Mid Valley Communities

Municipalities in this section include: the Boroughs of Dickson City, Throop, Blakely, Olyphant, Jessup and Archbald.  The listed recommendations are related to the protection of and potential projects along the Lackawanna River and its tributary streams, including:  Grier Creek, Sulphur Creek, Storrs Creek, Scott Creek, Eddy Creek, Miles Creek, Hull Creek, the Lackawanna Outfall, Wildcat Creek, Sterry Creek, Grassy Island Creek, Winton Run, Laurel Run, White Oak Creek, Aylesworth Creek and Calendar Gap Creek.

Dickson City Borough

The Lackawanna River flows for approximately 2.6-miles along the southeastern boundary of the Borough of Dickson City.  For 1.6-miles it serves as the municipal boundary line between Dickson City and Throop and upstream as the boundary between Dickson City and Olyphant.  Five tributary streams to the Lackawanna also lie within the municipality; they include the entire  lengths of Grier, Storrs, Scott, and Miles Creeks and the confluence of Hull Creek.  A portion Bell Mountain Run, a tributary to Leggetts Creek, also lies within Dickson City.

General Recommendations:

1.     The Borough of Dickson City should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Grier Creek, Sulphur Creek, Storrs Creek, Scott Creek, Hull Creek and Bell Mountain Run, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

2.     The Borough of Dickson City 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.     It is recommend that any future flood control projects in Dickson City be designed and constructed to accommodate trail use, protect river access, habitat and water quality.  The maintenance and restoration of a forested riparian buffer through this reach is a vital necessity.

2.     The LRCA, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and Dickson City are encouraged to cooperate on a signage program to integrate the Boulevard Levee into the LRHT system as soon as possible.

3.     The development of a historical interpretive program with signage and a Kiosk Exhibit is recommended at the Valley Junction/Trestle Hole site.

Recommendations for Grier Creek:

  1. Dickson City may wish to consider enacting stream corridor buffer and set back requirements in its ordinances and identify protection of stream and river corridors, flood plains and habitat values and functions as an outcome of future comprehensive plan revisions.

  2. Dickson City, developers and government agencies should consider stream flow and channel restoration and protection outcomes in all stream related work.

  3. Future culvertization of Grier Creek should be discouraged; existing culverts should be day-lighted when possible.

  4. The confluence area and levee tie-in, adjacent to Elm St. Park, may serve as a river corridor access area and habitat restoration site.  LRCA, Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and Dickson City may consider future projects for development at this site.

Recommendations for Storrs Creek:

  1.   Dickson City may wish to consider enacting ordinances to more effectively protect streams and stream corridor resources.  The Borough plan should establish the protection of natural values and functions as a goal for the better management of stream and river corridor resources.

  2. Dickson City, LRCA and property owners may wish to cooperate on a conservation management program for the St. Anthony's Cemetery reach.

  3. Dickson City and the Bureau of Waterways Engineering, or other appropriate state or federal agency, should develop a channel restoration project between Rte. 6 and the cemetery reach, to address sediment transport, restoration of stream morphology and habitat.

Recommendations for Scott Creek:

  1. Further culvertization and encroachment to Scott Creek should be prevented.

  2. The upland corridor near US Rte. 6 offers a viable green space area to enhance and protect natural values and functions of Scott Creek.  The Borough may wish to consider acquisition of land for a stream corridor buffer protection zone to limit developmental impacts.

  3. As a follow on to any work performed by the PA DEP Bureau of Waterways Engineering, LRCA suggests that Dickson City examine property acquisition, natural morphological management and restoration of flood plain habitat as outcomes. 

  4. The ravine contains remnant natural habitats.  A clean up program could aid in stream and flood event management and a recreational trail could be developed subsequent to cleanup activities. Proactive involvement of property owners and cemetery associations is suggested as a way to enhance stewardship of the Scott Creek corridor.

Recommendations for Miles Creek:  

Miles Creek exists primarily as a storm and sewer shed, originating on the saddle of Bell Mountain. along the Dickson City/Blakely Borough line.  It drains a small subdivision off PA Rte.6 and flows through a pipe culvert and rip rapped channel.  It passes under Dundaff St. near Sebring Road and Miles Avenue.  It is culvertized under the Miles Plot neighborhood.  It enters the Lackawanna River in a concrete culvert, downstream of the Hull Creek confluence.  

As a storm and sewer shed, Miles Creek has no natural habitat remaining below Dundaff Street.  LRCA has no recommendations for Miles Creek.  It serves as an example of what not to do with water resource management.

