Kernsville Dam Recreation Area

Police to crack down again at Peace Rock swimmers spot Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection plans to remove Kernsville Dam by 2020. Written by M...ike Urban Hamburg, PA As the weather warms and swimming season approaches, Tilden Township Police Chief William J. McEllroy III and his officers will once again be busy patrolling the Kernsville Dam area, handing out defiant trespass citations and hoping to prevent another tragedy. And as they do so, the state Department of Environmental Protection will continue working on plans to remove the dam and eliminate two dangerous swimming areas. The dam on the Schuylkill River near Route 61 and the Berks/Schuylkill counties line has been the site of numerous injuries over the years, as visitors slide down the dam and swim beneath it. Upstream, the swimming hole below the 40-foot outcropping known as Peace Rock for the peace sign spray-painted on its face has been the site of four drownings since 2009. DEP declared those properties off-limits in August 2016. TODAY'S SPONSOR: The properties are all state-owned, and DEP hopes to do away with those hazards by removing the dam, believing that will lower the water level upstream to the point that no one will want to swim or jump from the rock there. The work is being planned, and that includes a study of years' worth of sediment piled against the dam, as that dirt will likely be removed before the dam is, DEP spokesman Neil Shader said. The department expects the project to be put out to bid in 2019, with construction starting in 2020, he said. DEP is hoping the work wraps up that year as well, but it could take longer, he said. The dam was built in 1949 to capture coal dirt washing down from coal mines in Schuylkill County, but has outlived that purpose as those mines have since shut down, he said. A recent study showed that removing the dam would not increase the risk of damage from a severe flood, and the $10.8 million cost was approved in last year's state budget, he said. Wildlife group a backer Blue Mountain Wildlife Inc., a nonprofit group that helps take care of the dam area, sees both pros and cons to the project. Cons include that it will cost a lot of taxpayer money and disturb some habitats, the group said in a prepared statement Monday. But in a position paper released in April 2017, it explained that it believes the pros outweigh the cons, and include reducing the state's liability and returning the waterway to its natural state, which should be a boon for fishermen, kayakers and canoers, it said. Therefore the group favors the project, said Greg Adams, secretary and board member. Some local sportsmen differ, saying that once the dam is removed they're going to push DEP to reopen the area to fishermen and others who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the area in a safe way. From April through September last year, Tilden officers patrolled or responded to calls at the dam and Peace Rock three or four times a week on average, and sometimes twice a day, McEllroy said. That will be the case again this year and next, and though that's a serious burden on a small department, the officers want to do all they can to reduce the risk of another drowning, he said. "A lot of people underestimate the water current," McEllroy said, explaining why drownings have occurred there, the latest in July 2016. Though visitors had used the swimming hole and dam and jumped from Peace Rock for decades, it was after the July 24, 2016, death of Essam Saba, 26, of Allentown that DEP decided the risks of another were too high and closed the area. The nearby John Bartram Trail remains open to hikers and cyclists. A video 'invitation' Trash also had become an issue near the rock and the dam, especially after a YouTube video shot with a drone and set to music went viral, drawing thousands to the site, many of whom came from outside the area and from other states. "That video made it seem like paradise on earth," McEllroy said. Once "no trespassing" signs were posted and the gate at the first parking lot along Kernsville Dam Road was locked in 2016, Tilden police started giving defiant trespass citations to those who ignored them, and last year issued 221 of those citations. The only people allowed in the area are those kayaking the river who pull their watercraft out at the dam and portage around it before heading back downstream. With court fees, the citations cost trespassers about $400 a piece, McEllroy said. "That's an expensive swim," he said. Enforcing the no-trespassing rules there are pricey for the department, too, costing about $15,000 in man-hours in 2017, with the amount the township recouped in citations covering only a small portion of that total, he said. When Tilden police are on a priority call, state police will cover the dam and Peace Rock, as will Hamburg police, the state Fish and Boat Commission and state Game Commission. Hamburg Borough Council President Joshua Youpa said he's happy that plans for the dam's removal are moving forward. He believes it will benefit the local ecosystem by allowing shad to move upstream to spawn without the dam blocking their way. He also thinks it will prevent people from swimming and taking other risks at the dam and Peace Rock. Stay away or be fined While walking near the dam Monday, McEllroy said he is hoping the same thing. "Anything that makes it safer here, I'm all for," he said. In the meantime, those considering a visit should decide against it, he said. He has been surprised how often trespassers have admitted to seeing the signs, but said they didn't think anyone would actually enforce the rule. At times they've parked as far away as the Cabela's lot across Route 61, walking in flip-flops and bathing suits and carrying innertubes a few miles to reach those spots. "Do not come here, or you will be cited," he said. "Go somewhere else." Contact Mike Urban: 610-371-5023 or [email protected].

