Watershed Update May 2007

The Gallows Run did not back up into the floodplain during this last storm but severe stream bank erosion continues to escalate with each flash run-off event. The 19th century double arched stone bridge over the Gallows Run at Old Easton Highway partially collapsed and is closed to traffic with repair date uncertain. The Township recently finished a major roadside stabilization project on a Gallows Run tributary at Kintner Hill Road, but as of this writing, Penn DOT has yet to take action on dangerous problem area on 611 at Kintner Hill Road where the roadbed has been destabilized by flood damage.

The GRWA applied for a 07 Growing Greener grant for Camp Nockamixon Stream Restoration Project. The project will entail the stabilization of approximately 1000 linear feet of eroded streambank and the installation of in stream habitat structures to promote fish passage. This will greatly reduce the risk of embankment failure and will reduce non point source pollution in the watershed by reducing streambank erosion. The project will also be used as an educational site for the Watershed Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Environment, and the Bucks County Conservation District. The project would partner the GRWA with Bucks County Trout Unlimited and volunteer labor and materials to create a series of steps for trout to move upstream from main stem to headwaters of Gallows Run. These headwaters were once a productive brook trout habitat. We are pleased that Trout Unlimited recognizes the high quality habitat of the Gallows Run and is partnering their resources to restore it.

The Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor has provided funding for GRWA and Heritage Conservancy to do a preliminary feasibility study to assess the potential, of a trail linkage between the Delaware Canal, the river, and the town of Kintnersville. Heritage Conservancy is concurrently working with the Gallows Run Watershed Association to help preserve several properties at the intersection of Route 611 and River Road, including the American Grill restaurant, as well as properties that harbor wetlands and important riparian areas for the Gallows Run in Durham and Nockamixon Townships.

The Stream Team met several times over the winter and is moving forward on the riparian buffer demonstration project. They have completed a planting plan and a budget for acquiring trees, shrubs and seeds. Using this information they have drafted a generic grant application and are on the look-out for grant opportunities.They have conducted a desktop analysis of potential planting sites and will be doing field reconnaissance to select the best location for their demonstration project. In May, they will be assisting the Heritage Conservancy with a small riparian buffer project in Bedminster along a tributary of the East Branch Perkiomen Creek. Currently, the majority of the Stream Teamers have their noses buried deep in their text books studying hard for their advanced placement tests coming up early next month.

Nockamixon Open Space Committee presented an Open Space Forum April 24 where it was announced that the Township would pay closing costs for landowners who will donate a conservation easement to the Township. Check with the Township for details.