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Northampton County and Wildlands Conservancy commenced the restoration of approximately one-half mile of the Monocacy Creek as it flows through the Archibald Johnston Conservation Area (AJCA) in Bethlehem Township and the City of Bethlehem (see map). This effort involves removing a series of dams and other aging structures that are obstructing the natural flow of the stream and contributing to its impairment. The project also includes streambank restoration, fish habitat improvements, and nearly ¾ mile of trail rehabilitation.
AJCA protects more than 56 acres of open space, which is adjacent to another 100 acres of preserved lands. The Monocacy Creek, a tributary to the Lehigh River, is designated as a High-Quality Cold Water and migratory fishery by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The local waterway contains naturally reproducing trout populations and seeps and springs that contribute to the water quality.
“The Monocacy Creek is a community treasure, and while it holds this state designation, the section that flows through Archibald Johnston is being significantly degraded by the old dams, access bridges, and crossing areas that were built long ago, long before water quality, habitat conservation, and comprehensive watershed management planning were local priorities,” Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure. “Given their demonstrated stream restoration expertise, the County is extremely grateful to partner with Wildlands Conservancy to help advance the health of the Monocacy.”
“This is the first step in improving the environmental and recreational opportunities within AJCA. Although this is a small part of Monocacy Creek, it is very important to continue to provide accessible trails to the Creek and improve the overall diversity and habitat that the Creek supports,” says Bryan S. Cope, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation.
The full scope of work, beyond the dam and structure removals taking place this year, includes stabilizing streambanks with native shrubs, trees, and wildflowers to establish riparian buffer zones that prevent erosion, provide shade, and support vital habitat for pollinators and the insect populations needed for native trout to thrive. Community volunteers will help the riparian zones take root during plantings planned to take place this fall and next year.
Invasive species management is also part of the scope, and instream habitat structures will be installed to help change the stream’s flow, encouraging spawning and foraging for life in the stream. These enhancements will continue to provide more critical habitat improvements that will lead to better water quality throughout Monocacy Creek.
“We are really looking forward to the future of the Monocacy Creek in this unique, natural area. We’re putting the best science and stream management practices to work to address impairments to the High Quality fishery, while making this outdoor space both safe and functional for the residents of Northampton County,” says Kristie Fach, Wildland Conservancy’s director of ecological restoration. “Together with our partners and supporters, I’m really grateful that this project will serve locally as a model for similar, future efforts.”
Project Supporters & Partners
Funding support for this Monocacy Creek stream restoration project is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, and Northampton County’s Livable Landscapes. Local conservation groups, including the Monocacy Creek Watershed Association and Monocacy Creek Trout Unlimited, are valuable project partners in advancing this conservation effort.
About Archibald Johnston Conservation Area
Archibald Johnson Conservation Area is a 56-acre wooded stream corridor along Monocacy Creek, within the City of Bethlehem and Bethlehem Township, that serves as open space and a conservation buffer along the stream. Archibald Johnston serves as an outdoor classroom for local school groups and is only open to the public by permit. AJCA adjoins an additional 100 acres of preserved land that encompass the Janet Johnston Housenick and William D. Housenick Memorial Park and Camels Hump Farm.
Information provided to TVL by:
County of Northampton
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/
