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For the first time in over 200 years, the lower Bushkill Creek is now free-flowing and fully reconnected with the Delaware River and, ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. This tremendous achievement signals a turning point for the ecological health of the Bushkill Creek watershed, supporting the passage of migratory fish species, bolstering ecologically beneficial freshwater mussel populations, reconnecting river habitats that benefit fish and wildlife, and enhancing water quality across the Delaware River Basin, which provides drinking water to millions of people.
"This significant, yearslong restoration effort exemplifies the power of conservation partnerships to achieve profound ecological impact,” said Princeton Hydro President and Founding Principal Geoffrey M. Goll, PE “The restored Bushkill Creek is more than a reconnected waterway—it is a revitalized natural resource that enhances biodiversity, supports community recreation, and contributes to the local economy in sustainable ways.”




Restoring Bushkill Creek’s Natural Flow
Bushkill Creek begins at the foot of Blue Mountain in Bushkill Township, Pennsylvania, and flows for 22 miles through agricultural and suburban areas, including Easton. The limestone stream supports a thriving wild brown trout population and is designated as a “high-quality, cold-water fishery” cherished by anglers and the local community.
Since 2021, Wildlands Conservancy has led the charge to remove five aging dams along Bushkill Creek. While these structures once served industrial and community functions, they had become barriers to fish migration, disrupted the creek’s natural flow, and contributed to localized flooding and water quality issues. Now, with these obstacles cleared, Bushkill Creek flows freely from its headwaters to its confluence with the Delaware River.
The map below, created by the Wildlands Conservancy, shows the locations of four dam removals on Bushkill Creek:
Along the creek, the removal of Dam #2 signifies a momentous occasion in its restoration journey, representing the most recent advancement in dam removal efforts.





The Power of Partnerships in Restoring Bushkill Creek
Led by the Wildlands Conservancy, the restoration of Bushkill Creek involved more than 20 stakeholders, including the Delaware River Basin Commission, Lafayette College, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Princeton Hydro.
In a press release from the Wildlands Conservancy, President Christopher Kocher, praised the collaborative effort, stating, “This yearslong effort is a win for clean water for all the communities living in connection with the Bushkill Creek. It’s a wonderful example of the power of partnerships, and what community can do for community when nonprofits, local government, and state and federal agencies pool ideas and resources to invest in our treasured natural areas.”
To celebrate this tremendous accomplishment, Wildlands Conservancy, project partners, funders, and community volunteers gathered on October 15, 2024, at Lafayette College’s Karl Stirner Arts Trail.
[gallery link="none" ids="15946,15945,15944"]
The event included a volunteer-powered wildflower planting to complete the restoration work at this site, where Dam #1, formerly owned by Lafayette College, had been removed in 2023 with the support of Princeton Hydro. Spanning 90 feet in length and standing 4 feet high, the dam had severely obstructed fish passage, contributed to local flooding, and impaired water quality over time. The college enthusiastically supported the dam's removal, dedicating substantial resources to see the project to completion.
[gallery link="none" ids="15931,15929,15934"]

*Event photos provided by the Wildlands Conservancy and the Delaware River Basin Commission.


Wildlands Conservancy, a non-profit land trust based in eastern Pennsylvania, is dedicated to the restoration of degraded stream and wildlife habitats, with a primary focus on the Lehigh Valley and the extensive Lehigh River watershed, which spans 1,345 square miles, eventually merging with the Delaware River. For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has been a steadfast partner to Wildlands Conservancy in their mission, collaborating on multiple dam removal projects in the Delaware River Watershed.
Interested in learning more about how Bushkill Creek was transformed, dam by dam? Click here for an in-depth look at the journey to restore Bushkill Creek through successive dam removals.
                    [post_title] => Update from the Field: Bushkill Creek Restored to Its Natural Free-Flowing State
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The removal of Bushkill Creek Dam #2 is now underway, marking yet another remarkable milestone in the rejuvenation of this treasured limestone stream. This achievement comes on the heels of four successfully completed dam removals since 2021, highlighting the swift progress in the revitalization efforts for Bushkill Creek.
This latest endeavor holds immense significance in facilitating the passage of migratory fish species, such as alewife and American shad, to vital upstream spawning grounds. It contributes to the recovery of ecologically-beneficial freshwater mussels and the bolstering of populations of trout and other resident fish species. And, it marks another important step in returning Bushkill Creek to its natural, free-flowing state.
During a recent site visit, Princeton Hydro President and Founding Principal Geoffrey M. Goll, P.E. took a moment to reflect on the years of hard work that have culminated in this significant milestone. Watch now:
[embed]https://youtu.be/bZs0jn6dBcQ[/embed]

