The Tohickon Creek watershed in Bucks County, Pennsylvania covers approximately 112 square miles and is notable for its diverse land uses, rich historical background, and ecological significance. Its population is distributed among rural communities and small boroughs, with Quakertown being the largest settlement along its course. An estimated 45,600 people call the watershed home. Today, recreation, eco-tourism, and agriculture lead local economic activities. The watershed includes portions of Springfield, Richland, Haycock, East Rockhill, Nockamixon, Tinicum, Bedminster, Plumstead Townships, Richlandtown and Quakertown Boroughs.
Land Use and Ecosystem Significance:
· The watershed is predominantly forested (between 57% and 66%), with significant agricultural lands (around 25–37%), limited urban development (about 4%), and scattered wetlands.
· The geological foundation is mostly igneous diabase bedrock and shale, accounting for unique habitats and less intensive development due to earth work constraints. High Rocks County Park features a 150-foot sheer rock face with spectacular views of the Tohickon Creek Gorge.
· Land based recreation opportunities are plentiful in Lake Nockamixon State Park, Lake Towhee County park, Ralph Stover State Park, High Rocks, and Tohickon Valley County Park.
· Its confluence with the Lower Delaware River is a designated part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system, underscoring its recreational and scenic value.
· The Tohickon watershed lies in the southern reaches of the Highlands region, spanning 3.4 million acres across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. The Highlands iconic landscape is distinguished by Appalachian ridges, hills and plateaus. It is marked by deciduous and coniferous forests, streams and lakes, and working farms.
· Open water recreation like fishing, birding, and boating are centralized at Lake Nockamixon (1,450-acre reservoir), and Lake Towhee, (50-acre shallow, man-made lake).
Challenges for the Watershed:
| Threat | Description | Example Impact |
| Water Quality | Impairments from agriculture, sewage, runoff | Nutrient/sediment overload, dissolved oxygen drop |
| Hydrology Alteration | Dam reduces summer flows, raises temps, releases anoxic water | Loss of cold-water habitat, benthic diversity decline |
| Development Pressure | New quarries, subdivisions, impervious surfaces | Runoff/siltation, pollution, habitat fragmentation |
| Climate Change | Increased temp, flood/drought extremes | Aquatic habitat loss, more frequent impairment |
| Infrastructure Issues | Old bridges, culverts disrupt stream/habitat | Barrier to species movement, altered flow regime |
