The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are holding a public Workshop On A Study To Explore Improving The Aquatic Environment at the F.J. Sayers Dam and Reservoir on August 30 in Howard, Centre County.

Staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Susquehanna River Basin Commission staff will lead a discussion about a feasibility study to explore potential alternatives at the F.J. Sayers Dam and Reservoir that may improve downstream and in-lake environmental benefits without impacting recreational and flood control purposes.

The 1,730-acre Sayers lake is the focal point for water-based recreation in Bald Eagle State Park.  DCNR’s Nature Inn At Bald Eagle overlooks the lake.

The feasibility study will determine if operation of the reservoir, including water release protocol, can be modified to improve the quality of the environment both in the reservoir itself and in the downstream ecosystem.

Currently, the reservoir is drawn down 20 feet in late fall and winter and returned to normal pool level by late spring. The in-lake ecosystem may benefit from a more constant year round pool and some potential environmental modifications.

Consistent with the 2012 report entitled Susquehanna River Basin Ecosystem Flow Study prepared in a cooperative effort by SRBC and the Corps of Engineers, low flow augmentation from the reservoir during critical low flow periods could benefit the downstream ecosystem.

The Workshop is being held at the Howard Elementary School Auditorium, 255 School Street in Howard from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.  Please RSVP if you are attending the meeting by contacting Hilary Hollier by sending email to: hhollier@srbc.net.

Click Here for an overview of the F.J. Sayers Dam feasibility study.  Click Here for a fact sheet on the dam and reservoir.

For more information, visit the SRBC’s F.J. Sayers Workshop webpage.  Questions about the Workshop and the study should be directed to Ben Pratt, SRBC, by sending email to: bpratt@srbc.net or call 717-238-0423 ext. 1212 or Anastasiya Hernandez, Corps, by sending email to: Anastasiya.Hernandez@usace.army.mil or call 410-962-2558.

NewsClip:

Corps Of Engineers: Clarify Intent Of Aug. 30 Meeting On F.J. Sayers Reservoir

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Susquehanna River Basin Commission Meets Sept. 7 In Elmira, NY

[Posted: August 16, 2017]

8/21/2017