Down Valley Communities

Municipalities in this section include: the Boroughs of Duryea, Old Forge, Moosic, Taylor, Avoca and Dupont, the City of Pittston, and Pittston and Ransom Townships. The listed recommendations are related to the protection and potential projects along the Lackawanna River and tributary streams within its lower watershed, which include: Campbells Ledge Run, Red Springs Run, St. Johns Creek, Mill Creek, Spring Brook and Keyser Creek.

Duryea Borough

A 2.6-mile reach of the Lackawanna River lies within the Borough of Duryea. This reach extends from the confluence with the Susquehanna River to the Duryea/Old Forge border (also Luzerne/Lackawanna county line). Two tributary streams have their confluence with the Lackawanna in Duryea, Campbells Ledge Run and Red Springs Run. A small stretch of Mill Creek also lies within the municipality.

General Recommendations:

The Borough of Duryea should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Campbells Ledge Run, Red Springs Run and Mill Creek, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

The Borough of Duryea may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

This plan further recommends the enhancement of municipal zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans to further define and protect: open space, natural areas, wetlands, woodlands, greenway and stream corridors, recreational corridors, ridge lines, escarpments, scenic view sheds, and historical and cultural resources.

Recommendations for the Lackawanna River:

This plan recommends development of a confluence resource management area to involve: the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in wildlife habitat management, the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers in a large mine drainage treatment program, and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, local municipalities and Luzerne County agencies in a greenway and recreational trail program throughout the confluence area. Therefore, this plan recommends that a major resource management, reclamation and recreation development plan is needed. Private residential, commercial, institutional and industrial development is also recommended for the perimeter of the confluence area.

As a first step towards a confluence area plan, this plan recommends a consensus building project to be funded through the River Conservation Program.

Major transportation improvements will also be needed in this area. Access to Keyser Avenue in the north and I-81 and Rte. 11 in the east and south would need significant improvements.

The abandoned rail corridor from Coxton through Connells Patch and the active Reading & Northern line to Taylor along the river are important greenway links described in the Trails section of this plan. These corridors are recommended for trail project implementation through this plan.

This plan recommends consideration of a large comprehensive acid mine drainage treatment and mitigation project, to treat the Old Forge Borehole, Duryea Outfall and Butler Mine Tunnel discharges. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and the Lackawanna Watershed 2000 program are potential partners on this project. The Popple Brothers Colliery, the Duryea Swamps and the Lower Lackawanna Sewage Treatment plant are potential project resources.

The Borough of Duryea, along with the City of Pittston and the Luzerne County Rails With Trails program are potential cooperative partners with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and the LRCA for the development of trail and greenway facilities along this reach of river corridor. Implementation projects to develop this partnership and acquire and develop greenway and trail sites are recommended.

Recommendations for Campbells Ledge Run:

The Duryea Swamps may provide the site of a large scale acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment program to treat flows from the Old Forge Bore Hole and the Duryea Outfall. Some mine reclamation work to address flow loss and strip pits could enhance the stream corridor and upland habitat.

The Duryea Swamps are also possible sites for a waterfowl management program and a viable warm water fishery.

The upland terraces between the swamps and Campbells Ledge and Falling Springs Reservoirs offer potential residential development sites.

The reservoir areas offer ridge-top conservation opportunities, with recreational uses as appropriate. There are assorted public safety issues regarding the escarpment and the present remoteness of the ridge top sites. Several of the larger private parcels at the reservoirs are owned by Theta Corporation, a real estate holding business formerly associated with the PG Energy/PG&W gas and water utility.

This plan recommends that future land use in the upland/reservoir area be focused on recreation/conservation use above the reservoirs, with a transition into residential use between the upland sites and the flood plain at Coxton Road. The swamps need to be reserved for recreation/conservation uses and potential AMD mitigation.

Recommendations for Red Springs Run:

Effective regrading, revegetating and erosion control are needed at the Airport Sand and Gravel site, as well as similar sites and quarries within the municipality.

Portions of the Popple Colliery site may be appropriate for an AMD mitigation project for the Old Forge Borehole.

