PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will host an open house on January 7, 2026, to share details on a draft revision of the Beltzville Lake Master Plan. The open house will be held from 4-6 p.m. at the Towamensing Township Volunteer Fire Company (105 Firehouse Rd. Palmerton, PA 18071).
The public open house will cover the proposed changes to the current Beltzville Lake Master Plan. Team members will share instructions on how to submit comments and provide an opportunity for the public to ask questions and provide feedback. A 30-day public comment period will begin on January 7, 2026 and end on February 6, 2026.
Master Plan Overview
The Master Plan is defined as the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all recreational, natural, and cultural resources throughout the life of the water resource development project. It defines "how" USACE will manage the resources for public use and conservation.
The current Beltzville Lake Master Plan, last approved in 1971, needs revision to address changes in regional land use, population, outdoor recreation trends, and the USACE management policy. Key topics to be discussed in the revised Master Plan include revised land use classifications, new natural and recreational resource management objectives, recreation facility needs, and special issues such as invasive species management and threatened and endangered species habitat.
The Master Plan revision WILL NOT address the technical and operational aspects of the lake related to flood risk management or the water conservation missions of the project.
Submitting Comments & Reviewing Draft Plan:
Comments must be submitted in writing at the open house or digitally via the comment form on the Master Plan Revision webpage or emailed to PDPA-NAP@usace.army.mil
https://www.nap.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Beltzville-Dam/Beltzville-Dam-Master-Plan/
The webpage will also have digital copies of the draft Master Plan, Environmental Assessment and associated documents, a comment form with instructions, and a downloadable presentation covering the topics highlighted in the open house.
About Beltzville Lake
Beltzville Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1971. The multi-purpose project was authorized by Congress primarily for flood risk management, water supply, and low flow augmentation; and authorized secondarily for water quality and recreation purposes. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources manages the 3,002-acre Beltzville State Park surrounding the lake, which attracts numerous visitors each year. The dam is located on Pohopoco Creek 5.2 miles from its confluence with the Lehigh River and 4 miles east of Lehighton, Pennsylvania. Beltzville Dam operates as a system in conjunction with Francis E. Walter Dam, located in White Haven, to reduce flooding in the downstream communities along the Lehigh River. Since its construction in 1971, the dam has prevented more than $77 million in flood damages.