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Dam Removed, Ancient Creek Reborn
28 Aug
Summary
- Nineteenth-century dam removed restoring Sterry Creek's natural path.
- Restoration revealed an intact original stream preserved beneath reservoir.
- Draining reservoir creates natural floodplain, improving water flow and oxygen.
A significant restoration project has successfully removed the aging O'Conner Reservoir dam, enabling Sterry Creek to reclaim its historic route across Moosic Mountain. The dam, constructed in the late nineteenth century, had impounded a six-acre reservoir for generations but had become unsafe due to wear and storm damage.
During the carefully managed demolition and draining process in December 2021, researchers were astonished to find the creek's original natural path, complete with gravel beds, preserved beneath the lakebed. This crucial discovery eliminated the need for an artificial stream channel, allowing Sterry Creek to return to its natural course.
The removal of the dam has revitalized the ecosystem. The former reservoir's slow, low-oxygen waters, which were detrimental to native coldwater species, have been replaced by faster, cooler flows. The drained six-acre lakebed now functions as a natural floodplain, mitigating floodwaters during heavy rains.
This initiative is part of a broader national trend supporting the removal of outdated dams to improve public safety and restore river ecosystems. The project at Dick and Nancy Eales Preserve signifies a successful blend of preserving historical elements, like parts of the dam's original walls, with ecological recovery and enhanced public safety.
