A dump site that marred the beauty of a 30-foot waterfall along picturesque Leslie Run Creek in Lehigh Gorge State Park, Carbon County, was removed by contractors in mid-October, 2001.

Thirteen tons of trash, including household trash, scrap car parts, appliances, and about 150 tires, were recovered from the site. Scrap metal, appliances, and tires were recycled, and the remaining waste properly disposed. "Lehigh Gorge State Park users can now enjoy the spectacular scenery in this area," stated DCNR Secretary John C. Oliver.

The dump site, located on a steep slope above Leslie Run Creek, marred the area which has regenerated with thick rhododendron, evergreen trees and mixed hardwoods. "This unregulated dumping area from the past not only spoiled the spectacular scenery of the area, but posed an ecological threat to our land, water, and all living things," stated Kevin Fazzini, Lehigh Gorge State Park Manager. "We are grateful for the partnership with PA CleanWays and thankful for the stewardship shown by those who took part in having this unsightly waste removed."

PA Cleanways, DCNR's cleanup partner for the Forest Lands Beautification Program, contracted with Gary Fronk Excavating of Thompsontown to clean the site. Other private firms involved included Keystone Sanitary Landfill, Dunmore; Kramer's Recycling, McAlisterville; DMS Shredding, Wilkes-Barre; and Waste Reduction and Recycling of Wilkes-Barre. Agencies involved included the state Department of Environmental Protection of Bethlehem, Carbon County Conservation District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia District.

Because of the heavy lifting involved with this cleanup, no citizen volunteers were used. A crane was used by the contractor to carefully lift heavy objects from the slope, and smaller objects were then hand picked by workers.

Lehigh Gorge State Park is located in Luzerne and Carbon counties in eastern Pennsylvania. The park follows the Lehigh River from the outlet of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Francis E. Walter Dam at the northern end, to the town of Jim Thorpe at the southern end of the park. The deep gorge, steep walls and thick vegetation, rock outcroppings and many waterfalls characterize the entire park.

The Lehigh River, one of the most scenic rivers in America, carves through the park in the steep-walled canyon, offering Class II and III rapids to whitewater boaters and rafters. A 25-mile rail-trail following the river also provides hiking and mountain opportunities.

Learn about other illegal dump sites in state forests and parks.

This page last updated December 28, 2001.

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