LEESPORT -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Blue Marsh Lake, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the Berks County Conservation District have partnered together to restore multiple sections of degraded shoreline, improve shoreline fishing opportunities, and install a variety of in-water habitat structures throughout the next year.
The first of four projects will begin in mid-February at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area. The project involves restoring and protecting 420 feet of degraded shoreline along the right side of the Day Use Area with the installation of fourteen stone framed deflectors. The stone deflectors will repair and stabilize the degrading shoreline and serve to reduce erosion and the amount of sediment entering the lake. Stone steps will be placed intermittently in between the deflectors to aid in access for boaters who moor offshore while visiting. Additionally, the stone deflectors will improve shoreline habitat areas for young fish to hide in, and for macroinvertebrates and smaller fish species that provide important food resources for fish.
During construction, parking areas below Parking Lot D and the shoreline to the right of the beach area will be temporarily closed to the public. Parking lots E and F will be closed to parking and visitor access. Visitors will still be able to park in the other lots in the Day Use Area and will be able to walk the shoreline up to the Swim Beach Area. Visitors are asked to follow all posted closures and stay out of the work areas for worker and visitor safety.
The projects are funded by the Bass Pro Shops/ National Fish Habitat Partnership U.S. Open Grant Program. In August 2022, the partnership was awarded more than $134,000 from the program for projects to be completed at Blue Marsh Lake during 2023.
Release no. 23-003