The Kiskiminetas-Conemaugh river basin flows through scenic mountainous country that forms the heart of the historic
coal-producing areas of western Pennsylvania. Before the Dam was constructed, the town of
Livermore served the area between Blairsville and Saltsburg as an important stop along the former canal, as well as the railroad. The watershed is considered among the most degraded in the state, largely from abandoned mine drainages. The recovery of the river has been an important ongoing
ecological management project of state and private agencies. == Communities ==