPT and MWA tonight, October 13, at 7:00 pm for a webinar about the proposed Kammer-Juniata Electric Line. RSVP at protectpt.info/kjmeeting

The webinar will include context for the proposal, presentations from two speakers, and time to answer your questions.

Elizabeth Marx, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, will join Darryl Lawrence, who serves as the Consumer Advocate of Pennsylvania, to discuss the proposed high-powered electric line.

The proposal will affect landowners across the southwestern region of Pennsylvania and serve as a key building block for powering data centers. This project will be funded using money from your utility bill.

Now is the time to learn more about how this proposed electric super-highway will affect you and your neighbors!

10/12/2026

These fall colors are too much! 🍁 Views from the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.

What causes this transition, and why does the timing and color of this show vary from year to year?

Some tree species have a distinct shade, but some species vary widely from tree to tree depending upon the weather, the amount of light that hits the leaves and how much chlorophyll and/or sugar remains in the leaves.

Dry weather, bright, sunny days and cold but not freezing nights are optimal conditions for vibrant fall color. We've had a mixed bag this fall, but the colors definitely aren't disappointing!

10/09/2026

We have a few open spots on our Board of Directors! Joining the Board is a powerful way to support our work in the Youghiogheny River watershed.

Board members typically serve 3-year terms, and they can continue to renew terms if interested. Board meetings typically take place the last Wednesday of every other month at 6:30 pm with options to join virtually or in-person.

If you're interested in joining this dynamic group, or would like more information, please email Sarah Rowe at [email protected] by Monday October 12.

10/08/2026

The annual Yough Defense Party is a celebration of our beloved Youghiogheny River watershed. As Mountain Watershed Association’s largest annual fundraiser, the party helps advance and sustain critical projects in our watershed.

🍺Join MWA on Thursday November 19, at Falls City Pub in Ohiopyle, PA from 4 pm – 11 pm. 🍺

We’ll have live music from bands in our watershed, free snacks, door prizes, a silent auction full of local art and outdoor gear, and new MWA merchandise for sale!

We can’t wait to celebrate and Defend the Yough with you this fall!

Tickets at mtwatershed.com/events

10/08/2026

Important webinar on the Kammer-Juniata electric line coming up!

The proposed electric line project will run through Indiana County, affect landowners across southwestern Pennsylvania, and serve as a key building block for powering data centers. Residents would pay for it through their utility bills.

Join Protect PT, Mountain Watershed Association, and Center for Coalfield Justice on OCTOBER 13TH at 7PM for a webinar about the proposed Kammer-Juniata Electric Line.

RSVP here: https://protectpt.info/kjmeeting

This webinar will include context for the proposal, presentations from two speakers, and time to answer your questions.

Elizabeth Marx, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, will join Darryl Lawrence, who serves as the Consumer Advocate of Pennsylvania, to discuss the proposed high-powered electric line.