It’s still up-in-the-air regarding the future of John J. Collins Park and the surrounding dam and water impoundment known as “Berger Lake.”
A Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission planning document has called for removal of the dam that holds back the West Branch of Pine Creek in Galeton, creating a shallow pool of water bordering the town’s Collins Park.
Some local leaders are pushing for an alternative plan to repair and upgrade the dam, install a “ladder” that allows some aquatic species to migrate, and develop the area’s recreational potential. The plan involves a professional feasibility study, with financial support coming from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
However, the cost of the study is expected to exceed $100,000, only a portion of which would be covered by DCED.
According to the Galeton Borough Council, approximately $18,000 is needed to match the state’s share.
“Council would like to save the lake, but needs assurances that the matching funds are in place before it can act,” explained borough secretary Andrea Caracciolo.
While Galeton Borough officials originally said they would not accept the grant funds, for fear the $18,000 would be a burden to taxpayers, community members stepped up and pledged to come up with the funds shortly after the announcement was made, Commissioner Susan Kefover told The Era previously.
“About $1,400 was raised in one day using a Go Fund Me-type site,” said Kefover. The Galeton Moose Lodge is planning a fundraiser and the Galeton Foundation is also supporting the effort to keep Berger Lake intact.
For a half-century, Berger Lake — named after the late State Senator James Berger — has filled the valley along U.S. Route 6 in Galeton.
And many individuals in the Galeton community are taking a stand to save what they call the town’s “centerpiece.”
“Like the gaslights of Wellsboro, the familiar wind of the Pine Creek Gorge or the slopes of Ski Denton, Berger Lake is Galeton’s centerpiece,” according to Teri Batterson, creator of the Go Fund Me page Save Berger Lake. “This lake is seen on the internet in thousands of photos — usually with loving bylines claiming this place as home or home-away-from-home to people far and wide. People come to walk around, fish in, swim in, boat on and gaze lovingly at this serene setting. Over the years much money and effort have been spent to have plans made and improvements done to maintain our lake. This beloved landmark is in danger of being destroyed because the Borough feels they cannot afford to maintain it. This group is here to say we cannot afford to lose it.”
The Galeton Development Corporation (GDC) is hoping to see wide community support for the future of John J. Collins Park and the surrounding lake and has started the fund to collect contributions for the Galeton Dam and Lake Feasibility study, officials described.
According to GDC, the study that has been proposed would probe three options: repairing the dam, dredging the lake and maintaining the status quo; removing the dam, changing the configuration of Pine Creek’s flow through the center of town to create “pooling areas” that could boost the area’s recreational potential; or allowing Pine Creek’s West Branch to largely return to its natural bed.
Over the years, the impoundment has grown shallower due to the buildup of silt, sedimentation and natural debris.
Any action would require approval from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Both of those agencies are receiving increasing calls to allow the West Branch to return to its natural state, which would benefit aquatic life downstream.
The GDC is hoping to raise the required $12,500 needed from those who enjoy and use the facilities related to the lake and park.
“I spent many weekends visiting my parents’ hometown of Galeton growing up,” Kristen Sykora stated on the Go Fund Me page. “Enjoying the lake is part of my childhood memories. It saddens me to think the beautiful centerpiece of Galeton is in jeopardy.”
And many others share Sykora’s sentiment.
“Berger Lake is Galeton,” according to Jean and Henry Lush, who also donated to the Go Fund Me page. “We must do all we can to keep it here, and the beautiful Collins Park too.”
So far, the Go Fund Me page has raised $1,965.
GDC plans to hold a kick-off meeting to answer questions about the feasibility study in mid-September.
For now, contributions can be made to: The Galeton Development Corporation, Northwest Savings Bank, 30 West Street, Galeton PA 16922. Contributors are asked to put “Berger Lake” in the memo section of the check.
GDC is a 501(c3) corporation and contributions are tax deductible.
Contributions can also be made via credit/debit card to the Go Fund Me page Save Berger Lake at https://www.gofundme.com/29st2kkc.
