Support Needed for Lehigh Releases (Updated)
The Lehigh River below the Francis E. Walter dam runs through a scenic gorge containing 26 miles
of Class II-III whitewater. For the last five years Pennsylvania Senator Stuart Greenleaf has
worked closely with American Whitewater, local outfitters and paddling clubs to relocate a
low-lying road on the upstream face of the dam. This will increase the project's managed storage
capacity and give the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers additional flexibility to store and release
water.
At a public meeting on Feb. 24th the Corps unveiled their proposed management plan. It includes a
five-fold increase in the number of whitewater releases in 2005: a total of 30 750-1000 cfs water
releases between May and October as compared to seven 500-700 cfs releases in a normal year. They
will also increase low-flow augmentation for fisheries enhancement by providing 50% more days
with flows over 250 cfs, a level considered ideal for fish.
View a powerpoint of the proposal at: http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Projects/FEWalter/public_meeting_lehigh_24_feb_2005.pdf
Their proposal has the support by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Delaware River
Basin Commission, and the Lehigh Gorge State Park. American Whitewater strongly supports these
efforts. Managing dams is a significant burden with public responsibilities. The
enhancements proposed by the ACOE will enhance the ecological and recreational benefits
of the dam and will better mitigate the dam's impacts.
The proposed 2005 whitewater release schedule is as follows:
May 7-8;14-15; 21-22; 28-29
June 4-5, 11-12; 18-19; 25-26
July 2-3; July 23-24 August 6-7; 20-21
September 3-4; 17-18
October 1-2
The Corps is looking for public comments on this plan and it is vital for interested paddlers to
express their support. Short letters saying that you are a paddler with an interest in the river
and you support the proposed release schedule is all that is needed.
Please don't put this off! Various elements, local and statewide, are not friendly to paddlers
and are expected oppose this program.
Please send supporting letters to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Philadelphia District
Attn: Merv Brokke
Wannamaker Building
100 Penn Square East
Philadelpia, PA 19107
Email: Mervin.e.brokke@usace.army.mil
Subject: Francis E. Walter Dam Flow Management
For more information, view the ACOE website: http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Projects/FEWalter/index.htm
Kevin Colburn
302 Donnybrook Dr
Asheville, NC 28806-9518