The state is considering removing the Kernsville Dam. That's not a new idea. Here's a story about the proposal from 2017:

As promised, this #tbt post is on the history of the construction of the Kernsville Dam, which was the hot button topic all of last summer. And this year it is ...in the news again as the PA Department of Environmental Protection is requesting $10 million to dismantle the dam. Many in this area have strong feelings about such a proposal, and many would like to be able to use this recreation area once again. But that debate is for another time and place. The early practice of washing the coal with water at the mines had silted the upper parts of the river and canal. This "drifted" coal had washed down the river and collected above the dams. In 1916 the Blue Mountain Coal Company of Hamburg was able to "mine" this coal using a dredge, some scows, and an unloading system. It was unloaded in Hamburg and sold from huge piles on the waterside. So for many years the Schuylkill River was stained black. The water was so polluted that it could no longer sustain shad or other fish, was not fit to swim in (but some still did), and drinking it was not advisable. But after World War II, Pennsylvania recognized it had to clean up its rivers. The Schuylkill River Cleanup Project, with its centerpiece being the $2.25 million dollar Kernsville Dam, was initiated to do just that. (By the way, an interesting fact is that amount of money in 1948 when the project started would be over $24 million dollars today!!) After the remains of the old dams, the Big Blue (north of the current dam breast) and Little Blue Mountain (south of current dam breast), were removed, construction on the project began in June of 1948. Coffer dams were built and the river was diverted farther to the west from its natural channel while the eastern half was built. Concrete was poured in 40 foot sections. Then the process was reversed to complete the western half. As part of the building process, roads, temporary offices, and storage buildings were built. Gas pumps and power lines were installed. Here are some interesting facts about the building of the dam: -80-90 men, working two nine hour shifts, six days a week, were employeed. -The concrete dam extends 1050 feet. -The spillway is 383 feet above sea level, or ten feet higher that the marker placed on the old Armory Hall (now the Dove Church) on North Third Street by the US Geological Survey in 1908. -At some places, the base of the dam is 44 feet below the spillway. -Poitier & McLane of New York were the contractors. They were to finish it in 550 days. Involved in $51 million worth of War Department projects, they also helped build the George Washington Bridge, subway construction for the Long Island Railroad, and the Triborough Bridge in New York among others. -Finally, Warren K. Thrush, of Wernersville, a retired veteran of 30 years of service with the US Army Corps of Engineers, was the resident engineer and inspector of the project. He had helped to build the Boulder (aka Hoover) Dam. Neat!! The project was finished ahead of schedule. By August of 1949 the dam was completed. The waters of the Schuylkill would fill the 42 acre lake behind the dam breast by September 1949. Metal railings, floodlights, and stone spray walls and final grading was completed as well. The desilting basin was constructed along the western bank of the river, north of the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge. The dredge "Berks" began its work in 1950, and at that time the dam was formally dedicated by Governor James Duff who claimed that the project would bring the blackened Schuylkill back to life. The river was dredged as necessary with the initial dredging removing about 350,000 cubic yards of coal dirt and culm from above the dam. More was removed following Tropical Storm Agnes in 1972. The river would become clean again. A boat launch ramp was built in 1967. The "Kerny" as we know it had been a popular recreation area with hiking, fishing, biking, and boating. But it has also seen its share of tragedies with tens of people drowning in the area. And since the fall of 2016, it has been off limits and closed to all people. What will its future hold? No one knows for sure, but it certainly has had a rich past that has benefited the Schuylkill and the people who live along it. One week from tonight John Rausch is using household and farm-related items not used any more for his program "Why Our Ancestors Didn't Need to Go the Gym". Join us at 7 PM in the LGI room of the Hamburg Area High School for this program. And keep preserving our past for the future!! Credits: The Hamburg Item, Janet Barr's Our Neck of the Woods, and Hamburg 1850-2000 book.

