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In July 2021, a significant transformation began on Bushkill Creek in Pennsylvania. The removal of Crayola Dam, which was was officially completed on September 29, 2022, marked the start of a journey to restore this beloved waterway to its natural state.
Now, in September 2023, as we commemorate the one-year anniversary of this remarkable undertaking, we reflect on the importance of preserving high-quality, cold-water fisheries in urban environments and eagerly anticipate the continued restoration work on Bushkill Creek in the years ahead.
Bushkill Creek originates at the base of Blue Mountain in Bushkill Township and meanders for 22 miles until it joins the Delaware River. This limestone stream flows through a diverse landscape, encompassing agricultural and suburban areas, as well as the city of Easton. It is not only a vital water resource but also a sanctuary for a thriving population of wild brown trout. Designated as a “high quality, cold-water fishery,” Bushkill Creek holds a special place in the hearts of anglers and the surrounding community.
The journey to restore Bushkill Creek evolved over a decade of collaboration between Princeton Hydro and the Wildlands Conservancy. This partnership has focused on multiple dam removal projects in the Lehigh River Valley, each aimed at reestablishing aquatic habitats, enhancing recreational opportunities, and revitalizing economically stressed urban communities.
In particular, Princeton Hydro took the lead in designing and permitting the removal of eight consecutive barriers on Jordan Creek and two low-head dams on Little Lehigh Creek. These projects resulted in the reconnection of miles of river, an improvement in aquatic habitats, and enhanced recreational fishing opportunities in Allentown, PA.
The success of these barrier removals set the stage for a more ambitious project in 2018, as Princeton Hydro joined forces with the Wildlands Conservancy to tackle four privately and publicly owned dams, including three consecutive dams on Bushkill Creek in Easton, PA. These projects became a blueprint for future dam removals throughout the Delaware and Lehigh Valley Watersheds, serving as a model for landowners and municipalities.
The combined barrier removals were part of a larger watershed-wide effort to enhance aquatic connectivity, fisheries, and wildlife habitats. These initiatives restored fish passage, reduced nonpoint source pollution, improved water quality, and reinstated groundwater recharge capacity. They also played a crucial role in stabilizing and restoring the stream’s channels and banks.
The successful execution of these dam removal projects was no small feat. Princeton Hydro’s comprehensive approach included site investigations, field surveys, sediment analysis, hydraulic assessments, regulatory coordination, community engagement, design planning, permit applications, cost estimates, and construction oversight. RiverLogic Solutions LLC, the construction contractor selected for the Dam #4 removal, completed the project in line with design plans and permit waiver requirements.
The result was the official removal of the Crayola Dam, also known as Dam #4, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of Bushkill Creek.
Click below to watch the construction crew taking down Dam #4:
As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Dam #4 removal, we also look ahead to the next phases of this restoration journey. The demolition and removal of Dam #1 commenced on July 7, 2023 and was completed in August. Dam #3 is scheduled for demolition and removal later this year. And, the fourth barrier, Dam #2, is scheduled for removal in the summer of 2024. Additionally, there is a fifth dam on Bushkill Creek that Wildlands Conservancy is pursuing for removal. Stay tuned for more info!
As we move forward, we are excited about the future of Bushkill Creek and the positive impact its restoration will continue to have on both the surrounding community and beyond.
Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and/or overseen the removal of 80+ small and large dams in the Northeast. For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has partnered with Wildlands Conservancy to remove dams in the Lehigh River Valley. To learn more about our fish passage and dam removal engineering services, click here. To learn more about Wildlands Conservancy, click here.
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