Setting Free a Wild & Scenic River in Bucks County

Dam removal project begins this week in Ralph Stover State Park

December 10, 2007

Pipersville, PA— Communities in the Delaware River Valley will soon have a free flowing river in their own backyards to enjoy. Today, crews will begin removing an outdated and dilapidated dam on Tohickon Creek, home to High Rocks Vista. The dam lies in Ralph Stover State Park; the creek is part of the Wild & Scenic Lower Delaware River, which was designated in 2000. The dam will be completely gone before Christmas.

“Christmas is coming early for folks in Bucks County,” said Rebecca Wodder, President of American Rivers ™. “Instead of a river held hostage by a useless dam, communities will soon have a free flowing Wild and Scenic River to enjoy for generations to come.”

See a Google map of the site here.

Pennsylvania has become a national leader on dam removal. In 2007 alone, 22 dams were removed in the Keystone State. 

“Communities all across the country should look at how community leaders in Pennsylvania are treating their rivers,” added Wodder. “They’ve come to realize that an outdated dam can be an albatross, and a thriving river can be the engine that helps drive a healthy community.”

The removal will restore the formerly impounded habitats and will allow fish passage for migratory and resident fish species. Herring used to be so abundant that older community citizens can recall festivities associated with the spring migrations of fish coming up Tohickon Creek from the Delaware River. The removal will benefit those species and will restore the natural free-flowing river dynamics that improve river health and complement the beautiful rock features in the lower Tohickon

The dam is located near Pipersville in northern Bucks County. The total project cost is approximately $60,000. Princeton Hydro and Flyway Excavating will conduct the removal. Project partners include American Rivers, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, FishAmerica Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.