Recommendations for Hull Creek:  

  1. The acquisition of a right-of-way for the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the construction of a pedestrian bridge at the Hull Creek confluence is recommended.

Throop Borough 

The Lackawanna River flows for approximately 1.7-miles along the northwestern municipal boundary of the Borough of Throop, serving as the boundary between Throop and Dickson City Borough.  An extensive middle reach of Eddy Creek, a tributary stream to the Lackawanna, also lies within the municipality, with confluence and headwater reaches in Olyphant. 

General Recommendations:

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

  2. The Borough of Throop 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.     This plan recommends that any future flood control projects in Throop be designed and constructed to accommodate trail use, protect river access, habitat and water quality.  The maintenance and restoration of a forested riparian buffer through this reach is a vital necessity.  

2.     This plan recommends development of easements, acquisition or conveyances of rights-of-way for trails and riparian greenway corridors along the Lackawanna River and Eddy Creek in the Olyphant/Eddy Creek Colliery area.  This proposal can be integrated with economic redevelopment, abandoned mine land reclamation and public infrastructure work.

Recommendations for Eddy Creek:  

  1. Support for the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation’s plans for a stream corridor and channel restoration program including, stream bed sealing and lining, total channel restoration using natural morphological designs, and maintenance of stream corridor easements through private properties to insure continued future integrity of the corridor.

  2. Integration of an Eddy Creek greenway into the BAMR restoration project to include recreation trail and riparian conservation program involving ongoing stewardship and maintenance of the restored creek and stream corridor.

  3. Involvement of property owners and the municipality in a greenway management program for Eddy Creek.

  4. Involvement of Mid Valley School District with the greenway and trail.  This trail can link the school campus with the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail at the confluence of Eddy Creek.

  5. Involve municipalities and property owners in the conservation of the upper Eddy Creek watershed and the Marshwood area.

Olyphant Borough  

The Lackawanna River flows approximately 2.3 miles along the northwest border of the Borough of Olyphant.  It serves as the municipal boundary for 1.0-miles of this course between Olyphant and the Borough of Dickson City and the remaining 1.3 miles upstream as the boundary between Olyphant and the Borough of Blakely.  Portions of two tributary streams to the Lackawanna, including the confluence area and headwater reaches of Eddy Creek and middle portions of Sterry Creek also lie within the municipality.  

General Recommendations:  

  1. The Borough of Olyphant should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Eddy Creek and Sterry Creek, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

  2. The Borough of Olyphant 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. This plan recommends that the Olyphant flood levee project be designed and constructed to accommodate the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.  Layout of the trail should be a priority action pending completion of levee construction.  Development of a bypass alternate or screening alternate is recommended where the interface between the levee and residential homes is a concern. The protection of river access, habitat and water quality and restoration of a forested riparian buffer through the levee reach is also a vital necessity.  

  2. This plan recommends development of easements, acquisition or conveyances of rights-of-way for trails and riparian greenway corridors along the river and Eddy Creek in the Olyphant/Eddy Creek Colliery area.  This proposal can be integrated with economic redevelopment, abandoned mine land reclamation and public infrastructure work.  

  3. The preservation and re-use of the Olyphant Colliery /Eddy Creek Colliery rail trestle over the Lackawanna is recommended.

  4. The preservation and reuse for pedestrian trail linkages, of the surplus 1906 Truss bridge on the Lackawanna County Rail line near the South Valley Avenue crossing and Queen City Station, is recommended.

Recommendations for Eddy Creek:  

  1. Support for the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation’s plans for a stream corridor and channel restoration program including, stream bed sealing and lining, total channel restoration using natural morphological designs, and maintenance of stream corridor easements through private properties to insure continued future integrity of the corridor.

  2. Integration of an Eddy Creek greenway into the BAMR restoration project to include   recreation trail and riparian conservation program involving ongoing stewardship and maintenance of the restored creek and stream corridor.

  3. Involvement of property owners and municipalities in a greenway management program for Eddy Creek.

  4. Involvement of Mid Valley School District with the greenway and trail.  This trail can link the school campus with the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail at the confluence of Eddy Creek in Olyphant.

  5.  Rehabilitation of the historic mine railroad trestle between Eddy Creek confluence and Olyphant Colliery is recommended to link the Eddy Creek greenway with the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail alignment at the Olyphant Colliery site.

  6. Involve municipalities and property owners in the conservation of the upper Eddy Creek watershed and the Marshwood area.

Recommendations for Sterry Creek:

  1. Complete work started by the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation on channel restoration from the Casey Highway to PA Rte. 247. 

