Extra security measures imposed at Lake Wallenpaupack following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States will remain in place for the indefinite future, PPL Corporation said today (4/25).
"We’ve always had an open-door policy here at the lake, but due to changed circumstances, we’ve had to limit some access in the interest of protecting our facilities, our neighbors and our visitors," Lake Superintendent David Lamberton said. "These security measures are prudent and necessary."
PPL will reopen a parking area along Route 590 that is popular among birdwatchers and others, Lamberton said. Temporary barriers blocking parking at the scenic overlook will be moved back to a position where they will continue to prevent unauthorized vehicles access to the dam area, but will allow cars to park at the overlook.
The Visitors Center and parking lot at the top of the south abutment of the dam, which have been closed to the public since last September, will remain closed permanently. PPL will use the Visitor Center building for housing equipment essential for dam operations.
Exhibits that had been displayed at the Visitors Center, including a Native American canoe uncovered by the 1955 flood and donated to PPL in 1985, will be housed in or near the new Environmental Learning Center, which is scheduled to open in late fall or early winter.
"We hope the construction of the Environmental Learning Center will more than make up for the loss of the Visitors Center," Lamberton said. "The learning center will enhance PPL’s environmental education programs in the Pocono Mountains and support a variety of public and community environmental and cultural uses."
Other security measures include:
• Installing a guardrail along Route 6 to prevent motorists from driving too close to the Tafton Dike. PPL is working with state and local officials to obtain approvals for the project. The Tafton Dike Observation Area will remain open.
• Upgrading lighting on the dam and adding electronic surveillance to monitor restricted areas on and around the dam. "These measures will help us monitor areas near the dam 24 hours per day," Lamberton said.
PPL also plans to increase its patrols of company-owned property. "Extra patrols are necessary not only for security purposes, but also to prevent damage of natural resources and unauthorized activities," Lamberton said.
Areas targeted for extra patrols include an illegal swimming hole below the dam near the Lackawaxen River that has been heavily littered with trash and PPL land that has been damaged by all-terrain vehicles.
PPL prohibits swimming except at approved designated swimming areas or from boats on the open waters of the lake. Off-the-road ATVs are prohibited on all PPL property.
"Lake Wallenpaupack is the most important recreation attraction in this part of Pennsylvania, and PPL works hard to preserve the shoreline and the surrounding woods and streams," Lamberton said.