Photo By Rebecca Kidd | A fall view of Raystown Lake from the Hawn's Bridge Overlook in Huntingdon County,...... read more read more
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Sitting within the distinctive ridge and valley portion of the Allegheny Mountains, is Raystown Lake – the largest lake located entirely in Pennsylvania. Due to the topography of the Alleghenies from millions of years of erosion and shifting of continental plates, rain runoff is naturally encouraged, causing major flood risk to the local communities.
The original construction of Raystown Dam was completed in 1911, for electric power generation, creating the first Raystown Lake which was shallow and only about a quarter of the size of the 28-mile-long lake in existence today. However, when a major flood in 1936 devastated most of the Juniata and Susquehannock River valleys, the public identified a need for the construction of a new and larger dam.
The Dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 and took nearly ten years before it was completed. In 1974, then Vice-President Gerald R. Ford – the only president ever to work as a park ranger – dedicated the new dam.
Raystown Dam is one of the largest dams in the east, standing at 225 feet tall and 1700 feet across, and has saved communities over $314 million in potential flood damage costs to date. This multi-use project constructed and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), is used for flood risk management, hydroelectric power, recreation, and fish and wildlife conservation and mitigation.
“We are proud that the dam and its lake have benefited downstream communities for 50 years and counting,” said Col. Estee Pinchasin, USACE Baltimore District Commander. “The USACE professionals who manage and maintain the dam daily are committed to ensuring this dam and others alike continue to operate as long as possible.”
Raystown Lake draws over a million visitors annually and generates an estimated $19 million in related sales. Visitors from around the country come to enjoy panoramic views of 8,300 surface acres of clear water surrounded by 21,000 acres of forested mountain slopes, access to excellent public recreation facilities, and fishing and hunting opportunities. The project has five campgrounds with a total of 594 campsites, 10 boat launches, two full-service marinas, nearly 70 miles of trails, a disc-golf course, mountain biking skills park, and endless opportunities for creating lasting memories.
“My favorite part about my job would be the memories that all of the people have shared and built while using the facilities that I’ve been a part of creating and managing,” said Allen Gwinn, Raystown Lake supervisory park ranger. “I’ve worked at Raystown for almost 30 years, and I’ve seen a lot of people build a lot of memories here.”
The success of Raystown today could not be possible without the partnerships USACE has built over the last 50 years. The local, county, and state officials, Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Juniata College Field Station, the Friends of Raystown Lake, and volunteers who have contributed to the project over the years are invaluable.
In commemoration of this major milestone, USACE’s partners and members in Raystown’s surrounding communities came together to celebrate in a variety of ways.
The Friends of Raystown Lake, Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau and USACE held free tours of the Raystown Lake Dam facilities throughout the summer for the public; a drone and fireworks show was displayed over the Seven Points Recreation Area; children were sworn in as an official Raystown Lake 50th Anniversary Junior Ranger’s; local businesses sold official Raystown 50th Anniversary merchandise, and the Raystown Lake Dam staff planted a time-capsule to be opened in another 50 years.
“Colonel Pinchasin has awarded a Commander’s Coin to the Operations Manager and Head Dam Operator for the year 2074,” said Jude Harrington, Raystown Operation’s Project Manager. “So, in 50 years, one of the things that’s in the time capsule will be an award for serving the public and serving Raystown, but the coin is already 50 years old. I think that’s
pretty cool.”
Raystown Dam and its lake have now benefitted downstream communities for a half century and will continue to do so with the dedicated and passionate staff, partners, and volunteers further defining its proud legacy in history.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.19.2024 09:58 |
| Story ID: | 478845 |
| Location: | BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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