  2. Identify and seal remaining infiltration points.

  3. Conduct upland reclamation to backfill stripping pits and grade overburden piles.

  4.  Integrate a greenway conservation and recreation corridor along Sterry Creek with conservation subdivisions in upland areas.

  5. Identify and protect remnant habitat features such as the rhododendron and laurel groves and rock ledge outcrops in the context of subdivision development.

Blakely Borough 

The Lackawanna River flows for approximately 2.8-miles along the eastern boundary of the Borough of Blakely.  Half of this length serves as the municipal boundary between Blakely and the Borough of Olyphant and the other half between Blakely and the Borough of Jessup.  Two tributary streams to the Lackawanna River also lie within the municipality, including a large middle reach of Hull Creek and the confluence to middle reach of both Wildcat Creek and one of its tributary streams, Tinklepaugh Creek.  The Lackawanna AMD Outfall channel, part of a degraded unnamed tributary to the Lackawanna, also lies within Blakely. 

General Recommendations:

  1. The Borough of Blakely should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Hull Creek and Wildcat and Tinklepaugh Creeks, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

  2. The Borough of Blakely 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. This plan recommends that any future flood control projects in Blakely, be designed and constructed to accommodate trail use, protect river access, habitat and water quality. The maintenance and restoration of a forested riparian buffer through this reach is a vital necessity.  

  2. The development of a west bank river trail along the NYO&W and Erie Railroad grades, from Blakely Corners to Peckville and Mellow Park, is recommended.  

  3. The development of a mitigation and habitat enhancement for the Lackawanna AMD Outfall and its discharge channel is recommended.  

  4. The development of a bicycle route along the river through Mellow Park to provide continuity for the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is recommended.  The costs for fencing, signage and other improvements to help develop a separate bike route through Mellow Park are recommended to be funded an early implementation project through the River Conservation Program.  

  5. Development and installation of historical and interpretive signage at the Heritage Crossing site in Mellow Park is recommended to focus on the gravity railroad, mine reclamation, trout and aquatic habitat and river conservation. 

  6.  An upgraded river access point along the Lackawanna at the confluence of Wildcat Creek is recommended for Canoe-A-Thon and for regular public access for canoeing and paddle sport take-out and put-ins.  This would require parking, creation of graveled pathways, informational signage, installation of vegetation and screening to address neighbor privacy issues.  The Borough of Blakely would need to approve and partner with LRCA and others to accomplish this recommendation.  The St. Nichols Church parcel adjacent to the Lackawanna Outfall near the Haband Company facility is an alternate site, which offers another physically appropriate paddle sport access point.  

  7. A multi-objective combined sewer overflow and acid mine drainage remediation project is recommended at the Gravity Slope outfall.  

Recommendations for Hull Creek:  

  1. The acquisition of conservation easements by gift or purchase from property owners along Hull Creek is recommended.

  2.  Mitigation for the loss of scenic, natural and historical resources resulting from the PA Rtes. 6 and 347 project should include conservation improvements in Hull Creek and the Lackawanna River. 

  3. Highway mitigation could be matched with abandoned mine reclamation work to identify and eliminate flow infiltration.  

Recommendations for Wildcat and Tinklepaugh Creeks:  

  1. Due to the intensive and newly installed concrete culvertization, the lower Wildcat and Tinklepaugh watersheds have minimal conservation opportunities.  LRCA recommends creation of an upgraded Canoe-a-thon launch site at the confluence.

  2.  LRCA and LVC are interested in a conservation and maintenance easement on a specimen white oak tree owned by Vivan Walsh, adjacent to Tinklepaugh Creek, on Keystone Avenue.  This tree is estimated to be in excess of 250 years old.  It is a special place resource.  River Conservation funds are recommended for its conservation as appropriate.

Recommendations for the Lackawanna Outfall:

The outlet of the Lackawanna Colliery AMD outfall in Blakely, is the likely remnant of a long lost tributary stream to the Lackawanna.  This watershed is now a storm, sewer, and acid mine drainage shed, which drains a surface area in Blakely Borough between Bus. Rte. 6 and Main Street, and from Lincoln Avenue, north to Hospital Street.  A remnant of the stream channel is identifiable along an abandoned Erie railroad corridor from Main Street to Mott Street.  At Mott Street, the loading docks at the rear of Quinns Supermarket now occupy the surface.  The balance of the channel under the supermarket is routed in a 5’X8’ oval concrete culvert.  

  1. LRCA had begun discussions with representatives of Haband Inc., Blakely Borough and St. Nicholas Church on a proposed AMD mitigation project to possibly include, an anoxic drain channel restoration project and wetland development.  LRCA recommends that this project be considered for implementation program funds through the River Conservation Program, and other sources. 

