LACKAWANNA COUNTY, PA – October 16, 2026 − State Senator Marty Flynn (D-22) and State Representative Jim Haddock (D-118) issued the following joint statement regarding the significant loss of fish during the draining of Ford’s Lake in Newton Township as part of a $3.1 million dam rehabilitation project:
“We are sickened and appalled by the sheer number of fish that have been lost during the draining of Ford’s Lake in Lackawanna County. What has happened is unacceptable, and we share the frustration and outrage of the sportsmen and women who have witnessed this firsthand.The $3.1 million dam rehabilitation project is necessary to protect public safety, and we support making these improvements. However, protecting the dam should not come at the expense of such a devastating loss of fish.
At the August 18 public meeting, which Representative Haddock attended, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission acknowledged that some fish would be lost during the draining and relocation process. While some loss was expected, the Commission’s presentation did not prepare residents or elected officials for the scale of what has occurred. The Commission outlined plans to relocate fish and lifted fishing size and creel limits to help reduce the population before the lake was drained. We understand that 10 stocking truckloads of fish were successfully transported during this process. However, the sheer volume of fish that were lost despite these efforts is disturbing. We believe a more proactive approach could and should have been taken to minimize this loss.
We are calling on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to provide a full accounting of the fish salvage operation, including how many fish were successfully relocated, how many were lost and what decisions led to this outcome. We also intend to bring these concerns directly to the Commission’s Board of Commissioners and demand answers about what could have been done differently. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to hold state agencies accountable. We will continue asking the difficult questions and pushing for answers. The people who have enjoyed fishing at Ford’s Lake for generations deserve nothing less. Public safety improvements are necessary, but the scale of this loss cannot be dismissed as an unfortunate consequence of construction. We expect answers, accountability and a better approach to protecting Pennsylvania’s fisheries moving forward.”