Canal

[Teegate]

All,

I have mentioned this canal before. It was on my list of places to revisit and this weekend was the time. I was wondering if the stream was dredged when the water gaging station was built on the McDonald Branch in Lebanon and after walking the canal it appears that is what occurred. They must have wanted the flow to be better so they widened the steam for quite a distance.

It appears the state is still checking the stream gage along the canal because there is a fairly well worn trail leading to it. Look closely at the far right of the photo and you will see a concrete slab bridge they used at one time. With the water low it can be easily viewed now. It appears to have cracked in half.

You can see it under the water.

The canal, or dredging, goes from the gaging station on the McDonalds Branch at Butterworth Road here.

NJPineBarrens Maps

maps.njpinebarrens.com

To here along the McDonalds branch.

NJPineBarrens Maps

maps.njpinebarrens.com

 

[Teegate]

BTW, the road along the McDonalds was the original Dry Pond Road, and it was bypassed by the CCC in the 1930's. Compare it to the last link above.

 

[bobpbx]

I lived my teenage years in Presidential Lakes. I used to go to that gaging station on the roadside when I needed some peace in my mind.

 

[Wick]

Is that the station with the cement building next to it? Maybe that one is on Mt Misery Rd?

 

[Teegate]

There is one at both locations. I have had email conversations with a man who years ago managed the McDonalds Branch station and painted it white. He said he does not think it has been painted since. I agree

 

[RednekF350]

The data for the gage. August 28, 2011 was an ass-kicker.

USGS Current Conditions for USGS 01466500 McDonalds Branch in Byrne State Forest NJ x

waterdata.usgs.gov