Main fundraiser photo

Restore The Dam at Lake Cadjaw!

Between the foot-hills and the mountains of the Poconos a traveler along either US6 or US191 might pass through the Borough of Honesdale, somewhat of a hub in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The scenic route might bring them past 65 acre Lake Cadjaw in Cherry Ridge Township, a part of Honesdale, just around the bend from its high school.

Depending upon the view, this visitor may think it nothing more than a marsh where a few turtles and bullfrogs might call home. From another angle, this visitor might identify a typical lake thriving with water recreationalists; for indeed swimming and fishing are still widely enjoyed by the people who spend time here. These activities, however, are limited to certain parts of the lake. The boats that fare the best have flat bottoms and kayaks are popular for moving around efficiently in the water these days. The swimmers need transportation to enjoy the water, when once we could swim and fish from shore. Today, most areas are too shallow to do this, or too murky and overgrown. Pools can be seen near the new shorelines around the lake.

In the mid-1970s, it was discovered that there was a crack in the concrete of the dam that prevented the waters of Lake Cadjaw from flooding downtown Honesdale, two miles below. In 1979, the water was lowered for the first time and the Lake Cadjaw Watershed Association was established.  Since then, we have been working toward restoring the dam and the lake to a state in which it can be called a thriving body of water. And we have hit roadblocks every step of the way. From issues with resident membership to the bureaucratic dealings with various government agencies and changing laws.

Today, LCWA is still dedicated to putting every effort forward to save and beautify the lake. Lake association membership continues to be sporadic and a few people volunteer and donate items to be raffled. These endeavors raise funds, but nothing near what we need. At this rate, it will literally take us decades to raise the funds essential today to fulfill what is required to accomplish our goal (water pressure pumps must be raised, a sewer line moved, an earthen/concrete dam replaced and construction bonds purchased). We cannot afford the luxury of time! New regulations pop up continuously. We know what we have to do and we have to do it now.

In addition to all of this, the lake acts as a reservoir in a time when water supplies are compromised due to drought and contamination. Still beautiful, it booms with wildlife who rely on it for food and drink, and its surrounding brush and wildflowers for habitat. All manner of insect, fish (even rare, fresh-water mussels!) water fowl, including a Great Blue Heron or two along with its smaller egret cousins! There are bears, fox and deer and a variety of beautiful birds, especially the bald eagles who now frequent the area and can be seen from time to time fishing in the lake or just soaring from end to end and even hanging out in its eyrie! 

As of 2015, we are fearful that one of the various agencies we must appease will decide that the project is no longer worth its efforts and order the dam breached. Not only will the lake not be restored to is fabulous best, breaching the dam will reduce it to a trickle. Our wildlife will die with its habitat. You can help us! Please make a donation to support our cause and make Lake Cadjaw a beautiful body of water once more! In a time when natural resources are being destroyed in the name of profit, you can help preserve this beautiful piece of nature! PLEASE donate today! We need you!
Visit us at: www.lakecadjaw.com

Organizer

Kelly Ann
Organizer
Edison, NJ
LAKE CADJAW WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

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