The Mountain Watershed Association was formed in 1994 in response to a deep mine proposal in the Indian Creek Watershed. After the proposal was defeated, citizens decided to form an organization dedicated to cleaning up from years of irresponsible mining practices in the watershed.

Since 1994, MWA has built 4 treatment systems and completed many other projects that have dramatically improved water quality in the Indian Creek Watershed. Projects 5 and 6 are currently in the pipeline. In 2004 MWA petitioned the International Waterkeeper Alliance to become home of the Youghiogheny Riverkeeper, and our vision has since expanded into the larger Youghiogheny River Watershed.

Indian Creek originates in Forbes State Forest, near the crest of the west flank of Laurel Hill, and flows in a westerly direction along the Pennsylvania Turnpike for approximately four miles. Indian Creek then begins a southwesterly journey through Romney and continues south to Indian Head. Indian Creek meanders another four miles to the Mill Run water supply reservoir, spilling over the reservoir and beginning its steep decent toward its confluence with the Youghiogheny River in Connellsville.

Indian Creek flows through a broad valley consisting of farms, villages, and wood lots. This valley is located between the prominent ridges of Laurel Hill and Chestnut Ridge. Laurel Hill is mostly forested; while Chestnut Ridge has farms and wood lots.

There are at least twenty-one named tributaries flowing into Indian Creek. The eastern tributaries include Little Run, Camp Run, Roaring Run, Back Creek, Buck Creek, and Mill Run. The eastern tributaries originate on Laurel Hill and flow in narrow, steep-sided channels through forested, mountainous terrain. The western tributaries include Champion Creek, Poplar Run, Stoney Run, Wash Run, and Rasler Run. The western tributaries generally flow through more dissected, gently rolling hills comprised of farm land, surface mines, scattered villages, rural houses, and wood lots.

For more information on the Indian Creek Watershed, read the Indian Creek Rivers Conservation Plan, completed for the Mountain Watershed Association on December 1, 2002.