The Heilman Dam, a 15-foot high concrete structure owned by the Borough of Lehighton, once provided water for steam-fired locomotives but no longer serves a purpose. The borough considers the deteriorated dam a public safety hazard and a liability, not worthy of investing taxpayer dollars to repair and maintain for the long-term.

“It was a no-brainer, really. Removing the dam is the most logical decision for economic and public safety reasons. Plus, it restores Mahoning Creek to its natural state and allows us to create a safe riverside park for our community,” said John Hanosek, Lehighton Borough Manager. “We’re looking forward to seeing shad swimming past the park, and we thank our partners for helping make this happen,” he added.

It’s fitting that the borough should undertake this river restoration project. Home to the confluence of Mahoning Creek and the Lehigh River, Lehighton was named after the Lehigh which is derived from the Native American word Lechauweing meaning “where there are forks in the river.”

Heilman Dam will be removed using a hydraulic hammer mounted on an excavator. Banks of the restored stream channel will be planted with native grasses, various shrubs and tree seedlings. The project will enable about 3 acres of land to be used as a riverside public park. The borough’s long-term plan is to improve access to the site and increase recreational use of Mahoning Creek. The creek is currently designated a Cold Water Fishery and portions are stocked with trout by the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Removal of the dam, and resulting water quality improvements, will increase the length of creek that is available habitat for trout.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Lehighton. Not only will they soon experience the joy of a free-flowing and healthier Mahoning Creek. The park will reconnect the community to their home waters, and the local economy may see benefits from increased river-based recreation,” said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers, a national organization providing project funding.

NOAA’s Community-based Restoration Program (CRP) provided technical and financial assistance for the river restoration project. “This project shows our commitment to citizen-driven restoration initiatives, and we are proud to have joined our federal and local partners on such a successful restoration of habitat,” said William T. Hogarth, director of NOAA Fisheries Service. “Removing the Heilman Dam will improve community safety and help restore populations of American shad, herring and other migratory fish to the river.”

NOAA’s CRP, a financial and technical assistance program with the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, promotes strong partnerships at the national, regional and local level to fund grassroots, community-based restoration projects. Since its inception in 1996, CRP and its partners – including American Rivers and the FishAmerica Foundation -- have funded more than 1,500 restoration projects nationally, including 350 in the Northeast.

PA Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Doug Austen said, “The removal of outdated dams such as Heilman Dam is the proverbial win/win scenario. Returning a section of stream to its natural free-flowing course improves the habitat for both resident and migratory fish populations. It's also a win for those who like to recreate on and along the Mahoning Creek because a potential safety hazard is being eliminated.”

“The removal of Heilman Dam is another great example of how partners can pull together to make a difference for our nation's fisheries,” said Johanna Laderman, Executive Director of the FishAmerica Foundation. “We are excited for anglers to get out and experience the improved fishing on this newly opened river.”

The Lehigh River and major tributaries such as Mahoning Creek once had significant runs of American shad and other migratory fish species, including alewife, blueback herring and American eel. The Delaware River Basin Commission considers the Lehigh River Watershed to be one of the three most important tributaries to the Delaware River for restoring the American shad. For more than ten years, the PA Fish and Boat Commission and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have stocked American shad fry in the Lehigh River, as well as supporting habitat restoration efforts such as the Heilman Dam removal.

The entire project is expected to cost $120,000. Financial and technical assistance for the project has been provided by American Rivers, FishAmerica Foundation, NOAA Fisheries, PA Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener Grant Program, PA Fish and Boat Commission, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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