Today, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and community partners broke ground on the long-awaited dam rehabilitation project that will restore White Oak Pond in Clinton Township, Wayne County.  Construction on the $5.5 million-dollar project will begin in the coming weeks and will include the construction of a new earthen dam, concrete spillway, upgraded boat launch, and an ADA accessible fishing pier.  The project is expected to be completed in late summer or fall of 2027. 

While a reduced pool of water remains because of recent rain and snowmelt, White Oak Pond was completely drained in 2015 due to structural issues and leakage coming from the more than 200-year-old stone-built dam. 

Following construction, White Oak Pond will be refilled to full pool, and the fishery will be restored through a multi-year restocking plan that will include native warm water sportfish species including Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and minnows such as Golden Shiners.  Heavy vegetation that has grown throughout the lakebed will eventually be submerged under water and provide a boost of nutrients to the growing fishery, helping it thrive through a phenomenon known as “new lake effect.”  Until the fishery becomes self-sustaining to include fish of harvestable size, the lake will be managed under Catch-and-Release fishing regulations.

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.

Cost: Dam (PFBC): $4.7 million.  Culvert (PennDOT): $800,000   Total Cost: $5.5 million

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GBT8M5tjZ3OXnE26eoDlekv49HttSWN/view?usp=sharing

YouTube: https://youtu.be/q_Oe9EZr2eA