Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1971. The multi-purpose project was authorized by Congress primarily for flood risk management, water supply, and low flow augmentation; and authorized secondarily for water quality and recreation purposes. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources manages the 3,002 acre Beltzville State Park surrounding the lake, which attracts numerous visitors each year. The dam is located on Pohopoco Creek 5.2 miles from its confluence with the Lehigh River and 4 miles east of Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Beltzville Dam operates as a system in conjunction with Francis E. Walter Dam, located in White Haven, to reduce flooding in the downstream communities along the Lehigh River. Since it's construction in 1971, the dam has prevented more than $73 million in flood damages.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is updating the Beltzville Lake Master Plan. The Master Plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all project resources throughout the life of a USACE project. The Master Plan guides efficient and cost-effective management, development and use of project lands. It is a vital tool for the responsible stewardship and sustainability of project resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The Master Plan guides and articulates USACE responsibilities, pursuant to Federal laws to preserve, conserve, restore, maintain, manage, and develop project lands and waters and associated resources. The intent of an updated Master Plan is to present a current inventory and assessment of resources, provide an analysis of resource use, and evaluate existing and future needs required to protect and improve the value of resources at a project. The Beltzville Lake Master Plan was updated in 1971.
The current Beltzville Lake Master Plan, last approved in 1971, needs revision to address changes in regional land use, population, outdoor recreation trends, and the USACE management policy. Key topics to be discussed in the revised Master Plan include revised land use classifications, new natural and recreational resource management objectives, recreation facility needs, and special issues such as invasive species management and threatened and endangered species habitat. The Master Plan revision WILL NOT address the technical and operational aspects of the lake related to flood risk management or the water conservation missions of the project. During the process, the team will collect data, conduct analysis, prepare a draft report (which will become available for public and agency comments), and ultimately finalize and adopt the new Master Plan.