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The
removal of the Sharpless Dam is done! As part of our ongoing efforts to protect
and improve the region’s water resources, SEPA RC&D Council was a partner
of an effort to restore Ridley Creek in Delaware County to a free flowing
stream. Located between the City of Chester and Taylor Arboretum, the Sharpless
Dam was an old mill dam constructed in the 1700’s.
No longer used for its intended purpose, it was an impediment to fish
migration and a public safety hazard. Over
the last 100 years, several people have died while trying to swim near the dam.
Removal
of this old mill dam will also help fish and other aquatic life migrate freely
up and down the stream. Fish such as shad will be able to return from the ocean
and spawn in the headwaters of Ridley Creek, something that has not happened in
nearly 300 years. Studies have shown that when dams such as these have been
removed, there has been an increase in macro-invertebrates found in a stream. Other
project partners include the Delco Anglers, Chester-Ridley-Crum
Watersheds Association, PA Fish
& Boat Commission, Delaware
County Conservation District, American
Rivers,
and the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service. The
Taylor Arboretum and the City of Chester supported the project and gave approval
to remove Sharpless Dam. Funding
for the project was provided by the William
Penn Foundation, Delaware Estuary Grants Program of the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation, FishAmerica
Foundation, American Sportfishing
Association, and American Rivers. Future
fishing events are now being planned for the benefit of local community members.
For more information call SEPA RC&D Council at 215-453-9527 ext. 5.
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