The Lackawaxen River Conservancy is a cohesive group of local residents who have joined together and are committed to a common purpose. TLRC was formed in the summer of 2001 by residents living in the Pike County portion of the Lackawaxen River drainage area.
Our Goals
Promote community awareness and understanding of the ecological importance of the Lackawaxen River’s natural environment.
Encourage an enlightened stewardship to preserve, protect, and improve the natural beauty, the healthy ecosystem, and the human quality of life throughout the Lackawaxen River Watershed for today and the future.
Provide a proactive community voice and actively participate as partners with other organizations, government entities, and local residents in regional affairs, legislation, and planning issues that affect the river and the watershed.
Unique Features of the Lackawaxen River Watershed
- The watershed hosts one of the most significant wintering American Bald Eagle populations in the northeast.
- Numerous historic resources, including Delaware and Hudson Canal National Historic Landmark (1828), are found within the watershed.
- More than 248 major lakes lie within the 598 square mile watershed.
- More than 610 steam miles, with an additional 522 perennial stream miles are included in the watershed boundaries
- Major tributaries of the Lackawaxen are Big Brook, Blooming Grove Creek, Carley Book, Dyberry Creek, Holbert Creek, Johnson Creek, Middle Creek, Van Auken Creek, Wallenpaupack Creek, Wangum Creek, West Branch Lackawaxen, Westfall Brook.
- All of these streams are classified by the Pennsylvania Water Quality Standards as high-quality fisheries.
Threats and Challenges to the Lackawaxen River Watershed
The Lackawaxen River watershed comprises parts of Pike, Wayne, and Monroe counties, which are among the fastest-growing counties in the state, and also part of Lackawanna County. Today we see constant threats of:
- Water and sewage pollution
- Erosion and sedimentation due to poorly designed or regulated storm-water runoff
- Drainage caused by weak flood control measures
- Loss of the region’s scenic rural character
These threats can be mitigated through:
- Comprehensive municipal planning
- Updated subdivision and land development and zoning ordinances
- Sound engineering and regulatory requirements
The Lackawaxen River Conservancy is dedicated to public education and, additionally, to promoting and implementing solutions by working with county, municipal, and business leaders.