The Popple Colliery buildings and adjacent residential cluster offer historic preservation and interpretative opportunities.

The Popple Colliery culm banks should be reclaimed and the site restored for flood plain habitat.

Recommendations for Mill Creek:

A clean up of coal waste sediments (possibly contaminated from industrial sources) is recommended in the confluence reach from Moosic, Old Forge through Duryea to the Erie railroad culvert and the Avoca flood works. This reach is further recommended for installation of a naturally analogous restoration. A riparian flood plain buffer presently exists and is in need of zoning protection and/or acquisition on the Old Forge-Duryea side of this reach. An abandoned rail corridor lies along the Moosic side and is also recommended for acquisition and greenway development.

City of Pittston

The Lackawanna River serves as the municipal boundary between the City of Pittston and the Borough of Duryea from the confluence with the Susquehanna River upstream 0.5 miles to the Coxton rail bridge.

General Recommendations:

The City of Pittston should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

The City of Pittston may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

This plan further recommends the enhancement of municipal zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans to further define and protect: open space, natural areas, wetlands, woodlands, greenway and stream corridors, recreational corridors, ridge lines, escarpments, scenic view sheds, and historical and cultural resources.

Recommendations for the Lackawanna River:

1. This plan recommends development of a confluence resource management area to involve: the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in wildlife habitat management, the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and US Army Corps of Engineers in a large mine drainage treatment program, and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, local municipalities and Luzerne County agencies in a greenway and recreational trail program throughout the confluence area. Therefore, this plan recommends that a major resource management, reclamation and recreation development plan is needed. Private residential, commercial, institutional and industrial development is also recommended for the perimeter of the confluence area.

2. As a first step towards a confluence area plan, this plan recommends a consensus building project to be funded through the River Conservation Program.

3. Major transportation improvements will also be needed in this area. Access to Keyser Avenue in the north and I-81 and Rte. 11 in the east and south would need significant improvements.

4. This plan recommends consideration of a large comprehensive acid mine drainage treatment and mitigation project, to treat the Old Forge Borehole, Duryea Outfall and Butler Mine Tunnel discharges. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and the Lackawanna Watershed 2000 program are potential partners on this project. The Popple Brothers Colliery, the Duryea Swamps and the Lower Lackawanna Sewage Treatment plant are potential project resources.

5. The City of Pittston, along with the Borough of Duryea and the Luzerne County Rails With Trails program are potential cooperative partners with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and the LRCA for the development of trail and greenway facilities along this reach of river corridor. Implementation projects to develop this partnership and acquire and develop greenway and trail sites are recommended.

Old Forge Borough

An approximately 3.25-mile reach of the Lackawanna River flows within the Borough of Old Forge; most of this reach serves as the boundary between Old Forge and the Borough of Moosic. The confluence and most of one tributary stream, St. Johns Creek, is also within the municipality.

General Recommendations:

1. The Borough of Old Forge should include the protection of the Lackawanna River and St. Johns Creek, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2 The Borough of Old Forge may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

3 This plan further recommends the enhancement of municipal zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans to further define and protect: open space, natural areas, wetlands, woodlands, greenway and stream corridors, recreational corridors, ridge lines, escarpments, scenic view sheds, and historical and cultural resources.

Recommendations for the Lackawanna River:

1. The abandoned rail corridor from the Connells Patch neighborhood to Coxton, and the active Reading & Northern line to Taylor along the river are important greenway links described in the trails section of this plan. These corridors are recommended for trail project implementation through this plan.

2. This plan recommends consideration of a large comprehensive acid mine drainage treatment and mitigation project, to the treat the Old Forge Borehole, Duryea Outfall and Butler Mine Tunnel discharges. The US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and the Lackawanna Watershed 2000 program are the potential partners on this project. The Popple Brothers Colliery, the Duryea Swamps and the Lower Lackawanna Sewage Treatment plant are potential project resources.

