On February 17th, The Army Corps of Engineers announced its plans for operation of their dam that regulates the Lehigh River, for the 2006 recreation season.  The plan includes increasing storage in the reservoir to enhance their ability to provide both base flows and whitewater releases.  The plan calls for scheduled recreational releases every other weekend ffrom mid-May through September, with the possiblity of additional releases in October. 

These enhancements are the result of a long process that lead the ACOE to test an improved flow regime last year for the first time.  2006 will add significantly enhance the 2005 trial season, and future enhancements are also likely.  American Whitewater, the Lehigh Valley Canoe Club, the Kayak and Canoe Club of New York, and other boating groups helped initiate the process and remain active participants.  The ACOE has adopted a commendably collaborative approach to optimizing the management of the Lehigh River, and deserve credit for being open to change and to involving all stakeholders.   

The ACOE is accepting public comments on the plan through their website (or mail). 

Read the ACOE press release for more information:  http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Projects/FEWalter/2006%20Public%20Notice.pdf

To write submit comments or view other related documents, visit the ACOE Lehigh Management site:  http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Projects/FEWalter/index.htm