“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”   Margaret Mead

Mission Statement:

The TCCCC is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) corporation dedicated to protecting and improving the environment.

Specific Objectives:

1. Education of the public about environmental concerns and issues.
2. Promotion of sound environmental practices.
3. Fostering environmental awareness.
4. Promotion of sound conservation practices.
5. Promotion of reclamation of lands and waterways that have suffered environmental degradation.

Background:

The Tioga County Concerned Citizens Committee, Inc. (TCCCC) was formed in 1984 to address environmental issues impacting our community. In 2000, representatives from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) approached the TCCCC requesting assistance with implementing a restoration plan for the Upper Tioga River Watershed that was under development. In 2002, the members of the TCCCC voted to partner with the Hillside Rod & Gun Club to work together to reclaim the Upper Tioga River Watershed so that it once again supports aquatic life including stocked trout.  The SRBC report titled “Watershed Assessment & Remediation Strategy for Abandoned Mine Drainage in the Upper Tioga River Watershed” is our guide for this reclamation effort. As a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, the TCCCC is eligible for government grants and can seek other sources of funding for watershed reclamation projects.

Our goals are:

1. Improve water quality in the mainstem of the Tioga River so that it once again supports aquatic life and stocked trout, creating recreational fishing opportunities
2. Improve the water quality impounded in Tioga Lake so that the US Army Corps of Engineers can change their operating procedures to impound water for water storage and low flow periods
3. Improve, over time, the health and appearance of the River corridor through the reduction/elimination of mineral deposits. Deposits of iron, manganese, and aluminum, have been accumulating in the River corridor for many years.  These deposits have destroyed the habitat for macroinvertebrates, which are bugs that can be seen with the naked eye, that would normally make their homes in rocks, leaves, and sediment of the riverbed.  As the AMD pollution is reduced, the natural action of the river flow will, over time, clean the riverbed and reestablish the habitat. The natural, healthy appearance of the Tioga River will ultimately be restored.