After 10 months of listening to people's comments about Wehr's Dam at every board meeting, South Whitehall commissioners voted 4-1 March 18 to save the dam.

Glenn Block, David Bond, Dale Daubert and Thomas Johns voted to keep the dam.

Board President Christina "Tori" Morgan voted to proceed with dam removal and stream restoration.

The room was filled to capacity with individuals who spoke in favor of keeping the dam and others who said the dam should be removed to allow for stream restoration, as well as to avoid using taxpayer's money for repairs.

Also present were representatives from the Wildlands Conservancy, the group whose proposal last June to pursue dam removal ignited the passions of more than 7,500 people who signed petitions to save the structure.

Morgan thanked everyone for their participation in the process.

"We've looked at almost every aspect we could possibly look at," Morgan said. "From the onset, I've been dedicated to keeping an open mind and doing what is best for the township.

"If it should remain, it will cost up to $1.1 million over five years with no idea how much more. We can remove it at no cost.

"The dam serves no structural purpose. Flooding is a non-issue, if the dam is removed.

"The parks and rec board voted unanimously to remove the dam.

"I believe it is fiscally and environmentally prudent to remove the dam."

Commissioner Glenn Block expressed a differerent point of view.

"It's relatively easy to remove the dam, but once it's gone, it's gone forever," Block said. "It's been here 111 years with no problems to my knowledge.

"If the dam is removed, what will happen to the covered bridge and its footers? If it comes down, who can guarantee about no flood damage? We owe that guarantee to our residents."

He challenged the Wildlands Conservancy's claim that dam removal would cost the township nothing.

Surely some staff time and work will be needed if the structure is taken down and the area restored, Block said.

He suggested supporters set up a non-profit 501c to protect their interests in preserving the dam.

Block also commented on the $1 million repair cost.

"I feel confident money will become available," Block said.

Before the vote was taken, Commissioner David Bond expressed thoughts on the cost of restoration.

If the vote is to keep the dam, we have to accept responsibility and put forth the effort to restore and maintain it.

"We don't have that money, but we have the fiduciary responsibility," Bond said. "Let the people decide if their taxes should pay for the restoration. Let's bring this to a referendum at the election if we allow the dam to stay."

Ron Turner, who lives near the covered bridge and dam, offered some final remarks before the vote was taken.

"It's clear the people of this township want Wehr's Dam preserved," Turner said. "The Wildlands Conservancy created an issue we didn't know was an issue.

"The dam is doing a magnificant job after all the ice and snow. There's three feet of water coming over it right now.

"It's doing a Herculean job."

When the future of the dam was assured by the positive vote, Morgan brought the saga to a close with her final words.

"I'd like to thank everyone for this journey we've been on," she concluded.

Following the meeting, LeRoy Schmidt spoke with The Press.

Schmidt, who devoted 980 hours of time at Wehr's Dam from Aug. 31 until it got too cold to be out, was pleasantly surprised commissioners voted to save it.

Seven days a week on 85 successive days, Schmidt talked to Covered Bridge Park visitors and gathered 5,500 signatures on a petition to save the dam.

Schmidt said he made a lot of friends, many from South Whitehall and others from 36 different states, who were interested in the information he presented on the history of the dam.

He explained his commitment to saving the landmark.

"It's a piece of history. Once history is torn down, it can't be replaced," Schmidt said. "It's like old people who need a little help. Don't just put them away and forget about them.

"I didn't want it to be swiped away as if it doesn't mean anything."