The Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks has announced that sediment removal will occur in the northern end of the George B. Stevenson reservoir and around the boat launch area this year.
Dredging, combined with the stream alignment and shoreline stabilization projects also slated for this year, will improve fish and wildlife habitat in the lake while decreasing sedimentation buildup.
Additionally, removal of the sediment will provide park visitors with enhanced recreational opportunities to the upper reaches of the reservoir.
The removed silt will be spread on reclaimed strip mines to improve forest fertility in Sproul State Forest, the Bradford Era informs.
Parks officials said the dredging process will require a temporary drawdown of the water level in the reservoir by about 10 feet to expose the areas of silt that need to be removed.
Drawdown is scheduled to begin May 1.
Dredging is expected to begin late-spring to early-summer and continue throughout the winter season, according to parks officials.
Once the dredging operations begin the park road will also be closed from the Lake Day Use Area entrance to Goss Road due to slippery conditions caused by sediment removal.
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