Day 2 of the #schuylkillsojourn is underway! #recreation #river #schuylkillriver

(Information last updated: 08/05/2017) In 2016, after the Kernsville Dam Recreation Area closed on 08/25, the Tilden Township Police Department cited 80 persons... for criminal trespass and 1 person for trespass by motor vehicle. (Range: 08/25/2016-09/18/2016). So far for 2017, the Tilden Township Police Department has cited 214 persons for criminal trespass and 2 persons for trespass by motor vehicle. (Range: 04/11/2017-08/05/2017) The area is clearly posted with multiple No Trespassing signs in both English and Spanish including at the yellow gate in Lot 1. (photo attached) Attached is an aerial photo with the No Trespassing areas marked. (Photo: Courtesy of Blue Mountain Wildlife) Lot 1, otherwise known as the monument lot, is open to the public for parking. The Bartram Trail, Therma Madiera Trail, Cabela's Wetland Trail are open to the public for recreational use except for motor vehicles. If you are going to visit the area, please consult the attached photo so that you do not go into the No Trespassing areas. PA DEP has posted even more signs this year to aid in enforcement. If after consulting the map, you are still unsure where you are not allowed to be, feel free to call our department at 610-562-9001. We will be glad to provide you with that information. We are asking people to share this information on social media in an effort to further get the word out. For concerns on why this area is closed to the public, please contact PA DEP BAMR at (717) 783-2267. They manage the property. If you are interested in participating in any of the authorized public events coordinated by Blue Mountain Wildlife, please contact them at [email protected]. Thank you.

Several agencies partner to police Rock By Karen L. Chandler - Reading Eagle correspondent Saturday May 13, 2017... Law enforcement agencies are teaming to reduce trespassing at The Rock, a dangerous swimming hole on the Schuylkill River. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad Police and state and local police are now working together to cite anyone accessing the state-owned property in the area of the Kernsville Dam. "It's a burden on the township right now," Supervisor Fred Herman said Wednesday. Township Police Chief William J. McEllroy III agreed, noting there were other areas of the township that need attention as well. "We're doing the best we can," he said. McEllroy said he was concerned that the number of people going to The Rock will increase as the weather gets warmer and college and high school students are summer break. "We're going to get more people out there," he said, noting he had already issued eight citations on a rainy day last week. Despite news of DEP prohibiting access to The Rock, McEllroy said people still do not realize it is off limits. Nor are they deterred by the elimination of nearby parking. "They park at Wal-Mart and walk along the railroad," he said. "It's quite a trek." In other business, supervisors Chairman Gene Schappell reported that Officer Jordan Heckman had provided CPR, AED, and first aid training for the township supervisors, road crew and office staff. He also directed Secretary Bonny Conrad to put a note in Heckman's personnel file attesting to his professionalism and service to the township. The supervisors also heard from attorney Allen R. Shollenberger regarding plans for a 30-lot cluster development on the 73-acre Walnut Acres Golf Course property. "We're frozen in some of our discussion with the planning commission," said Shollenberger, who represents the golf course owners, Steven and Marlene Skoloda. Among his concerns was a six-page engineering review letter, which he said lists many items that don't have to be addressed until a final development plan is submitted. Shollenberger proposed drafting a conditional preliminary plan approval letter and agreed to Engineer Greg Haas' request that no dirt would be moved until all conditions are met.

Eight citations at The Rock Reading Eagle May 7, 2017... Tilden Township police said they cited eight people Saturday for trespassing at Kernsville Dam and the vicinity of The Rock. Those cited were from Reading, Allentown, Orwigsburg and Whitehall, Lehigh County, police said. Names were not provided. The Rock, also known as Peace Rock because of its painted peace symbol, is a 40-foot-high outcropping over the river between Port Clinton and Hamburg, upstream from the Kernsville Dam. It's been a sore subject for neighbors in recent years because visitors - some from as far as New York and New Jersey - are drinking and doing drugs and often leaving mounds of trash behind. People have also drowned there after jumping from The Rock. The state intends to take down the dam, which would lower the water level at the Rock, making it unappealing to jump. The money to take down the dam is in the state's 2017-18 budget but that has not been approved.

For those that did not know, there are several Geocaches on the Bartram Trail and Therman Madiera Switchback trail that can be accessed by walking from lot one of the Kernsville Dam Recreational Area. This lot is open to the public for parking and those trails are open to the public. Enjoy! Note: Any geocaches in the now No Trespassing areas of the property have been returned to their owners.

