This presentation will explore more deeply the 18TH & 19TH century “improvements” made to the Conestoga during the attempts to establish mills, transportation, and power generating stations. The successes and failures also yielded unintended consequences both good and bad. The dams necessary for the mills and such resulted in lovely step-pools that were miles-long and available for a variety of recreational purposes. The dams also provided a stunning amount of flood control. But, these dams also trapped sediment, pollution, refuse, and debris.

The impermanent construction and configuration doomed the dams from the beginning, exposing the negative side-effects long after the positive ones vanished. This has resulted in decade after decade of conservation and awareness efforts by various groups.

Presenter

Ben Webber serves Lancaster Township as its municipal engineer. He grew up and resides in Manheim Township along the Conestoga River. As a civil engineer for more than 35 years, he has always been fascinated with water. A few years ago, he asked the unfortunate question “Where does the name Bridgeport come from?” His thirst for local history has been unquenched ever since.

How to Participate

Registration is required. Attendees will receive an e-mail with a link to access the presentation via Zoom the day of the event. Conservancy staff will be on hand starting at 10 minutes prior to each lecture to answer your questions and help you familiarize yourself with how Zoom works.