 
In 2022, Wildlands Conservancy enlisted the expertise of Princeton Hydro to embark on a mission to remove four dams along Bushkill Creek. The successful removal of the Crayola Dam, also known as Dam #4, marked the beginning of this transformative journey. Subsequently, in 2023, Dams #1 and #3 were dismantled. Now, we celebrate the commencement of the removal of Dam #2.
The map below shows the locations of all four dam removal locations on the Bushkill Creek:


Bushkill Creek flows 22-miles through agricultural and suburban landscape before converging with the Delaware River. Dam #2, situated upstream from the Creek’s confluence with the Delaware River, obstructed fish passage, exacerbated local flooding, and degraded water quality, much like its counterparts. Its removal represents a significant leap forward in the restoration of Bushkill Creek's ecological health.
[gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="15123,15124"]
The ongoing restoration of Bushkill Creek is a testament to the dedication of over 20 stakeholders, including, but not limited to, Wildlands Conservancy, the Delaware River Basin Commission, Lafayette College, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Princeton Hydro.
Funding for the projects has stemmed from various sources, including a settlement following a fly ash spill from the Martins Creek Power Plant in 2005. This settlement, coupled with contributions from organizations like NFWF’s Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund and Northampton County’s Livable Landscapes program, propelled the initiative forward.
As we celebrate the start of removing Bushkill Creek Dam #2, we anticipate continued progress in the revitalization of this vital waterway. Each dam removed brings us closer to realizing the vision of a thriving, free-flowing Bushkill Creek, benefitting both the environment and local communities.
To read more about the dam removal successes on Bushkill Creek, click here. And, be sure to stay tuned for further updates!


Wildlands Conservancy, a non-profit land trust based in eastern Pennsylvania, is dedicated to the restoration of degraded stream and wildlife habitats, with a primary focus on the Lehigh Valley and the extensive Lehigh River watershed. Spanning 1,345 square miles, this watershed eventually merges with the Delaware River.
For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has been a steadfast partner to Wildlands Conservancy in their mission, collaborating on multiple dam removal projects in the Lehigh River Valley. With expertise in design, permitting, and oversight, Princeton Hydro has played a pivotal role in the removal of over 80 small and large dams/barriers across the Northeast.
To explore Princeton Hydro's comprehensive fish passage and dam removal engineering services, click here. For more information about Wildlands Conservancy and their conservation efforts, click here.

                    [post_title] => Bushkill Creek's Journey Continues: Celebrating the Fourth Dam Removal in Three Years
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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.


[caption id="attachment_13659" align="aligncenter" width="566"] September 2023: Bushkill Creek One Year After the Removal of Crayola Dam (aka Dam #4)[/caption]

The Beauty of Bushkill Creek
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.

A Decade of Partnership
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.
[gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13666,14261"]
A Model for Progress
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.

A Comprehensive Approach
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:

[embed]https://youtu.be/2FNCNX0-qu0[/embed]

 

[gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13663,13660"]
Looking Ahead
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.


[caption id="attachment_13657" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Bushkill Creek - One Year After the Removal of Dam #4 (September 2023)[/caption]

 
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.
                    [post_title] => Celebrating the One-Year Anniversary of the Crayola Dam Removal on Bushkill Creek
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In a momentous occasion for environmental conservation, a dam removal on Bushkill Creek is underway, building upon a new era for this cherished limestone stream.
This dam removal marks another important milestone in restoring Bushkill Creek back to its natural, free-flowing state; connecting migratory fish species like alewife and American shad with upstream spawning grounds; and helping to revitalize ecologically-beneficial freshwater mussels colonies and populations of trout and other residential fish species.