3. The Borough of Old Forge is interested in demolishing the vacant multi-story apartment structure at Lonesome Road and promoting redevelopment of this site. LRCA suggests that this site could be associated with a Heritage Landing or Trailhead as referenced in the Heritage Trail Alternatives section of this plan. This could include the former DL&W station site across the river. This project area is recommended as an implementation site for River Conservation program participation.

4. The Lonesome Road area could support a high quality commercial, multi family, mixed-use development. This plan recommends that the Borough of Old Forge and private developers consider a redevelopment of this area.

5. A Lonesome Road redevelopment could provide a link to a Moosic flood levee greenway recreation trail, to extend to Moosic Road as an alternative, or loop trail in conjunction with a Lackawanna River Heritage Trail route along the Reading & Northern corridor on the west bank. This property is recommended for a feasibility study pending the interest of Moosic Borough.

6. This plan suggests that the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail alternative route along the Reading & Northern corridor be developed, with an additional acquisition and management program for the Old Forge escarpments. An acquisition and conservation management plan could be developed for the escarpment area as an individual project action in partnership with the Borough of Old Forge and property owners, or through the initiative of the LRCA and/or Lackawanna Valley Conservancy and individual property owners. A River Conservation project for the Old Forge Escarpments is a recommended action.

7. The development of greenway and trail links across the Lackawanna from the Old Forge Escarpments to upland areas of Moosic, may be possible along abandoned rail corridors adjacent to the PA Turnpike, US Rte. 11, Interstate 81 and PA Rte. 502. The purpose of these greenways are to link the river corridor to the Glen Maura/Montage area and to a Spring Brook greenway trail through PAWC and Theta Company lands, in the Spring Brook watershed. The development of this trail utilizing the abandoned Wilkes-Barre & Eastern rail corridor would also link the Lackawanna corridor to Lackawanna State Forest and State Game lands in the upper Lehigh watershed and other resource areas in the Poconos. The development of a Moosic/Springbrook/Thornhurst/Pocono greenway is recommended for further consideration, as a feasibility study or for open space conservation acquisition.

Recommendations for St. Johns Creek:

Promote the installation of natural stream channel restoration designs, to eliminate sediment transport and restore natural stream functions and habitat.

Facilitate upgrades to storm water systems to enhance water quality in watershed.

Facilitate improvements to sanitary interceptor system.

Acquire and develop a greenway for recreation and open space protection, utilize abandoned rail corridor and linkages to borough, school district and fire company properties. Link greenway to Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Acquire protective easements along restored stream reaches.

Involve school district and watershed residents in educational and stewardship activities.

Link greenway to Luzerne County trails.

Facilitate development of Heritage Trailheads at rail station or historic site in Old Forge.

Develop interpretive site and trail link at, Old Forge Borehole and Moosic anticline ledges in riverbed.

Moosic Borough

The Borough of Moosic is bounded on the west by 2.7 miles of the Lackawanna River. It serves as the boundary between Moosic and the Borough of Old Forge and further upstream as the boundary between Moosic and the Borough of Taylor. The confluence areas and lower portions of Mill Creek and Spring Brook lie within Moosic and a third tributary stream, Greenwood Creek, lies entirely within the municipality.

General Recommendations:

1. The Borough of Moosic should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Mill Creek, Spring Brook and Greenwood Creek, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2. The Borough of Moosic may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

3. This plan further recommends the enhancement of municipal zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans to further define and protect: open space, natural areas, wetlands, woodlands, greenway and stream corridors, recreational corridors, ridge lines, escarpments, scenic view sheds, and historical and cultural resources.

Recommendations for the Lackawanna River:

1. A Lonesome Road redevelopment could provide a link to a Moosic flood levee greenway recreation trail, to extend to Moosic Road as an alternative, or loop trail in conjunction with a Lackawanna River Heritage Trail route along the Reading & Northern corridor on the west bank. This property is recommended for a feasibility study pending the interest of Moosic Borough.

