Lehigh River Stocking Association PO Box 54 Walnutport, PA 18088 Site Menu Stocked: 259,790 Trout Trout Money Raised: $480,310 Mission Statement The Lehigh River Stocking Association is a nonprofit, 501C-3 public organization dedicated to the restoration, revitalization and restocking of the Lehigh River. Our goal is the continuous improvement of this waterway and its tributaries. Our objectives are to insure clean water, a healthy and balanced ecosystem, an abundant fishery and access points for all citizens to enjoy. This will be to the benefit of all interests; including the businesses located throughout this region, the sportsmen and the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This project has been ongoing for the last seventeen years with ever-increasing success. We need and ask for your support for this outstanding program to continue. MEETING SCHEDULE 2005 We encourage all sponsors to attend the stated meeting of the LRSA. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of the month at the Walnutport VFW on Cherry St in Walnutport at 8:00 PM. The meeting schedule for 2005 is: Jan 25th, Feb 22, March 29, April 25, May 31, June 28, July 26, Aug 30, Sept 27, Oct 25, Nov 29 & Dec 27. Water Quality Grant Application Unfortunately, the grant application LRSA had submitted for the project to provide real time water quality information on the internet was declined. We did however learn that it is very likely that by restructuring the grant request (reducing the cost) we have a very good chance of obtaining funds in the fall. LRSA believes that the benefits of having real time data, as well as historical data, similar to the flow data provided at www.usgs.gov, will benefit a wide range of interest groups—including anglers! Stay tuned, we will keep working at it. The Lausanne Tunnel Project on the Nesquehoning Creek. Correcting acid mine drainage entering the Lehigh River. (Photo: Matt MacConnell) Large AMD lagoon at the Nesquehoning Creek. The laggons filter acid mine drainge from coal mines. (Photo: Matt MacConnell) Same filtering laggon as above. Just another view of it, at left you can see the AMD entering the lagoon from the mine. (Photo: Matt MacConnell) Both of the acid mine drainage lagoons are shown here. (Photo: Matt MacConnell) The water is filtered using special plants. Then released into the Nesquehoning Creek which then enters the Lehigh River. (Photo: Matt MacConnell) Matt MacConnell with the Hydroprobe collecting water quality data in the Lehighton area of the Lehigh River. Email us your fishing photo's. Just attach your photo in any image format. This page was just updated. Send photos in any picture file format to: webmaster@lrsa.org Visit our LRSA Photo Gallery Photo Gallery Lehigh River Hatch Chart The Hatch Upcoming Events... Click Here

The Army Corp of Engineers has prepared the fact sheet below to describe the status of the Lehigh River Recreational Enhancement Study. Please take a look, success of this project will be important to the Lehigh River trout fishery Lehigh River Study - Project Fact Sheet from Army Corps 2007 Update on Lausanne Tunnel Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project - REPORT The Water quality is monitored around the clock in the Lehigh River about 1/2 mile upstream of the Jim Thorpe train station. The information is collected using a multiple sensor probe system that features a datalogger. The probe records water quality data every hour and stores it in memory. Every 2 weeks the data is downloaded to a laptop PC in the field and plotted in data graphs such as the one below. Matt MacConnell (left) applies a pH buffer solution during a bi-monthly calibration of the water quality probe along the banks of the Lehigh in Jim Thorpe. Photo above taken during Day 2 of 2007 Lehigh River Sojourn at Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Pictured are from left Larry Rafes (Wildlands), Tom Gyory (LRSA), Chris Kocher (Wildlands), Matt MacConnell (LRSA) and Marvin White (Lehigh University) . Tom and Matt had just given a lunch time presentation about the LRSA stocking and conservation efforts to the 80 or so folks on the Sojourn. LRSA is Charted below - 2007, the Lehigh in Jim Thorpe.   