  2. This plan recommends that Blakely Borough consider installation of a storm water drainage system for this sub-watershed, using a naturally analogous design to recreate the stream corridor and hydrologic resources which once existed in this area.

  3. This plan recommends that Blakely Borough, LRCA and the Lackawanna Heritage    Valley Authority cooperate on development of greenway and trail linkages along the abandoned Erie and NYO&W rail  corridor in this area.

Jessup Borough 

The Lackawanna River flows for approximately 2.4-miles through the northern portion and then along the northwest boundary of the Borough of Jessup, where it serves as the municipal boundary between Jessup and the Borough of Blakely.  Portions of two tributary streams to the Lackawanna also lie within the municipality.  They include, lower and headwater reaches of Sterry Creek, and lower and middle reaches of Grassy Island Creek. 

General Recommendations:

  1. The Borough of Jessup should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Sterry Creek and Grassy Island Creek, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans. This plan recommends that Blakely Borough, LRCA and the Lackawanna Heritage    Valley Authority cooperate on development of greenway and trail linkages along the abandoned Erie and NYO&W rail  corridor in this area.

  2.  The Borough of Jessup 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. This plan recommends mine reclamation work at the Pompey site and the Brojack site.  LRCA also recommends the removal of the Rose pile and the Waddel pile and the restoration of floodplain habitat on those sites.  

  2.  An environmental restoration of the Winton Rocks habitat along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is recommended.  

  3.  A stabilization and interpretive project is suggested for the abandoned Erie Rail grade and its bridge abutments at Winton.  

  4.  Enhancements to the riparian landscape and access pathways are suggested for Winton and the Sarah Braty Park area.

Recommendations for Sterry Creek:  

  1. Complete BAMR channel restoration from the Robert Casey Highway to PA Rte. 247.  

  2. Identify and seal remaining infiltration points.

  3. Conduct upland reclamation to backfill stripping pits and grade overburden piles.

  4.  Integrate a greenway conservation and recreation corridor along Sterry Creek with  conservation subdivisions in upland areas.

  5.  Identify and protect remnant habitat features such as the rhododendron and laurel groves and rock ledge outcrops in the context of subdivision development.

  6. Develop a conservation plan for the O’Connor Dam and upland headwater springs.

Recommendations for Grassy Island Creek:

1.   The Lackawanna County Conservation District has restored the stream channel at confluence with the Lackawanna to its original location using a natural morphological design.  Installation of additional natural vegetation is a recommended action.  

2.   The Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation will conduct a major site reclamation project including:  the Rose Pile at the confluence, the stream corridor through Breaker Street, the Pompey site from the stream and river corridors eastward to the Breaker Street neighborhood and the installation of a new bridge at St. Michaels Cemetery to replace the existing coal company era span.  To maximize conservation potential, these additional actions are suggested:    

3.   The stream corridor from the Robert Casey Highway to Olyphant No. 1 Reservoir should be restored with morphologically appropriate designs.  Abandoned mine impacts should be removed from the stream corridor and a greenway design should be developed to enhance the proposed upland industrial and business park.  

4.   The Borough of Jessup and SLIBCO should consider working with the Lackawanna Valley Conservancy to design and develop a conservation and recreation easement program through the business park site.  

5.   The upland headwater areas of Grassy Island Creek should be managed long term for conservation use, exclusively.  The development of conservation easements on, or a conveyance of the Theta properties to a conservation agency are recommended actions in this plan.  

6.   All development and construction activities should be carefully monitored to prevent the further introduction of noxious weeds into the habitats of the Grassy Island watershed.  

Archbald Borough

Approximately 2.5-miles of the Lackawanna River flows through the Borough of Archbald.  Portions of five tributary streams to the Lackawanna also lie within the municipality.  Three tributaries, Calendar Gap Creek, Laurel Run and White Oak Run and its tributaries Spruce Swamp Creek and Indian Cave Creek, have middle to headwater reaches within the municipality.  The remaining two, Aylesworth Creek and Wildcat Creek and its tributary Tinklepaugh Creek have middle reaches within Archbald.

General Recommendations:        

  1. The Borough of Archbald should include the protection of the Lackawanna River, Laurel Run, White Oak Run, Wildcat Creek, Aylesworth Creek and Calendar Gap Creek and their tributaries, and technical requirements for that protection, in their zoning, land use and subdivision ordinances and comprehensive plans.

