The post card above dates from the early 1950's. Allentown's Lehigh Parkway, especially the Robin Hood area, attracted national attention for it's beauty and integration of the spectacular WPA structures. This occurred because two years prior to the WPA era, General Trexler had plans made up for the Parkway. Allentown, in the current vernacular, was shovel ready. The bridge, little dam, and double stepped structure provided the park visitor with both beautiful sights and sounds. The Wildlife Conservancy has received a grant for close to half a $million dollars to remove dams in Allentown's park system. Nobody is paying attention. Mayor Pawlowski, not too interested in the parks anyway, is consumed with his development projects. The Conservancy is politically correct in this era of ecology. The thing is that this park, and especially this area of the park, is not a wildland, but a historical icon of Allentown. Please help me save our heritage, help me save this little dam.
May 7, 2013
Give A Damn, Save A Dam
The post card above dates from the early 1950's. Allentown's Lehigh Parkway, especially the Robin Hood area, attracted national attention for it's beauty and integration of the spectacular WPA structures. This occurred because two years prior to the WPA era, General Trexler had plans made up for the Parkway. Allentown, in the current vernacular, was shovel ready. The bridge, little dam, and double stepped structure provided the park visitor with both beautiful sights and sounds. The Wildlife Conservancy has received a grant for close to half a $million dollars to remove dams in Allentown's park system. Nobody is paying attention. Mayor Pawlowski, not too interested in the parks anyway, is consumed with his development projects. The Conservancy is politically correct in this era of ecology. The thing is that this park, and especially this area of the park, is not a wildland, but a historical icon of Allentown. Please help me save our heritage, help me save this little dam.
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These "eco-tinkerers" somehow think they know everything about nature. Who is verifying that they're right? Where is the open records of their research? Is there a bond to restore the dams if they're wrong? Say in 5 years? Where is any accountability/liability if they just happen to do a "whoops"? These dams have been in place longer than most of their grandparents with no ill effects. This isn't a biology experiment for them to play with.
ReplyDeleteI'd sooner trust the old fisherman, to be honest.
Doesn't the Fed want Allentowns Administration to get eginers to draw a now flood plan with all the undevelopable land that is developed along MLK blvd¿ A kool half mil would be a more exceptable grant project¿
ReplyDeleteThe grants that have been allocate by the fed from the top of the food chain than given to family and freinds of this administration for losing paper projects¿ There needs to be an unbiased recount of Federal dollars, than also a conflict background check of reciepiants that have recieve such grants¿
redd
@6:37, some of the grant will go towards their administrative costs, i.e. their salary. i have targeted only one of their nine dams to save; the one by robin hood. considering it's historical and cultural significance in allentown's past, the park department erred in granting it's permission. who, representing the city, signed off on this, and why?
ReplyDelete@6:37
ReplyDeleteSlam dunk win from a proven scientific perspective. Simple fact.
@7:50, i don't care to debate the science, or even host comments that defend it. the fact remains that it is a city park, not a wildland. the one foot dam adds to the charm and design of robin hood. the parking lot and bridge are also not native to the environment. the park is for the enjoyment of the citizens, not a token laboratory for the phonies who choose to ignore the overflowing sewage line, but want to remove the dam.
ReplyDeleteMM -
ReplyDeleteThe dam above the Fish Hatchery should be added to your list, for the same reason.
That the Wildlands Conservancy is so willing to destroy an icon like the Lehigh Parkway is telling - they don't represent the residents of Allentown.
I would urge your readers to reconsider ANY contribution to this group. I would also suggest your readers contact their state and federal representatives and urge them to cut off any grant funding to the organization.
Needless to say, the changes and continued degradation of the park system should be a major issue in the council races. Just another reason the incumbents should go.
Regarding your comment about the sewer overflow, grants for projects like dams and riparian buffers are how the Wildlands group is bought off on the real environmental issues.
ReplyDeleteWhen was the last time you heard them speak out on ANY issue that could cut off a potential funding source. Answer NEVER.
I feel a million dollars can be better invested to secure more open space along our sensitive receptors. There does not seem to be a flow problem in the creek. Wild lands needs to hold some public meetings before any action is taken.
ReplyDeleteDamns degrade stream. Removal makes healthy stream and park. Not new Science not experimental.
ReplyDeleteVery simple. This is a win.
@7:14, my efforts are concentrated on retaining the robin hood dam. evidence suggests that removing the dam will lead to the demise of the robin hood bridge. we already lost one lesser bridge in the park. the bridge is an irreplaceable icon. you and your scientists should concern yourself with the LCA sewer pipe overflowing directly into the stream. fecal matter degrades streams, very simple.
ReplyDelete