The Friends of Schuylkill Parks and Recreation has contracted with Clauser Environmental to complete a dredging plan complete with permitting. The initial phase has been completed and final phase should be in hand late Spring 2024.
That’s the easy part. Finding funding to dredge is where community support comes in. Dredging the entire lake to its original depth is probably cost prohibitive. And that is not including the wetland area at the upper end which will remain intact. Everyone who fishes, kayaks, bikes, wildlife watches etc. at the lake has a stake in this. And not just people who live In Schuylkill County. We are a regional destination and we need everyone to contact their legislators, not just the officials who govern Schuylkill County. Guesstimates, in my opinion, to at least dredge the upper 1/4ish area, would probably hit $5mil or more.
Here’s how we will need your help, especially when a plan is in hand. Your state and federal legislators, will need to be encouraged to help find funding. Of course, if u see them before then please mention that we will need their help in the near future.
Couple things going for us. The $800,000 project recently completed above the lake should be able to be used as a funding match if required by the grant. (A public site showing of the completed project will take place on October 15 at 11am at the new parking area above the lake. Politicians have been invited so the more people who show up the better).
Also, the federal government has finally release over $200mil over the next 10 years I believe, for abandoned mine reclamation. The dredged sediment may fit into a strip mine reclamation plan.
So, we need to be proactive and be heard! The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Please share this with your friends to help get the word out.
I’ll keep everyone updated.