Freeing Bushkill Creek One Dam at a Time
Bushkill Creek begins at the foot of Blue Mountain in Bushkill Township, Pennsylvania and flows 22 miles before its confluence with the Delaware River. The limestone stream flows through agricultural and suburban areas, as well as Easton, and supports a large wild brown trout population. It is designated as a “high quality, cold-water fishery” and treasured by anglers and the surrounding community as an important resource in an urban environment.
In 2022, Wildlands Conservancy contracted Princeton Hydro to design, permit, and oversee construction for the removal of four dams along Bushkill Creek. The Crayola Dam, also called Dam #4, was the first of the four dam removal projects to be completed.
The map below shows the location of the next three Bushkill Creek dams being removed:


[caption id="attachment_13253" align="aligncenter" width="571"] Created by Wildlands Conservancy, Contributed by Kurt Bresswein of The Star Ledger[/caption]

 
The demolition and removal of Dam #1 commenced on July 7, 2023 and is scheduled for completion in August. The site labeled as Dam #3 is scheduled for demolition and removal later this year. And, the site labeled as Dam #2, is scheduled for removal in the summer of 2024.
Removing nonfunctional, outdated dams from the Bushkill and allowing the creek to return to a natural, free-flowing state will have myriad ecological benefits.




Removing the Bushkill’s First Barrier
Dam #1, the first barrier on the Bushkill, is located directly upstream from the Creek’s confluence with the Delaware River. Previous to this removal process, Dam #1 was the upstream limit for migratory fish like alewife, striped bass, and shad.
Dam #1 is owned by Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. It spans an impressive length of 90 feet, width of 14 feet, and stands 4-feet high. Having been constructed in 1793, the dam had fallen into a state of disrepair, with crumbling concrete impacting the integrity of the streambank retaining wall. Consequently, the dam and associated impoundment have had detrimental effects on the creek's ecosystem, obstructing fish passage, exacerbating local flooding, and degrading water quality. Professors and students of the College have tried for years to effectuate Bushkill Creek dam removals to improve the aquatic environment.


[caption id="attachment_13174" align="aligncenter" width="694"] View of the Bushkill Dam #1, located in the City of Easton, before the construction crew takes the first notch.[/caption]

 

[gallery link="none" columns="2" ids="13188,13187"]
By removing the dam, the project team aims to improve water quality, restore the creek back to its natural flowing state, reconnect river habitats that benefit fish and wildlife, and significantly increase biodiversity for the surrounding watershed. The project work also includes stabilizing the streambank, expanding riparian buffers, planting native trees and shrubs to filter runoff, and installing in-stream structures to restore fish habitat, which has numerous and far-reaching ecological benefits. It is important to note that the project's scope involves minimal disturbance, impacting less than one acre of land surrounding the dam.
Watch as the construction team makes the first notch in Dam #1:

[embed]https://youtu.be/73Jrssb75pE[/embed]

The removal of this specific dam holds profound promise, heralding a transformative era for the ecological well-being of Bushkill Creek. Signs of improvement were immediately visible as the construction team worked to notch out Dam #1:

[gallery columns="2" link="none" ids="13177,13171"]

[caption id="attachment_13180" align="aligncenter" width="837"] This photo taken on July 12, 2023 (just 5 days after the first notch) shows great progress being made on the Bushkill Dam removal effort.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_13265" align="aligncenter" width="1245"] This photo was taken on July 19, 2023, just 12 days after the first notch.[/caption]



Collaborative Efforts Yield Success
The continued effort to restore Bushkill Creek with the removal of Barrier #1, which has been 10-years in the making, serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication displayed by a diverse array of 20+ stakeholders, including Delaware River Basin Commission, Lafayette College, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Princeton Hydro.
According to the Wildlands Conservancy, the initial natural resource damage assessment funding came following a fly ash spill from the Martins Creek Power Plant in 2005. The settlement, which was reached in 2016, totaled $1.3 million, with $902,150 going to the Delaware River Basin Commission for dam removal projects and $50,000 going to the Commission to manage mussel restoration. Additional funding for the overall project came from NFWF's Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund ($2,049,200), and Northampton County's Livable Landscapes program ($100,000).