State might drain water from near The Rock Tilden Township, PA Reading Eagle 04/19/2017... Making your way to The Rock and leaping into the Schuylkill River became illegal late last summer. Soon, it might become less attractive.The state Department of Environmental Protection has announced its intention to remove the Kernsville Dam in Tilden Township, a move that would lower water levels to a point that jumping off The Rock would no longer be possible. The department has made a request for $10.8 million in the 2017-18 state budget for the project. Pending passage by the Legislature, the state budget takes effect July 1, so nothing is official yet. The Rock, also known as Peace Rock because of a large peace symbol painted on its face, is a 40-foot-high outcropping that juts over a bend in the river between Port Clinton and Hamburg, just upstream from the Kernsville Dam. It's long been a point of controversy, especially last summer when local residents complained about visitors - some coming from as far as New York or New Jersey - drinking and doing drugs and often leaving mounds of trash behind. And then, on July 24, a 26-year-old Allentown man drowned while trying to swim from The Rock to the beach on the Schuylkill County side of the river. DEP, which owns the property, decided to shut it down. In late August, "no trespassing" signs were posted, putting The Rock, the Kernsville Dam and the surrounding area off limits. Asked Tuesday about the possibility of removing the dam, DEP officials were reluctant to discuss specifics. "DEP is committed to cutting down trespassing in the area and is exploring options to reduce or eliminate the attractions of the property, including the Kernsville Dam," press secretary Neil Shader said in an email. "In the interest of public safety, DEP, with the cooperation of state police and local municipalities, has already taken measures to cut down on trespassing on the property by restricting access to the site and putting up more 'no trespassing' signs to discourage use of the area. It is too soon to comment on other possible outcomes." Shader did not comment directly on the $10.8 million budget request for the project or what the future of the site might hold. Township: Stay away Tilden Township officials said they are open to any solution that would protect people from the dangers near the Kernsville Dam. "The township's position is 'Whatever keeps the people from The Rock is fine with us,' " said Township Manager Cheryl Haus. Haus said township police will continue to monitor the area until "something major is done." And Police Chief William J. McEllroy III said in an email, "Our department will continue to issue citations to those people who do trespass." Warmer weather is only beginning this year, but already, the issue has come up. Police cited 10 Kutztown University students found near The Rock on April 11. And Haus said she spotted four or five people there Sunday. "These people walked directly past 'no trespassing' signs," she said. "Apparently, they feel 'no trespassing' applies to everyone but them." State police likewise said they will continue to enforce existing laws when it comes to The Rock and the Kernsville Dam. Trooper David Beohm, the public information officer for Reading-based Troop L, said removing the dam would likely alleviate the problems. "Obviously if you take that out of there, there's going to be no one going there," he said. Beohm said he doesn't have an official stance on removing the dam, but he said if people stopped flocking there to jump into the river, it would cut down incidents requiring a state police response. "If nobody shows up, then that's one problem we don't have to take care of," he said, adding that the very nature of the site makes it dangerous. "Any place that doesn't have a lifeguard, that's an innate problem there. You're jumping into a river, not somebody's pool." Sportsmen want area open Windsor Township resident Charles Dalious sees reasons to visit the area other than flinging yourself off The Rock, and he said he's starting an effort to reopen the area to the public. Dalious said he wants the state-owned property to be available to sportsmen. "I never jumped off The Rock, except for the 10-foot section. I'm too scared of that," he said. "But when they closed it, I couldn't hunt it, I couldn't fish it, I couldn't enjoy the bald eagles there." Dalious said he believes complaints about the area's dangers are overblown. A former rescue diver, he said any recreation area with water can be considered risky. "It can never be made safe," he said. "Water is the most hazardous material on Earth." Dalious said people know the risks associated with water, and closing the area near The Rock does little more than punish people trying to enjoy the outdoors. "We're making criminals out of regular people," he said. The idea to remove the dam is one Dalious said he could support, with a caveat. He said there is a lot of silt built up at the bottom of the river in front of the dam that needs to be removed before opening up the waterway. Otherwise, that silt will simply be pushed downstream. Dalious said he is helping to organize sportsmen's groups in Berks and Schuylkill counties to push for reopening the area.