2. The development of greenway and trail links across the Lackawanna from the Old Forge Escarpments to upland areas of Moosic, may be possible along abandoned rail corridors adjacent to the PA Turnpike, US Rte. 11, Interstate 81 and PA Rte. 502. The purpose of these greenways are to link the river corridor to the Glen Maura/Montage area and to a Spring Brook greenway trail through PAWC and Theta Company lands, in the Spring Brook watershed. The development of this trail utilizing the abandoned Wilkes-Barre & Eastern rail corridor would also link the Lackawanna corridor to Lackawanna State Forest and State Game lands in the upper Lehigh watershed and other resource areas in the Poconos. The development of a Moosic/Springbrook/Thornhurst/Pocono greenway is recommended for further consideration, as a feasibility study or for open space conservation acquisition.

Recommendations for Mill Creek:

1. A clean up of coal waste sediments (possibly contaminated from industrial sources) is recommended in the confluence reach from Moosic through Duryea to the Erie railroad culvert and the Avoca flood works. This reach is further recommended for installation of a naturally analogous restoration. A riparian flood plain buffer presently exists and is in need of zoning protection and/or acquisition on the Old Forge-Duryea side of this reach. An abandoned rail corridor lies along the Moosic side and is also recommended for acquisition and greenway development.

Recommendations for Spring Brook:

1. The Borough of Moosic may consider the development of a local pedestrian trail on the flood levees at the Spring Brook-Lackawanna River confluence.

2. Recreational trail developments offer a potential to provide passive recreational access in the Spring Brook watershed to link the Lackawanna Valley to the Lackawanna State Forest, State Game Lands and other resources in the upper Lehigh River watershed. This plan recommends a trail program be developed along the former Wilkes-Barre and Eastern railroad alignment which parallels Spring Brook. Other trail links on township roads and fire management roads should be included.

3. The lower reaches of Spring Brook in Moosic, Spike Island and Belin Village offer opportunities for educational interpretation of the various types of structural and nonstructural responses to issues related to bank stabilization, flood control and mine water infiltration.

Recommendations for Greenwood Creek:

Coordinate infrastructure upgrades with restoration of lower reaches of open channel to maximize comprehensive nature of work to approach some restoration thresholds.

Utilize new storm water management systems to sustain a more natural flow regime.

Divert Interstate flows out of watershed with redesign of Davis Street interchange.

Retrofit retention basin at culvert discharge site at rear of K Mart to maintain longer discharge hydrographs to enhance natural flows through cataract area.

Reclaim and restore as much as possible the water course through cataract area. Regrade coal waste and overburden as part of large site mine reclamation.

Use municipal ordinance and/or easements to maintain natural habitat corridor along reclaimed stream reach from Shopping Center to river.

Taylor Borough

Approximately 3.2 miles of the Lackawanna River bounds the south and east perimeter of the Borough of Taylor. It serves as the municipal boundary between Taylor and the Borough of Moosic and further upstream between Taylor and the City of Scranton. Two tributary streams have portions of their length in Taylor as well; the confluence and lower reach of Keyser Creek and middle reaches of St. Johns Creek and the confluence and portions of two of its tributary streams, Race Brook and Sawmill Creek.

General Recommendations:

1. The Borough of Taylor should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Keyser Creek and St. Johns Creek and its tributary streams, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2. The Borough of Taylor may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

Recommendations for the Lackawanna River:

The abandoned rail corridor from Coxton (Duryea) through Connells Patch (Old Forge) and the active Reading & Northern line to Taylor along the river are important greenway links described in the trails section of this plan. These corridors are recommended for trail project implementation through this plan.

The Borough of Taylor has an interest in developing river corridor and greenway access using its property adjacent to the PA Turnpike and through development of easements, acquisitions and improvements to other parcels in the river corridor in the Borough of Taylor. This plan recommends development of river access and greenway projects in Taylor for further implementation through this conservation plan.

This plan recommends development of the Scranton to Taylor reach of the CNJ section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, with a trail head near Depot Street. An upgrade of Depot Street, the public grade crossing of the Canadian Pacific trackage and improvements to the Depot Street/Main Street intersection would enhance public safety and aesthetics in this area.

This plan recommends that Lackawanna Valley Conservancy (LVC) work with property owners to develop or acquire easements or fee interest in properties along this reach.