  2. The Borough of Archbald 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 mitigation or treatment project for the Dana Tunnel outfall is recommended to reduce aluminum sulfide pollution.  

2.     Improved pedestrian access to Dougher Island from the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is recommended.  

3.     Support for interpretive and historic district development at Gravity Slope is recommended.  

4.     Continued acquisition of former the New York, Ontario & Western rail grades through Archbald for the development of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail is a priority recommendation.

 Recommendations for Laurel Run:  

  1. The reach of Laurel Run from the confluence to the culvert under the Robert Casey Highway, has several sections where flow loss is evident.  Previous channelization structures have been compromised by storm flows and the LRCA recommends that the property owner, PG Energy, cooperate with the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation and other agencies to restore a naturally analogous system through this reach.  The potential also exists for an educational trail in the reach, to interpret geological and mining resources.

  2. This plan recommends that Theta Company lands in the Laurel Run watershed should be preserved through acquisition or easements and included in the pending Lackawanna County Open Space Plan. 

  3. The Laurel Run gorge area, downstream of the Francis Cawley Dam, is included in the LRCA’s List of Special Places and Natural Areas.  The geological and aesthetic resources at this site require permanent conservation and more active management, to prevent littering and vandalism. LRCA recommends inclusion of this site in the Lackawanna County Open Space Plan.

  4. The Laurel Run gorge area, downstream of the Francis Cawley Dam, is included in the LRCA’s List of Special Places and Natural Areas.  The geological and aesthetic resources at this site require permanent conservation and more active management, to prevent littering and vandalism. LRCA recommends inclusion of this site in the Lackawanna County Open Space Plan.

Recommendations for White Oak Run:

1.  This plan recommends that a cleanup of trash and debris be conducted in White Oak Run from its confluence to the Robert Casey Highway.  

2.  This plan recommends that geological resource, interpretive access sites should be considered at several sites along White Oak Run.  

3.  This plan recommends the development of a scenic, interpretive area at the White Oak Run reservoir and at the “40 Foot Falls,” the confluence of Indian Cave Creek and White Oak Run.  

4.   LRCA lists two reaches of White Oak Run on the List of Special Places and Natural Areas:  the Robert Casey Highway to confluence reach and the White Oak Run Reservoir to “40 Foot Falls” reach.  

5.   LRCA recommends that PG Energy consider other sources of water supply for its co-generation plant.  Consumptive use of the entire flow of White Oak Run, observed during this survey, is an ongoing concern of the LRCA.

Recommendations for Wildcat Creek and Tinklepaugh Creek:  

  1. This plan supports the pending completion, by the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR), of stream channel work in the Hills of Archbald portion of Tinklepaugh Creek, to address flooding problems from storm water runoff and eliminate flow diversion into the Gravity Slope mine outfall.

  2. The headwaters portion of Tinklepaugh Creek have numerous encroachments and mine impacts. This plan recommends a greenway and mine reclamation program for this area. 

  3. The reach of Wildcat Creek, from Sturgis through Betty Street, to the rear of the Eynon Drug Store Plaza, contains remnants of a O&W railroad branch line.  This rail corridor has the potential to link the Archbald Pothole State Park to the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and to a rail-trail greenway network in Peckville.  LRCA recommends that this project be considered for a feasibility study with River Conservation funds.

  4. The upper headwaters of Wildcat Creek and its tributaries on Blakely and Myers Mountains are recommended for acquisition or special protection, through updated municipal ordinances and consideration in the pending Lackawanna County Open Space Plan.

Recommendations for Aylesworth Creek: 

1.     Reclamation of abandoned mine impacts adjacent to the Aylesworth Creek corridor between Aylesworth Dam and Edgerton Dam is the main recommendation for Aylesworth Creek.  Opportunities for passive AMD treatment technologies are numerous.  Regrading of coal wastes and installation of natural channel improvements will also benefit the conservation of this reach.

2.     Upgrades to the recreational facilities at Aylesworth Reservoir may be considered by the Recreation Authority.  Establishment of a natural resource interpretive trail at the dam may also be considered.

3.     A conservation development plan to manage and enhance the protection and economic utility of the Edgerton Dam and adjacent land is recommended.

Recommendations for Calendar Gap Creek:

1.     The Borough of Archbald should protect the upper reaches of Calendar Gap Creek with a 75-foot building setback and a requirement to maintain the corridor in its natural vegetative land use.  

2.     The mid portion of Calendar Gap may be a candidate for future BAMR or Lackawanna Watershed 2000 projects to restore the channel and flow.  If this occurs, the municipalities should insure that a greenway or conservation corridor is maintained.