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Feature - Restoration Projects Helping Pennypack Creek Thrive
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Residents of Philadelphia now have a scenic, thriving oasis right in their own backyards, thanks to years of hard work by partners in both the public and private sectors.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are being invested to transform Pennypack Creek from a waterway fragmented by a series of obsolete dams to a living, thriving river that is becoming a centerpiece of the community.

“The Pennypack Restoration project is a textbook example of what can go right when public and private entities work together to benefit everyone,” says Rep. Michael McGeehan. “I’m thrilled that together we’ve been able to restore this treasure in our own backyards.”

Since 2005, three dams have been removed from Pennypack Creek, a fourth removal is slated for this year, as well as a rock-ramp fishway at a fifth barrier, and the remaining two dams are being studied for fish passage alternatives. A free-flowing stream is being reborn from this former series of stagnant pools.

“A healthy river makes for a thriving community,” says American Rivers’ President Rebecca Wodder. “The joy of a free flowing Pennypack Creek is not only benefiting fish and wildlife, but it’s also becoming a hub for outdoor fun.”

Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty says she is thrilled to see her hometown creek rebounding. “I grew up in Pennypack Park, and spent countless hours splashing around in Pennypack Creek, it is with special joy that I join this celebration today,” she said. “I am proud our efforts have restored this creek so today's children and future generations can share the wonder I discovered here as a young girl.”

But not just humans are benefiting. The construction of the Frankford Avenue dam circa 1697 cut off migratory fish from their historic spawning areas in Pennypack Creek. More than 300 years later, migratory fish coming up from the Delaware River can access to this habitat thanks to many restoration efforts promoted by the Pennyslvnia Fish and Boat Commission, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and other project partners.

“This collaborative approach to restoring Pennypack Creek exemplifies the type of effective, locally-driven project that the NOAA Restoration Center seeks to support,’ says NOAA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere Tim Keeney. “The project improves community safety, enhances recreational opportunities and promises to restore populations of American shad, blueback herring, hickory shad and striped bass.”

The progress on the Pennypack has been made possible by combining hundreds of thousands of dollars in public and private funds.

In all, more than $500,000 dollars has been invested by American Rivers Department of Environmental Protection, NOAA Restoration Center, Fish and Boat Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, FishAmerica Foundation, Philadelphia Water Department, Fairmount Parks Commission, and AquaPenn.

In addition to the projects on Pennypack Creek, American Rivers and the Fish and Boat Commission have helped remove nearly 50 obsolete and unsafe dams statewide and restored historic fishery access to more than 315 miles of rivers. These projects were made possible by a $767,000 grant to American Rivers from the Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener grant program.

The funding established the “Free-Flowing Pennsylvania” grant program which has leveraged over $3 million in additional funding to support river restoration projects throughout Pennsylvania.

"Removing these obsolete dams is a smart move that protects the environment, and promotes economic development," Secretary McGinty adds. "The Commonwealth's strategic investments in dam removal projects help streams return to their free-flowing, natural state, restore the natural ecology of those waterways, and support growing fish populations. Healthy streams with abundant life attract tourists and fisherman and add to the quality of life in Pennsylvania."

Pennsylvania is not alone when it comes to investing in river restoration and dam removal. The President's FY08 budget, released in early February, offers hope for increased funding for river restoration projects in the coming year.

The Open Rivers Initiative, which funds dam removal and repairs that improve dams' environmental performance, would be funded at $12 million, divided equally between NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The story of America is one told with water. Find your river, and reconnect with it, learn its story, and help write a new chapter,” adds Wodder. “The dream of a thriving river and a thriving community doesn’t have to be a fairy tale; every river story deserves a happy ending.” (Reprinted from the DEP Update)


5/25/2007

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