On Friday, April 17, 2026, beginning at 11 a.m., Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer will be joined by Senator Lisa Baker, Wayne County Commissioners, local officials, and other partners, to announce the start of construction on a long-awaited $5.5 million-dollar dam rehabilitation project at White Oak Pond, Wayne County.

The event will include remarks detailing the project timeline and a ceremonial groundbreaking.

Project history:

In October 2015, White Oak Pond located in Clinton Township, Wayne County, was drained due to structural concerns with the more than 200-year-old earthen dam embankment.  The rehabilitation project, scheduled to begin in May 2026, will include the construction of a new earthen dam embankment and concrete spillway, which will be funded by the PFBC through Oil Franchise Tax (motorboat fuel tax) revenues.  In addition to dam infrastructure improvements, a new culvert will be constructed directly downstream of the dam beneath State Route 4004 (White Oak Drive), funded by PennDOT.  The project is expected to be completed in fall of 2027.  Following construction and refill, a multi-year restocking effort will begin to restore the fishery at White Oak Pond.

WHAT: PFBC and partners to break ground on White Oak Pond dam rehabilitation project
WHEN: Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11 a.m.
WHERE: White Oak Pond Boat Launch, 877 White Oak Dr, Forest City, PA 18421

PARKING: Is available.