Princeton Hydro has designed, permitted, and overseen the reconstruction, repair, and 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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For the first time in over 200 years, the lower Bushkill Creek is now free-flowing and fully reconnected with the Delaware River and, ultimately, the Atlantic Ocean. This tremendous achievement signals a turning point for the ecological health of the Bushkill Creek watershed, supporting the passage of migratory fish species, bolstering ecologically beneficial freshwater mussel populations, reconnecting river habitats that benefit fish and wildlife, and enhancing water quality across the Delaware River Basin, which provides drinking water to millions of people.
"This significant, yearslong restoration effort exemplifies the power of conservation partnerships to achieve profound ecological impact,” said Princeton Hydro President and Founding Principal Geoffrey M. Goll, PE “The restored Bushkill Creek is more than a reconnected waterway—it is a revitalized natural resource that enhances biodiversity, supports community recreation, and contributes to the local economy in sustainable ways.”




Restoring Bushkill Creek’s Natural Flow
Bushkill Creek begins at the foot of Blue Mountain in Bushkill Township, Pennsylvania, and flows for 22 miles through agricultural and suburban areas, including Easton. The limestone stream supports a thriving wild brown trout population and is designated as a “high-quality, cold-water fishery” cherished by anglers and the local community.
Since 2021, Wildlands Conservancy has led the charge to remove five aging dams along Bushkill Creek. While these structures once served industrial and community functions, they had become barriers to fish migration, disrupted the creek’s natural flow, and contributed to localized flooding and water quality issues. Now, with these obstacles cleared, Bushkill Creek flows freely from its headwaters to its confluence with the Delaware River.
The map below, created by the Wildlands Conservancy, shows the locations of four dam removals on Bushkill Creek:
Along the creek, the removal of Dam #2 signifies a momentous occasion in its restoration journey, representing the most recent advancement in dam removal efforts.





The Power of Partnerships in Restoring Bushkill Creek
Led by the Wildlands Conservancy, the restoration of Bushkill Creek involved more than 20 stakeholders, including the Delaware River Basin Commission, Lafayette College, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Princeton Hydro.
In a press release from the Wildlands Conservancy, President Christopher Kocher, praised the collaborative effort, stating, “This yearslong effort is a win for clean water for all the communities living in connection with the Bushkill Creek. It’s a wonderful example of the power of partnerships, and what community can do for community when nonprofits, local government, and state and federal agencies pool ideas and resources to invest in our treasured natural areas.”
To celebrate this tremendous accomplishment, Wildlands Conservancy, project partners, funders, and community volunteers gathered on October 15, 2024, at Lafayette College’s Karl Stirner Arts Trail.
[gallery link="none" ids="15946,15945,15944"]
The event included a volunteer-powered wildflower planting to complete the restoration work at this site, where Dam #1, formerly owned by Lafayette College, had been removed in 2023 with the support of Princeton Hydro. Spanning 90 feet in length and standing 4 feet high, the dam had severely obstructed fish passage, contributed to local flooding, and impaired water quality over time. The college enthusiastically supported the dam's removal, dedicating substantial resources to see the project to completion.
[gallery link="none" ids="15931,15929,15934"]

*Event photos provided by the Wildlands Conservancy and the Delaware River Basin Commission.


Wildlands Conservancy, a non-profit land trust based in eastern Pennsylvania, is dedicated to the restoration of degraded stream and wildlife habitats, with a primary focus on the Lehigh Valley and the extensive Lehigh River watershed, which spans 1,345 square miles, eventually merging with the Delaware River. For over a decade, Princeton Hydro has been a steadfast partner to Wildlands Conservancy in their mission, collaborating on multiple dam removal projects in the Delaware River Watershed.
Interested in learning more about how Bushkill Creek was transformed, dam by dam? Click here for an in-depth look at the journey to restore Bushkill Creek through successive dam removals.
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