Mountain Streams

Begun in 1970 under the guidance of WPC President Josh Whetzel, the Mountain Streams project is a tract of rugged mountain land along the west slope of Laurel Ridge from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the Fayette County line.  Three crystal-clear streams tumble through dark, forested valleys rich in wildflowers and wildlife.

Aided by a major grant from the Allegheny Foundation of Pittsburgh, the Conservancy acquired 9,600 acres of this wild land and conveyed it to the Commonwealth for inclusion in Forbes State Forest.  A 3,500-acre section of the Mountain Streams project has been designated the Roaring Run Natural Area.

Stretching between the forested flanks of Laurel and Chestnut ridges in Westmoreland County, the Ligonier Valley features rolling farmland, scenic vistas, historic structures, clear streams and the charming town of Ligonier. Since the late 1970s, WPC has been working to conserve the unique character of the valley. WPC’s Mountain Streams project added 9,600 acres of the Roaring Run watershed to Forbes State Forest on the west flank of Laurel Ridge, and more than 6,600 acres of private land have been protected through conservation easements. This long history of conservation success has grown from a shared vision and cooperative spirit between WPC and many landowners in the valley.

Mike Kuzemchak began working as the Ligonier Valley Program Coordinator in 2004. In this role, Mike expands WPC’s efforts to protect the scenic and natural values in the Ligonier Valley. He works closely with the Ligonier community to advance shared protection goals, such as securing easements and identifying opportunities to purchase land and sell to conservation buyers. Additionally, Mike is forging partnerships to support collaborative efforts that protect the quality of life in the Ligonier Valley.