Background:

The Pocopson Creek and Browning Barn Watersheds comprise a 9.19 square mile catchment area in Newlin, Pocopson, Pennsbury and East Marlborough Townships. According to the 2016 PADEP Integrated List of Impaired waters, the majority of the Watershed is impaired for siltation due to agriculture, urban runoff, and storm sewers. BRC completed a Watershed Assessment Report in 2025 for these watersheds that included water quality testing at 10 sites, review of existing maps and data and meetings with municipalities and conservation organizations working in the watershed. The Pocopson and Browning Barn Watershed Restoration Plan (2025) uses the assessment data to identify potential restoration projects to improve water quality with a focus on floodplain restoration, riparian buffer enhancement, streambank stabilization, agricultural best management practices, and fish habitat improvement.

Activity Summary:

• 2024, PADEP Growing Greener Grant secured to fund the assessment and restoration planning phases.
• 2024 sampled 10 sites for water quality base-line data.
• 2025 Watershed Assessment Report and Restoration Plan completed
• November 6, 2025 public presentation of assessment and restoration plan
• 2024 and 2025 completed agricultural projects at Baily’s Dairy Farm including: livestock fencing to keep 85 cows out of Pocopson Creek and two headwater wetland/springs, installed three livestock crossings and installed barnyard gutters to prevent manure from polluting stormwater run-off.

Maps and Restoration Plan:

• View map of Pocopson WatershedPocopson Creek_Restoration Plan_3Nov25
• Pocopson Creek_Assessment Report_10Dec25

• Pocopson Creek_Restoration Plan_3Nov25

• Pocopson Watershed Presentation 11-6-25
• APPENDIX A_Restoration Plan Map_13Aug25