In July 2000, Wildlands Conservancy completed the "Little Lehigh Creek Hydro-Modification, Streambank Restoration, Habitat Improvement and Riparian Planting Project." The project was funded with a $29,764.00 "Watershed Restoration and Assistance Program" grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Additional financial, technical, and volunteer support was also provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Dam Safety, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's Survey Section and Division of Research, Little Lehigh Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Rodale Press, Inc. The project is located on Wildlands Conservancy and Pool Wildlife Sanctuary property in Lower Macungie Township, Lehigh County. The project included the removal of a 50-foot wide abandoned, low-head, run-of-the-river dam, the removal of a190 ft. long concrete retaining wall and the grading of 190 linear feet of stream bank. The project also included the planting of 1028 trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants to establish a riparian buffer 11,000 square feet (.25 acres) in area. The primary ecological objectives of this project were to improve the water quality, reduce non-point source pollution, restore migratory fish passage, decrease liability, and improve aquatic and wildlife habitat within and along the Little Lehigh Creek. Education, enhanced recreational opportunities and improved aesthetics have resulted from the completion of this project. The project will serve as a reference to other organizations, agencies and landowners interested in pursuing similar projects.

Project Partners

Wildlands Conservancy would like to express a sincere thanks to all of the project partners who contributed to this worthwhile project and without whom this project would not have been possible.

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Dam Safety Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, Survey
• Section and Division of Research
• Little Lehigh Chapter of Trout Unlimited
• Rodale Press, Inc.

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