According to TNC, “After an inspection last year revealed that the dam was increasingly at risk of breaching during heavy rainstorms, the conservancy closed the area to visitors and temporary measures were taken to lower the water level. In December, contractors were engaged to remove the center of the dam and allow the water to safely drain.”
TNC plans to monitor the site while allowing it to restore itself naturally.
The reservoir area will remain closed to visitors due to muddy conditions that could lead hikers or bikers to get stuck but surrounding trails will remain open.
The dam was constructed of stacked logs and stones more than 100 years ago. But more recently TNC staff monitoring the site noticed increasing erosion and water moving through the structure.
While the center of the dam was removed, the stacked stone structures on either side were left in place to mark where the dam once stood and preserve a piece of its history.
In addition, TNC hopes to add interpretive signage that tells the site’s story.
“Though we are saddened that this historic dam had reached a point where it was no longer safe to leave in place, we are glad that we have been able to preserve some pieces of it for future visitors to see for themselves,” said Lori Brennan, executive director for TNC in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“The dam and reservoir were cherished by many people in the local community and an important part of Moosic Mountain’s history. We want to make sure its story is preserved.”
Draining the reservoir also revealed the original stream channel that flowed through the area prior to it being dammed.
“Seeing the original stream channel emerge once again from the bottom of the reservoir reminded us how resilient nature can be,” said Christine Arnott, freshwater project manager for TNC in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
“The former dam site will provide a great opportunity for us to observe how nature can restore itself, and for our visitors to see and experience that as well,”
After the site restores itself, TNC expects the returning vegetation and stream to provide excellent wildlife habitat.
Moosic Mountain contains globally recognized ridgetop barrens that are home to several native and rare species, including bobcats, snowshoe hares, rattlesnakes, butterflies and rare moths.
It is also an important flyway and stopover for many species of migrating birds.
More information on the preserve and how to visit can be found on TNC website.
TNC is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, the organization creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together.
Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.
©2022 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