Lehigh River Stocking Association - Watershed Information Lausanne Tunnel AMD The Lausanne Tunnel abandoned mine drainage (AMD) site located just north of Jim Thorpe was installed in 1906 to dewater the anthracite coal fields and discharges into Nesquehoning Creek at an average 10 cubic feet per second. Two wetlands were installed a few years back to treat a large portion of this discharge. Tracer tests were conducted by Wildlands Conservancy to evaluate retention and flow characteristics so that improvements could be identified and planned. It was determined that the retention time is 60 minutes and that some attenuation in pollutants is taking place. The aquatic plants that LRSA helped plant two years ago are taking root in the 1st wetland but only those at the perimeter have survived in the second wetland. This is because the water is too deep in the second. Plants are needed to create the biomass and surface area needed to help flocculate the metals. Because Lausanne AMD discharge represents 53% of the total AMD load into the river, the success of this system is very important. The pounds per day (ppd) load into the Lehigh from this has been estimated at 293 ppd Aluminum, 307 ppd Manganese, 39,523 ppd Sulfate and 538 ppd Total Iron. The tunnel contributes more than 84% of the total alkalinity from AMD tributaries into the Lehigh River so the pH is relatively high at about 6.4. The fact that this discharge is more alkaline is why it is believed that a simple wetland lagoon system will be effective in the flocculation (settling out) of the contaminants. The next most significant AMD sources include the following tunnels: Owl Hole, Quakake, Buck Mountain #2, Sandy Run and Buck Mountain #1. Matt MacConnell, Director at left the tunnel discharge pond at right the outflow of the wetland system into Lehigh River. LEHIGH RIVER STOCKING ASSOCIATION WATERSHED COMMITTEE Lehigh River/Francis E Walter Reservoir Goals & Objectives – Water Storage Increase Negotiations Goal: Negotiate with the Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) to increase storage in the Francis E Walter Reservoir (FEW). In conjunction with increase water storage develop a regulated water release program to enhance the aquatic ecosystem in the Lehigh River while simultaneously providing additional rafting opportunities during low water periods common in the summer months. Objectives: Increase storage capacity in FEW to a depth (i.e. – 130 feet) that will create a thermal-cline, separation in warm and cold water (55 degree F), with in the reservoir. Allow enough capacity in FEW to permit the ACE to comply with flood control protection guidelines and protection of down-river properties. Performance of various flow/capacity studies as required in order to obtain scientific data for establishing a regulated release/flow policy from the FEW. It is anticipated that releases/flows will benefit the aquatic ecosystem and enhance recreational rafting opportunities on the Lehigh River throughout the year. Provide economic opportunities for surrounding towns, boroughs and municipalities as a result of increase in recreational use on the Lehigh. Scope: Organization of the Lehigh River Stocking Association Watershed Committee (LRSAWC) along with support groups (i.e. – Trout Unlimited, Wildlands Conservancy, Wildlife Information Center, Lehigh River Guides Association, White Water Rafting Assoc.) to promote and assist in the necessary studies concerning flows and recreation on the Lehigh. Discuss “Formal Approval” process with the ACE and the PA Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to request increase of storage in FEW and implementation of changes in operational policy with the ACE. Ensure flexibility of any preliminary “Water Release Flow Plans” to allow for changes as deemed necessary based on meteorological conditions. Provide awareness of the economic benefits of such changes with FEW to local towns, boroughs and municipalities. Request political support as needed from our local, state and federal legislators as needed. (Rep. Keith McCall, Rep. Robert Godshall, Rep. Paul Kanjorski) Summary: As a result of the Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) relocating the road from inside the Francis E Walter Reservoir (FEW) to the top of the dam breast, changes to the operation of this impoundment are now available. Previously, during high water periods and flood control operation, the road in question would flood, restricting access to the town on the other side of the FEW reservoir and leading to health and safety issues for local residents. To date, many conversations have been ongoing with state Legislators (listed above) regarding proposed changes for the increase in water storage within the FEW and development of a regulated release policy. The organization of the LRSAWC will assist in promoting this effort and organizing efforts of various groups such as Trout Unlimited, Wildlands Conservancy, Wildlife Information Center, Lehigh River Stocking Association, Lehigh River