With state grants drying up too often, the Hokendauqua Chapter of Trout Unlimited took the bait to make certain Coplay Creek - which cuts across the Hoken- dauqua Park and Playground area - has trout breeding in its clear, flowing waters.

A partnership with Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and numerous donors, the Hokendauqua Chapter of Trout Unlimited last week embarked on an ambitious endeavor of bank restoration and improving fish habitat.

Dale Ott, association treasurer and spokesman for the Hokendauqua Chapter of Trout Unlimited, said while there are concerns of the creek flooding the park when a storm occurs and winter causing havoc, that issue will persist.

“All the houses and streets would have to be taken out. The water from stormwater inlets and macadam surfaces flow into the creek, from as far north as Neffs and everything south,” Ott said. “Bank restoration and habitat work are helpful.”

Mike Frana, Hokendauqua Park and Playground Association president, expressed his delight on the restoration work done, saying the creek is better channeled and he is now able to listen to the creek babbling as the water flows across the riprap (boulders) placed strategically in sections.

The initial phase of the project began two years ago when Frana contacted the PFBC about ongoing problems at the park that were caused by Coplay Creek. An on-site meeting was then arranged with PFBC and the Hokendauqua Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Tyler Neimond, from PFBC’s habitat division, designed a potential project that resulted in getting the proposed work permitted. Much of the work performed by the volunteers can’t be seen as it is underground.

Ott said 19 devices were placed along 1,991 feet (4,150 square feet) of the stream. In addition, 15 single log vane deflectors, three stone deflectors and one bank cover cribbing device were included in the work, which took three-and-a-half days to complete - nearly two days ahead of projections. PFBC was on site supervising the development of the devices.

Materials for the project included 37 logs, eight to 122 inches in diameter and 10 to 20 feet long; 35 oak boards, measuring two inches by six inches by eight feet; 105 tons of rock/riprap; 70 commercial-grade reinforcing bar pins; grass seed; and hay. Much of the materials were donated.

The township provided equipment and personnel, such as Frana, a township mechanic.

Next on the group’s agenda is work at the Hokendauqua Creek in Kreidersville, Allen Township.