Restoring the creek
to its original form

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

Local politicians on Thursday got involved in some fishy business at Pennypack Park.
Standing beside the sparkling Pennypack creek, state Rep. Michael McGeehan (D-173rd dist.) announced that migratory fish would soon be able to travel the full length of the waterway for the first time in centuries.
"We’re restoring a whole ecosystem that hasn’t existed in three-hundred years," said McGeehan, an avid fisherman.
The politician spoke at the Pennypack Creek Restoration Celebration, which marked an ongoing, multi-group effort to replenish the waterway and honor its history.
"We really have the A-1 team of folks who work hard on the environmental restoration of recreational areas," said Mark Focht, executive director of the Fairmount Park Commission.
Other groups involved in the restoration project include the Philadelphia Water Department, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. State Sen. Michael Stack (D-5th dist.) has also been involved in the efforts.
Much of the project includes removing seven dams from the creek by 2008. Three have been removed since 2005.
The dams were installed in the late 17th century, when mills still operated in the area. While they served a purpose for a time, their continual existence eventually hindered anadromous fish, which travel from salt water to spawn in fresh water, from migrating through the 22 miles of the creek.
Project officials expect to bring back populations of hickory shad, alewife, blueback herring and striped bass.
For those who think the dams are being removed just to improve fishing conditions, Kathleen McGinty, secretary of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, warned not to take the bait.
Removing the dams also reduces the chance of flooding, which could happen should the structures fail from old age. The project also lessens the hazards for children playing near the creek. The DEP has spent $5 million on similar dam removals statewide.
"It is a savings to the commonwealth," said McGinty, a Northeast Philadelphia native.
The dam removal has also lead to the restoration of stream banks, enhancement of trails and improvement of passageways for kayaking and other sports.
In addition, the installation of markers describing the history of the mills and the dams will bring an educational component to the creek. About 100 students from Abigail Vare School in South Philadelphia helped clean up around the creek later in the morning on Thursday.
McGeehan expressed his hope that the Pennypack will remain a good catch for current residents and generations to come. As he spoke, two small children played near the water.
"The first thing they did when they got here," he said while looking at the youngsters, "was run to put their feet in the water." ••
For more information on the Pennypack Restoration Project, visit www.fairmountpark.org
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com