Guides Association and local municipalities to provide support and assistance with ongoing negotiations with the ACE and any future studies as required by the ACE. It is anticipated that increasing the storage capacity to a depth of 130’ (1430’ elevation) is expected to result in significant enhancement to the Lehigh’s ecosystem as well as recreational opportunities. These benefits are listed as follows: Cold water flows (~55 degree F) from the bottom of FEW could potentially create 30-40 miles of High Quality Coldwater Fishery or Exceptional Value water. Consistent flows during periods of low water and high air temperatures will assure survival and growth of the aquatic life and enhance the ecosystem as a whole on the Lehigh River. Regulated flows will increase recreational rafting opportunities that are currently subjected to the mercy of Mother Nature and what is agreed upon with ACE for releases on selected weekends. Increasing storage will also provide recreational power boating opportunities with in the FEW impoundment along with increase in fishing possibilities in the lake itself. Local businesses and municipalities will benefit as a result of the increase in tourism to the region. It has the potential to generate $30-50 million dollar in tourism and recreation to the Lehigh River geographical region. Attachments: Reservoir Comparison Chart Lehigh River Flow Chart Lehigh River Hatches (aquatic life) Fishing Industry Economic Information (BeaMoc & Missouri) Lausanne Tunnel Project Members of the LRSA participated in an event this past weekend held by the Wildlands Conservancy. Approximately 1000 heavy metal loving plants (cattails & bullrush) were planted in the lower basin. As these plants grow and multiply, they will basically remove the heavy metals dissolved in the water. Haybail baffles were secured in the upper basin to allow for the addition of organic material in the basin to assist in plant growth and to slow down the water flow. This treatment system is set up to remove approximately half of the amount of Acid Mine Drainage that is entering the Nesquehoning Creek and into the Lehigh. This discharge is the largest contributor to AMD on the river. Was great fun, slopping around in the "Yellow Boy" all morning. Beautiful day to hold this event. Thanks to Wildlands Conservancy for pulling all this together. Dean Druckenmiller LRSA Director LRSA to Monitor Lehigh River Water Quality The LRSA has long had a vision to continuously monitor water quality in the Lehigh River and make this data available to the public on the Internet. The association has made progress toward this vision with the recent purchase of two Hydrolab Datasonde 3 multiparameter water quality-monitoring instruments from Parkland High School. The two instruments have not been used since Parkland stopped running the Lehigh River Watch program. LRSA intends to have a probe in the water full time in Northampton where each probe will be in service one week at a time while the other probe is out for weekly service and recalibration. Funds are being pursued through grant proposals to purchase additional equipment and software needed to support development of a system that will upload water quality data to our www.LRSA.org web site. Parameters that will be available on-line include: dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, temperature, turbidity, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). Dissolved oxygen is one of the most important parameters for a healthy trout population. High dissolved oxygen level is a good indicator of a healthy ecosystem and the Lehigh generally maintains a level in excess of 7 ppm, which is the minimum requirement for a high quality, cold-water fishery (HQCWF) as defined by DEP. LRSA's, Datasonde 3 Hydroprobes at Northampton in May of 2004. We now have probes in the river 24/7 monitoring pH, Dissolved Oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, and level. Matt MacConnell removes the probe on right for data download. The clean probe on left will take it's place for a week of water quality monitoring. The Hydrolab probes will enable LRSA to offer great insight into conditions in the river for sportsman, conservationists, students and others. The probes will enable the LRSA and others to track water quality trends in the river and to provide an alarm capability if a sudden unhealthy condition develops. Based on years of monitoring the Lehigh through the River Watch program, Bob Miller (1) and his students have developed a number of observations that are helpful as we continue in this effort to understand the Lehigh River. Several