Quinn Run facts for kids

Quinn Run is a small stream located in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. It flows into Heberly Run. The stream is about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long. It runs through Davidson Township, Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. The area of land that drains into Quinn Run, called its watershed, is about 2.31 square miles (6.0 km²).

The water in Quinn Run is a bit acidic. This is mainly because of air pollution. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is working to fix this issue. You can find interesting rock types like the Huntley Mountain Formation and Burgoon Sandstone along its path. The soil around the stream includes types like Deep-Wellsboro-Oquaga. There are also some beautiful waterfalls on the stream.

The Stream's Journey

Quinn Run starts in the northern part of Davidson Township. It flows southeast for a short distance. Then, it turns south and goes into a valley.

After flowing for a while, the stream turns east-southeast. Here, another stream called Shanty Run joins it. About 0.4 miles (0.64 km) further downstream, Quinn Run meets Heberly Run. This meeting point is just before Lewis Falls.

Quinn Run joins Heberly Run about 1.40 miles (2.25 km) upstream from Heberly Run's own mouth.

Water Quality

When Quinn Run flows normally, about 1111 gallons of water pass by each minute. The amount of aluminum in the water is very small. The pH level, which tells us how acidic or basic the water is, is usually 5.75.

Sometimes, the water in Quinn Run becomes more acidic than usual. This is called episodic acidification. However, the stream is not completely lacking in substances that help balance its acidity.

Quinn Run's water quality is considered "good" when the flow is normal. But when there's a lot of water, like after heavy rain, the quality can become "very poor." Experts have suggested ways to make the water better. These ideas include adding special wetlands at the stream's start. They also suggest adding lime to the forest ground or to roads.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection believes that Quinn Run's water quality is affected by air pollution. This is because of the stream's pH level.

Land and Rocks

The land near where Quinn Run meets Heberly Run is about 1,466 feet (447 m) above sea level. Where the stream begins, the elevation is higher, between 2,280 feet (690 m) and 2,300 feet (700 m).

Most of Quinn Run flows over rocks from the Huntley Mountain Formation. However, the very top part of the stream flows over rocks from the Burgoon Sandstone formation. You can see some rocks sticking out of the ground in the area.

Most of the soil around Quinn Run is called the Deep-Wellsboro-Oquaga soil association. But the soil near the stream's beginning is from the Oquaga and Morris associations. All these soils are quite acidic.

Stream Area

The total area that drains water into Quinn Run is 2.31 square miles (6.0 km²). The entire stream is located within Pennsylvania State Game Lands. There are also several beautiful waterfalls along the stream.

You cannot reach Quinn Run by a regular road. However, you can get there using a four-wheel drive vehicle. There is also an old tram road that goes up the stream's valley.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has marked Quinn Run as important for aquatic life. This means it's a good home for fish and other water creatures.

Stream History

Efforts to restore Quinn Run, along with its tributary Shanty Run, are part of a bigger plan. This plan is called the East Branch Fishing Creek Restoration Plan. This part of the plan is the second phase.

It is estimated to cost about $300,000. This makes it the second most expensive part of the whole restoration project.