This plan recommends development of an educational/interpretive program for the South Works site and its slag dump, now owned by LVC, along the CNJ in Taylor. Presently, there is a cut stone title block from the steel company office building covered in overgrown shrubbery at the Washington Avenue entrance to the Valley Storage site. The educational/interpretive program could also address the war production and SLIBCO history at the site.

Recommendations for Keyser Creek:

Major stream channel restoration project on main stem from confluence to Fawnwood.

Complete restoration of Lucky Run channel from McDade Park through Keyser Terrace to confluence with Keyser Creek adjacent to Kane Truck yard in Stauffer Park.

Excavate and conserve a portion of the flume structure along the creek, upstream of Oak Street, for historical interpretation.

Develop a trailhead on the LRHT at the confluence.

Develop a trailhead or Heritage Landing at the Moffat Breaker site.

Recommendations for St. Johns Creek:

Promote the installation of natural stream channel restoration designs, to eliminate sediment transport and restore natural stream functions and habitat.

Facilitate upgrades to storm water systems to enhance water quality in watershed.

Facilitate improvements to sanitary interceptor system.

Acquire and develop a greenway for recreation and open space protection, utilize abandoned rail corridor and linkages to borough, school district and fire company properties. Link greenway to Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.

Acquire protective easements along restored stream reaches.

Develop easements or acquisitions to conserve upper headwater areas of St. Johns Creek, and two of its tributaries, Race Brook and Sawmill Creek, and the former water works along Race Brook.

Involve school district and watershed residents in educational and stewardship activities.

Link greenway to Luzerne County trails.

Avoca Borough

An approximately 1.5-mile middle reach of Mill Creek flows through the Borough of Avoca.

General Recommendations:

1. The Borough of Avoca should include the protection of Mill Creek, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2. The Borough of Avoca may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

Recommendations for Mill Creek:

1. The Borough of Avoca may wish to consider creation of a continuous pedestrian-bicycle recreation greenway along the Mill Creek flood control works. Construction and maintenance easements can form the basis for an acquisition and recreational greenway development project. A pedestrian bridge or grade crossing will be required over the secondary, rail freight branch line.

2. The creek’s reach near the former Heidleburg Colliery site contains a number of challenges which need to be addressed by various agencies:

      a culm bank removal-abandoned mine land reclamation and an economic redevelopment of the Heidleburg colliery site and adjacent lands is recommended.

      a regrading, realignment, reconstruction of portions of the Reading & Northern railroad is recommended at the US Rte. 11 overpass to remove the R & N railroad girder bridge from the Mill Creek flood way. A culvertization or channelization of Mill Creek for several hundred feet through this portion of the Heidleburg reach may be useful in restoration of flow and improved flood passage.

      a flow loss assessment on the Dupont and Heidleburg reaches of Mill Creek is suggested. The Heidleburg reach may then be a candidate for riparian restoration, with some aspects of naturally analogous installations possible.

Dupont Borough

An approximately 0.75-mile middle reach of Mill Creek flows through the Borough of Dupont. Lidy Creek, a tributary to Mill Creek, has its confluence and most of its length in the municipality as well.

General Recommendations:

1. The Borough of Dupont should include the protection of Mill Creek and its tributary stream, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2. The Borough of Dupont may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

Recommendations for Mill Creek:

1. The Borough of Dupont may consider creating a pedestrian walkway along portions of the Mill Creek alignment. This reach could benefit from a more active management plan, which could include public access and ornamental landscape improvements.

2. The concrete flume reach between PA Rte. 315 and I-81 needs to be repaired and maintained.

Pittston Township

Middle and headwater reaches of Mill Creek flow through Pittston Township, as does most of Collins Creek and headwater reaches of Lidy Creek, the two tributary streams to Mill Creek. A lower portion of Spring Brook and headwater reaches of three of its tributary streams, including Monument and Trout Creeks, also lie within the municipality.