of these observations are provided below: pH rises with increasing temperature The mean pH has risen significantly over the past three years, producing daily peak pH readings of greater than pH 9 with increasing frequency. Dissolved oxygen decreases with increasing temperature, but has not declined under the worst conditions to become a limiting factor on the rivers ecosystem. Percent dissolved oxygen greater than 100% is indicative of periods of high photosynthesis activity such as with algae blooms. Algae blooms definitely occur in the spring as the water passes through the 3 to 15 degree centigrade range, and may reoccur in early fall depending on meteorological conditions as the river peaks above 25 degrees centigrade and cools back through the 15 to 3 degree range. High daily pH peaks are common on bright sunny days with low water turbidity during these periods. Specific conductance increases with increased temperature. Most of this increase can be attributed to ions generated by the carbon dioxide released as respiration rates increase at higher temperatures. Low flows that correlate with these temperatures may also create increases in specific conductance by concentration of point sources of pollution. Increase in turbidity lower dissolved oxygen, presumably by limiting the light required for photosynthesis. Surprisingly, increases in turbidity seem to have little affect on specific conductance and may be the result of multiple opposing factors. Reference: Miller, Robert, D. Summary of Mean Run Data for 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 [to July] Lehigh River, Northampton, PA. July 2000). The LRSA is not the only conservation minded organization who is monitoring the Lehigh River. The DRBC is monitoring temperature and dissolved oxygen at Bethlehem and there is a program in place at Lehigh University where similar Hydrolab probes are being used to monitor water quality in the vicinity of the Bethlehem Boat Club. It is expected that LRSA will collaborate with these and other organizations that are monitoring the river water quality. Stay tuned for more information on this program. A primer on what parameters can be measured, their normal range, and what it means is provided below. Temperature – (seasonal) Temperature varies seasonally and diurnally (from day to night) pH – (6.5 to 7.5) The pH varies diurnally due to natural causes. Natural variation is primarily in relation to the photosynthetic activity of algae where photosynthesis consumes CO2. The CO2 dissolved in the water tends to drive pH down due to equilibrium with carbonic acid. At night when photosynthesis is not occurring, the CO2 level rises and the pH drops accordingly. Abandoned mine drainage (AMD) and point source pollution also contribute to unnatural pH variation. Level – (probe typically submerged 1 meter) The depth that the probe is submerged is recorded. This provides an indirect indication of water flow. Turbidity – (0 – 7 NTU) Provides an indication of how much suspended solids are stirred up in the water (murkiness) such as silt, algae, etc.. Specific Conductance – (0.1 – 0.12 mS/cm) This parameter is a measure of the amount of dissolved solids and/or ions in the water. Run off that carries salts or other materials such as various pollutants that dissolve in the water will cause this reading to climb. Dissolved Oxygen – (9 – 11 ppm) The amount of dissolved oxygen is a function of water temperature, amount of aeration from rapids or falls and the photosynthetic activity. Readings need to be above 6 to sustain healthy trout populations. ORP – (300 – 600 mV) The ORP or oxidation-reduction potential is a measure of certain types of chemicals that are in the water that have electrochemical properties. For example chlorine in the water will cause changes in the ORP reading. Submitted by Matt MacConnell, Director Online Water Quality Data pH, DO, Temp, and Depth. for Jim Thorpe - April 6, 2006 pH, DO, Temp, and Depth. for Jim Thorpe - May 6, 2006 pH, DO, Temp, and Depth. for Jim Thorpe - June 6, 2006 To read this data You will need this program Your computer may have it If not? Get it for free LRSA Feedback: Send your comments and suggestions. Email Name Add Your Feedback We do not receive email from lycos, hotmail and yahoo accounts. These email accounts contribute spam on the internet. Please use your ISP email address. Site Menu Home | News | Fishing | Forum Photos | Join | Sponsors | Links Or Print Application and Send U.S. Mail Click Here TOP of PAGE © copyright all rights reserved 1999-2006 LRSA Lehigh River Stocking Association PO Box 54 Walnutport, PA 18088