View Beaverdam Reservoir Regulations
Since its construction and filling in 1974 Beaverdam Reservoir had been closed to all use and access, other than as a public drinking water supply.
In August of 1999 a party of 3 men contacted and asked Highland to again consider opening the reservoir for fishing. The unique aspect of their presentation was an assurance to Highland that they would form a Club or Association with the sole purpose of "policing" and "maintaining" the Beaverdam Reservoir property.
They also envisioned youth involvement, fishing derbies and general community and public involvement and stewardship. This idea struck a cord with the Highland Board as it presented a greater customer/public involvement and benefit. Several meetings were held with this prospective Association during the Fall of 1999 to formulate their presentation and for Highland to establish the parameters by which it would consider opening the reservoir. Highland set the following policy:
We would offer the use and enjoyment of limited fishing and boating of the Beaverdam Reservoir to our customers and the general public if "first-class" access and parking facilities could be constructed and maintained at no costs to the Highland rate payers. We would allow such use to continue, through a co-operative agreement with the PA Fish/Boat Commission, as long as our property is maintained and kept clean by the users of that facility.
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Consequently, we conducted negotiations with the PA Fish & Boat Commission and fine-tuned a formal Agreement, with certain stipulations and restrictions, which was ratified by the Highland Board on June 6, 2000. During the same time, the original 3-man "team" organized local or otherwise interested individuals and sportsman into a bona-fide non-profit "Association", picking the name "Beaverdam Conservation Group". Initial/current membership stands at over 200 Members. Local individuals, contractors, businesses, politicians, municipal officials and governmental agencies were solicited to provide either money, manpower or equipment to construct the needed "first-rate" Parking and Boat Launch facilities.
The opening of this reservoir to Highland's customers and the general public presents a significant asset to enhance the recreational opportunities and quality of life in our region. With care and effort Public Drinking Water and Public Use can co-exist. The Public's use also presents an opportunity to increase their awareness of use and protection of our watersheds, today and with future generations. We hope people will enjoy not only the Fishing and Boating, but also the natural beauty, wildlife and scenic views. Highland is proud to present this facility to its customers and the public at large and thereby demonstrate a greater degree of community involvement. All those persons and entities which played a part in this Project should be commended.
The Beaverdam Conservation Group has made several improvements (Dock, Pavilion, Benches, Lighting, etc.) to the facility since the original construction. Additionally, its Members continue to maintain the Grounds and Facilities in a top-notch manner, as they had originally promised, resulting in the Authority continuing to permit public access and use by the General Public”
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