General Recommendations:

1. Pittston Township should include the protection of Mill Creek and Spring Brook and their tributary streams, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2. Pittston Township may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

Recommendations for Mill Creek:

1. The Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation should consider extending flow loss assessment in the Akzo Nobel site, to begin flow restoration to the Dupont and Heidleburg reaches.

2. The Akzo Nobel reach represents an important and predominately natural, high quality habitat for Mill Creek and the entire lower Lackawanna watershed area. This plan recommends that the Akzo Nobel site be considered for preservation through conservation easements or acquisition. This action is recommended whether the site remains as a reserved proprietary business site or is developed for other business or residential purposes. The entire site would provide a good regional park property or an addition to nearby State Game Lands.

3. The Suscon Road reach of Mill Creek contains a ravine with numerous water falls and splash pools at the Llewlyn-Pocono formation boundary. The reach is included on the LRCA’s List of Special Places and Natural Areas. Most of this site is on private property. The LRCA recommends that the Lackawanna Valley Conservancy develop contacts with property owners to inform them about voluntary conservation actions. A rail grade at this site has rail to trail potential.

4. The Suscon Road and headwater reaches of Mill Creek and the headwater reaches of Collins and Lidy Creeks all drain high quality mountainous watershed habitats. These reaches of streams and their watersheds should be protected from sprawl development. Conservation easements and management plans on private properties and acquisition by state conservation agencies are both recommended actions supported in this plan.

Recommendations for Spring Brook:

1. Recreational trail developments offer a potential to provide passive recreational access in the Spring Brook watershed to link the Lackawanna Valley to the Lackawanna State Forest, State Game Lands and other resources in the upper Lehigh River watershed. This plan recommends a trail program be developed along the former Wilkes-Barre and Eastern railroad alignment, which parallels Spring Brook. Other trail links on township roads and fire management roads should be included.

Ransom Township

All of the Down Valley tributary streams that enter the Lackawanna River from the west, have portions of their length within Ransom Township. This includes: the headwaters and Falling Springs Reservoir area of Campbells Ledge Run, essentially all but the confluence area of Red Springs Run, headwater reaches of St. Johns Creek and its tributary streams, and Keyser Creek and its tributary streams Lucky Run and Lindy Creek.

General Recommendations:

1. Ransom Township should include the protection of Campbells Ledge Run, Red Springs Run, St. Johns Creek and Keyser Creek and their tributary streams, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2. Ransom Township may consider enhancements to its zoning, land development and subdivision plans to improve the management of small lot subdivisions, especially relative to slope, soil and drainage conditions. This plan recommends the participation with other local municipalities and county agencies in programs to better manage minor subdivision development.

Recommendations for Campbells Ledge Run:

1. The upland terraces between the Duryea Swamps and Campbells Ledge and Falling Springs Reservoirs offer potential residential development sites.

2. The reservoir areas offer ridge-top conservation opportunities, with recreational uses as appropriate. There are assorted public safety issues regarding the escarpment and the present remoteness of the ridge top sites. Several of the larger private parcels at the reservoirs are owned by Theta Corporation, a real estate holding business formerly associated with the PG Energy/PG&W gas and water utility.

3. This plan recommends that future land use in the upland/reservoir area be focused on recreation/conservation use above the reservoirs, with a transition into residential use between the upland sites and the flood plain at Coxton Road.

Recommendations for Red Springs Run:

1. Effective regrading, revegetation and erosion control are needed at the Airport Sand

and Gravel site, as well as similar sites and quarries within the municipality.

2. Reclamation of former mining areas along the stream could promote residential

reuses linked to similar uses at Campbells Ledge.

Recommendations for St. Johns Creek:

Develop easements or acquisitions to conserve upper headwater areas of St. Johns Creek and its tributary streams, Race Brook and Sawmill Creek.

Recommendations for Keyser Creek:

Develop conservation easements, acquisition or other protection for headwaters of Keyser Creek and its tributary streams Lucky Run and Lindy Creek.

Monitor operations at Scranton Materials Quarry to define its impacts on Keyser Creek and protect the stream from those impacts.

Locate, assess and manage farm dumps and similar sites within the headwaters area.