S
Smike
Member
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2011
- Messages
- 233
The 2016 Public comment meeting for consideration for 2017 FEW Dam's Water Release Plan on the Lehigh will be Oct. 18 at the White Haven Area Community Library at 99 Towanda St, White Haven, PA 18661.
http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/932483/army-corps-to-hold-public-comment-meeting-for-fe-walter-dam-recreation-plan/
Having FF folks in attendance in the past has been instrumental in ensuring that the plan is as fair and equitable for fishing conservation. The white water groups and business’s will be there as well, and we need to make sure our voices are heard as well. The Lehigh had one of the best fishing seasons this past spring that most can every remember, and I can personally attest to the fact that the wild fish have made it through the harsh summer due in part to the minimal flow releases by the flow plan.
I don't speak for the Lehigh River Cold Water Alliance, but based on being at the meeting last year and the results of this year I would propose the following:
I would say this year was a success for the conservation side of the plan. (at least based on available water)
Successes from this year:
1. Army Corps sticking to the minimum flow plan, (using storage to increase the flow by 100CFS) which helped tremendously in the low water levels.
2. Army Corps constant communications on upcoming changes to flow and flow plans
Here is what I would asked for in 2017:
1. Consider any methods possible to conserve the cold water pool for as long as possible. (Use of the bypass gates when feasible)
2. Reduce low water fluctuations during Sept-Oct to help keep water levels up for spawning trout.
3. Coordination with Beltzville Dam to allow cold water release to help mitigate stream temps (i.e. reduce wasted cold water release from Beltzville during high water releases from F.E.W.) Releasing surplus over longer periods from Beltzville to have longer effects.
As for the PAFBC representative in the room, there needs to be more pressure to acknowledge that under current conditions trout just below the dam is mostly a put and take situation, and that the real viable wild trout sustaining waters are further down from the dam (think Lehigh Gorge to Slatington.) As an example is Penns Creek, abundant wild trout that survive in what could be termed a “cool water” stream as best in summer.
Also the need to protect trout that are seeking refuge in tributaries in summer from high water temps. (Pohopoco being the biggest)
Mike Stanislaw
http://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/932483/army-corps-to-hold-public-comment-meeting-for-fe-walter-dam-recreation-plan/
Having FF folks in attendance in the past has been instrumental in ensuring that the plan is as fair and equitable for fishing conservation. The white water groups and business’s will be there as well, and we need to make sure our voices are heard as well. The Lehigh had one of the best fishing seasons this past spring that most can every remember, and I can personally attest to the fact that the wild fish have made it through the harsh summer due in part to the minimal flow releases by the flow plan.
I don't speak for the Lehigh River Cold Water Alliance, but based on being at the meeting last year and the results of this year I would propose the following:
I would say this year was a success for the conservation side of the plan. (at least based on available water)
Successes from this year:
1. Army Corps sticking to the minimum flow plan, (using storage to increase the flow by 100CFS) which helped tremendously in the low water levels.
2. Army Corps constant communications on upcoming changes to flow and flow plans
Here is what I would asked for in 2017:
1. Consider any methods possible to conserve the cold water pool for as long as possible. (Use of the bypass gates when feasible)
2. Reduce low water fluctuations during Sept-Oct to help keep water levels up for spawning trout.
3. Coordination with Beltzville Dam to allow cold water release to help mitigate stream temps (i.e. reduce wasted cold water release from Beltzville during high water releases from F.E.W.) Releasing surplus over longer periods from Beltzville to have longer effects.
As for the PAFBC representative in the room, there needs to be more pressure to acknowledge that under current conditions trout just below the dam is mostly a put and take situation, and that the real viable wild trout sustaining waters are further down from the dam (think Lehigh Gorge to Slatington.) As an example is Penns Creek, abundant wild trout that survive in what could be termed a “cool water” stream as best in summer.
Also the need to protect trout that are seeking refuge in tributaries in summer from high water temps. (Pohopoco being the biggest)
Mike Stanislaw
