Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2017 - 51

photos-PFBC archives

dam removal. Close to 300 low-head dams have
been dismantled across Pennsylvania with close
to 50 others as candidates for removal, noting
that projects, especially on large rivers such as
the Schuylkill River and Lehigh River, depend
on feasibility and funding.
"Most low-head dams are here to stay, at least
for the foreseeable future. It is in every boater's
interest to learn where dams are located and to
become familiar with safe practices before going
onto any waterway," said Furlong. "The key is to
educate yourself, and there's a world of online
information at your fingertips."
Although a safety course is mandatory to
operate a personal watercraft and for anyone
born on or after January 1, 1982, to operate a
large powerboat (at least 25 horsepower), it is
optional for paddlers. Even so, Furlong urges
The removal of Heistand Sawmill Dam on Chiques Creek, Lancaster County.
paddlers to take the course, either in person
or online. Going on excursions with a club
or through an outfitter is also recommended,
since safety briefings are typically part of a boat
"Warning signs and buoys are a last line of caution," said
rental package.
Hawk. "The first is knowledge of the waterways. If a boater
In the wake of the recent deaths at Dashields Dam, PFBC
arrives at one of our facilities without knowing of its existence
joined a safety summit sponsored by the United States Army
or the hazards it can present, they have already put themselves
Corps of Engineers (USACE), which operates 11 low-head
at risk."
dams on the lower Allegheny, Monongahela and upper
The PFBC is stepping up its boater safety marketing effort
Ohio rivers near Pittsburgh. As a result, the USACE
by appearing at Penn State University football games, NASCAR
decided to increase the number of buoys and other safety
races in the Poconos and other venues that draw big crowds. "It
markers and expand the restricted zones above the
is up to every boater to use available resources," said Furlong,
low-head dams it controls.
noting that plenty of information about navigation charts, dam
USACE spokesman Jeff Hawk urges paddlers and other
locations, river conditions and other useful data is available on
boaters to not solely rely on buoys to ensure a safe day on
PFBC's and USACE's websites.
the water. "We set them in the spring and retrieve them in
Boaters also are reminded that from November 1 through
the winter based on forecasts and river conditions," said
April 30, they are required to wear life jackets on any boat
Hawk. "Even during warm months, buoys can be knocked
up to 16 feet long and in any kayak or canoe. See page 31.
off station or lost during high water events. It's vital that
For more information, visit www.fishandboat.com or
recreational boaters know the rivers before using them."
www.usace.army.mil.

Chiques Creek, Lancaster County, after the removal of Heistand
Sawmill Dam.
www.fishandboat.com 		

Chiques Creek, Lancaster County, after completion of the dam
removal project.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2017

51
http://www.fishandboat.com http://www.usace.army.mil http://www.fishandboat.com
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