Historical Facts
In the early days of Elk County, lumbering was the king of industries and Big Mill Creek was bustling with activity. In 1849, Laurel Mill was built on Big Mill Creek and was a thriving small community by the late 1890’s. Houses and other structures were located on both sides of the stream. This area is now known as the Sandy Beach Recreational Park.
Logs were brought to Laurel Mill on the waters of Mill Creek through a series of splash dams. Logs were cut and lumber was carted to Ridgway or transported by small rafts to the Clarion River, the Allegheny River, or points beyond. The mill was operated for around 50 years, closing in 1909.
Records indicate in the mid 1900’s, water quality in Big Mill Creek supported a wild trout fishery (Brown, Brook & Rainbow), as well as stocked trout. The record of this valued fishery is documented in the PA Fish & Boat Commission files dating back into the 1940’s. A review of this record reveals a long term and progressive acidification to Big Mill Creek and its tributaries. pH levels and fish populations have been declining, and several fish kills have been recorded after spring stocking, due to spring rains and snow melts.