The title shown above was from my original post idea list, it's now actually four dams. The Wildlands Conservancy wants to insure their funding for a decade, and has added the Easton dam to their list. It seems as if in Easton, there is recognition of the dam's historical significance, having been built with the canal. Before I proceed, let me acknowledge that there is indeed a problem with the dam at Jordan Park. Another child was recently caught in the pipe that is part of that structure. That pipe should be blocked off immediately, even before that dam's fate is determined. The third dam in the news is the Lehigh dam by the Hamilton Street bridge. A Colorado company has shown interest in a small scale hydro electric turbine for that location. Shown above is the little Robin Hood Dam, adjoining the iconic Robin Hood Bridge. This dam, dating back to 1941, adds to the ambience and experience of Lehigh Parkway. Removal of the dam could well endanger the bridge, and consequently, parking and use of the park. City Council has committed to prohibiting it's removal, until which time all ramifications are considered.
May 20, 2013
The Story of Three Dams
The title shown above was from my original post idea list, it's now actually four dams. The Wildlands Conservancy wants to insure their funding for a decade, and has added the Easton dam to their list. It seems as if in Easton, there is recognition of the dam's historical significance, having been built with the canal. Before I proceed, let me acknowledge that there is indeed a problem with the dam at Jordan Park. Another child was recently caught in the pipe that is part of that structure. That pipe should be blocked off immediately, even before that dam's fate is determined. The third dam in the news is the Lehigh dam by the Hamilton Street bridge. A Colorado company has shown interest in a small scale hydro electric turbine for that location. Shown above is the little Robin Hood Dam, adjoining the iconic Robin Hood Bridge. This dam, dating back to 1941, adds to the ambience and experience of Lehigh Parkway. Removal of the dam could well endanger the bridge, and consequently, parking and use of the park. City Council has committed to prohibiting it's removal, until which time all ramifications are considered.
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A removal of all the dams below the Hamilton St Bridge and along the Little Lehigh and the Jordan would allow shad to survive and spawn in those creeks. The monocacy could also become a spawning stream.
ReplyDeleteRob, in all respect due respect, i prefer the sound and sight of the robin hood dam. furthermore, the robin hood bridge isn't worth jeopardizing so that the wildland's conservancy can tap administrative salaries from their dam grant. with the sewer pipe there, as you well know, stream quality is a moot point. i notice you don't challenge the hamilton street dam, just the weak willed allentown park system, which has accommodated the conservancy before.
ReplyDeleteNo pre-election articles lauding the non-establishment, "moderate" / "independent-minded" Democrats who promise NOT to march in lock-step with Chairman Pawlowski's Apparatchiks if elected???
ReplyDeletePersonally, I already know that if any given Democrat wasn't blowing millions and millions on a hockey rink ... they'd be blowing millions and millions on some other feel-good project.
For the benefit of the community, of course ...
EXCELLENT CANDIDATE FOR IRS AUDIT
There is some talk of turning the Hamilton St dam into a permanent white water wave feature. This has been done in other cities and has proved to be a real draw and an overall money maker. The dam now is not too useful for much. That is what I would like to see and use.
ReplyDeleterob, the reason bethlehem and easton have tourists is because they respect the history and ambience of their towns. on the other hand, we destroy things, and build crass fads. that's what i think of your idea.
ReplyDeleterob, i know that you think you own the little lehigh, but now you want the big lehigh as a kayak resort for your personal amusement. i'm fed up with self interest just under the surface with you environmental types.
ReplyDeleteEvery city that has used old dams to create white water parks has benefitted financially from the new permanent fixture that requires no upkeep or human input. The whitewater parks of Colorado, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others would argue with your assesment of the financial drain of creating a whitewater park. Do a google search of city whitewater parks. Recreation is a huge industry in this great country led by the self interests of many. I am very sorry that you are jumping to conclusions about this type of recreation value to a community and have labeled me an "environmental type". You should be thankful that we are on the same side on many issues due to each of our self interests, even though you were dead wrong on trusting the LCA in the sewer lease.
ReplyDeleteMaybe city council would make someone cut the wires that hang in midair from an electric line above the new Parkway restroom. Been there for months. Isn't this a danger to the nearby wildlife that can become tangled in the wires and die?
ReplyDeleteNobody at City Hall gives a damn about the Lehigh Parkway. Wake up and smell the coffee. The new parks director is a swimming pool expert. The Parkway is yesterday's news. It's about hockey baby!
ReplyDelete