Does anyone know what's up with the tree removal and grading by both dams on the Rt 679 side of the lake? Hopefully not just additional parking...
Harrisville Lake tree removal and grading
- Thread starter h2ochild
- Start date
Maintenance to ensure the dams integrity? I know there was a statewide project to do this type of thing and it is on the list, but it is an old list. Might be a newer one, or given this state they are just getting to it.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/PL05/94_.HTM
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/Bills/PL05/94_.HTM
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I haven't seen Harrisville Lake recently, but they just completed something like that at Bass River State Forest. A contractor came in and clear-cut the long dam at the end of Lake Absegami.
It looks ugly... but I was told it was necessary because whatever part of the State it is that inspects and regulates dams said there can be no trees growing on the dam. And there were a lot of trees on this dam, big and small, upright and some fallen. Yes I believe it has to do with safety of the dam, either the tree roots damage it, or a falling tree can cause the dam to fail. Or something else... I'm not really sure.
There is an aerial photo from 1948 of this area on a display panel in front of the forest office, and it shows the dam pretty much like it does now - no trees. So perhaps there were about 70 years of trees there.
It looks ugly... but I was told it was necessary because whatever part of the State it is that inspects and regulates dams said there can be no trees growing on the dam. And there were a lot of trees on this dam, big and small, upright and some fallen. Yes I believe it has to do with safety of the dam, either the tree roots damage it, or a falling tree can cause the dam to fail. Or something else... I'm not really sure.
There is an aerial photo from 1948 of this area on a display panel in front of the forest office, and it shows the dam pretty much like it does now - no trees. So perhaps there were about 70 years of trees there.
I am uncertain what trees they cut down at Harrisville; however, most of the trees along the road on the lake side have grown since the dam was rebuilt.
This was developed in February 1975.
This was developed in February 1975.
I heard today that it is the same contractor. They finished doing the Lake Absegami dam, and moved to the next location: Harrisville Lake (AKA Harrisville Pond).
The damn elevator in the damn dam were not working, so we just moved along. Amazing country out that way, but not somewhere I would care to spend more time other than a visit.
T
Toothy Critter
Guest
And this is the spillway. (Yeah, I know what the sign says, it's wrong.)
Ohhhh.... so beavers build spillways...? And I always thought they were beaver dams....damn
Ohhhh.... so beavers build spillways...? And I always thought they were beaver dams....damn
I was curious to see the "after" at Harrisville Pond. It is clear cut from the canoe launch south to the main dam and just beyond. I certainly can understand if tree roots in the immediate area were a concern in possibly damaging the two exit points but so puzzling as to why they removed all of the trees and vegetation. Life will go on but if someone happens to know the official reason I would be interested to know.
Did you take any pictures? I would like to see what it looks like now.
Looking at some year-old pictures I have, I agree, the area between the two spillways doesn't really look like a dam. (Where they cut at Lake Absegami does, especially with the trees removed. The ground drops off on both sides - one side to the lake, and the other side to the low area where East Branch Bass River flows. It's clearly a dam.)
But at Harrisville, in fact it probably is considered a dam - meaning it is man-made and holds the lake in. So I think the trees were cut not to protect the spillways (outflows), but to protect the earth dams.
Looking at some year-old pictures I have, I agree, the area between the two spillways doesn't really look like a dam. (Where they cut at Lake Absegami does, especially with the trees removed. The ground drops off on both sides - one side to the lake, and the other side to the low area where East Branch Bass River flows. It's clearly a dam.)
But at Harrisville, in fact it probably is considered a dam - meaning it is man-made and holds the lake in. So I think the trees were cut not to protect the spillways (outflows), but to protect the earth dams.
That was a favorite spot to pull in between the trees and have lunch. Sounds like it will become just another potholed parking lot like Oswego. Next on the agenda is a privy on a hill.
That's the only logical explanation. For those familiar with the location on the Northern part of 679 where you launch your boats past the initial spillway all the way to the southern dam and then slightly past it is completely clear cut, graded. Its all gone. So..............I would have to guess that trees can weaken the earth impoundment adjacent to 679 (??). Oh well, what's done is done. On other topics I have heard a concern over the lack of transparency and unilateral action by the State....If it was necessary so be it, but it would be appropriate for the State to have a contact person to "clear the air" on projects like this.
Apparently tree's and vegetation on an earthen dam are a no-no. Wonder why it took so long to remove them
www.damsafety.org/media/Documents/PDF/fema_l263.pdf
Guess I'll have to find another lunch spot.