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Monthly Meeting Schedule (open to public) October 2, 2008 - Wildlands Conservancy - 6:15pm (Lehigh River Trout Work Group only)
May 29, 2006 On May 22 the Lehigh Coldwater Fishery Alliance was fortunate enough to entertain our Flow Plan partners for a day on the river. After all was said and done it was a perfect day on the water with many fish being caught and the potential of this fishery was really seen first hand! The LCFA very much appreciates the efforts of all those who shared the river with us. Thank you!
Front left to right: Fred Osifat, PFBC Commissioner, Seventh District;
Dr. Doug Austin, Executive Director, PFBC; April 19, 2006 Francis E. Walter Dam water release plan for 2006 is modified PHILADELPHIA (April 19, 2006): The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is modifying the 2006 short-term flow management plan for Francis E. Walter Dam by reducing outflows to compensate for lower than expected inflows. As previously announced, the 2006 plan indicated that the Corps would begin storage at Walter Dam by April 1 to achieve a targeted recreational pool elevation of 1,365 feet by May 13. Due to the hydrologic conditions we actually started to store water March 8, which based on the historical record (going back 45 years) would have brought us close to that targeted elevation by now. However, we have only reached 1,346 feet, which translates to little more than half of the additional storage needed. To make up this deficit, the coordinating agencies have decided to modify
the 2006 plan, which had called for passing inflow on the weekends and
releasing at least 250 cubic feet per second on All other aspects of the 2006 plan beyond May 13 remain unchanged. (For
an overview of the
February 19, 2006 Pasted below are the general guidelines for the 2006 Army Corps Flow Plan. Find out more about the 2006 Plan here.
January 21, 2006
December 19, 2005 Lehigh Coldwater Fishery Alliance Seeks Colder Water for Trout Below Dam In 1961 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a dam for flood control on the Lehigh River near White Haven in northeastern Pennsylvania. They called it the Francis E. Walter Dam. In 2005 an access road inside the dam and running along the breast was relocated to the top of the dam breast. With this road relocation, a tremendous opportunity exists to enhance the downstream fishery, as well as whitewater rafting and boating in the larger lake. The lake level can now be elevated creating the potential for a constant flow and a tremendous coldwater fishery below. Since the dam is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Flood Control Project, a study needs to be conducted by the Corps prior to any operational changes with the reservoir. This study requires sponsorship by a non-federal agency. The Lehigh Coldwater Fishery Alliance was created for just that purpose. According to Dean Druckenmiller, President, "The Lehigh Coldwater Fishery Alliance plans to work with agencies involved and seek the funding needed to conduct a study that investigates different lake elevations and release situations required to support a self-sustaining population of wild trout along with guaranteed whitewater releases." The coldwater fishery has the potential to extend downstream 50 miles or more, depending on the elevation of the water in the reservoir Says Dean, "With approximately 25 million people living within 100 miles of the river, we have a great opportunity to provide a fantastic recreational experience." The outcome of this study will determine the necessary measures required to enhance both the trout fishery and whitewater opportunities on the Lehigh River, as well as improve the overall health and ecology of the river. Of special importance is that these studies will never lose sight of the primary purpose of the Francis E. Walter dam, which is flood control. Dean adds, "In an age when we must make the most of our resources, the opportunity exists to develop a multipurpose recreation destination and improve the quality of life for many, as well as have a tremendous positive economic impact on the entire Lehigh River watershed." The Lehigh Coldwater Fishery Alliance’s mission is to obtain a consistent release of cold water (55 degrees) from the Francis E. Walter Reservoir through the better utilization of reservoir’s storage capacity and discharge options, in an effort to improve overall flows, protect habitat and enhance the Lehigh River’s wild trout fishery. For more information visit the website http://www.thelehighriver.org The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited is working closely with the Lehigh Coldwater Fishery Alliance to secure a release regime that will promote the wild trout fishery in the Lehigh River. Following its fall meeting, the council sent a letter to Congressman Dent encouraging a study on developing a coldwater fishery in the river.
LCFA would like to express our thanks to the following groups/organizations that have submitted a letter to Congressman Charlie Dent (http://dent.house.gov/) supporting the Army Corps Wild Trout Fishery Study on the Lehigh River: Lehigh River Stocking Association - www.lrsa.org Wildlands Conservancy - www.wildlandspa.org Wildife Information Center - www.wildlifeinfo.org Carbon County Economic Development Office - www.carbonecon.com/index.shtml Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited - www.patrout.org Western Pocono Trout Unlimited Stanely Cooper Trout Unlimited - www.sctu.org Old Lehigh Outfitters - www.oldlehighoutfitters.com Fly Fish PA - www.flyfishpa.net Wilderness Trekker/Lehigh Gap Outfitters - www.wildernesstrekker.com Evening Hatch Fly Shop - www.eveninghatch.com Sporting Gentlemen Fly Shop - www.sportinggentleman.com Tulpehocken Creek Outfitters - www.tcoflyfishing.com Delco-Manning Chapter Trout Unlimited
October 26, 2005
October 12, 2005
September 18, 2005
August 14, 2005
Lehigh Coldwater Fishery Alliance President, Dean Druckenmiller; Board Member, Bob Bachman; and Officer, Jake Markezin, were all in attendance for the Road Opening Ceremony at Francis E Walter back on July 6. This event celebrated the newly constructed road across the breast of the Francis E Walter Dam. The event was hosted by the Army Corps Philly District and was attended by quite a few dignitaries including Congressman Paul Kanjorski. Finally after 44 years the Corps does not need to evacuate water from FEW to keep the 'lower dam road' open. In the past, prior to this year, any lake elevation above 1,309' would inundate the 'lower lake road,' forcing it to close. This was one of the reasons water could never be stored for extended periods of time as well as for recreational purposes. That was all to change this year, but due to an extended dry period, very little water has been able to be captured. Coldwater has not been able to set-up, and whitewater releases have had to be canceled or cut back. To date the 2005 Plan's proposed target numbers have been thrown out the window.
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