FSC-2014 Hearns Pond Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Scrapple-ers: So after a long time of being closed it is now open but missing so saying good bye. for now
Scrapple-ers

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Hidden : 9/26/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

This cache was originally placed for the the First State Challenge 2014 sponsored by Delaware Geocachers! Although the challenge has ended, this cache is still available to be found!!

FSC-2014 CACHE NAME

Cache Details:
Cache is a tethered water tight container that is camouflaged.

Cache is only available from sunrise to sunset.



Description:
http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/Fisheries/Documents/Hearns%20Pond08.pdf states:

Following installation of a new water control structure in 2002, the pond was restocked to provide a variety of fishes. Most of the gamefish stocked into the pond came from the Nanticoke River and other Nanticoke watershed impoundments in an effort to duplicate the gene pool of the original populations. Largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, redear sunfish, and golden shiners were originally stocked to supplement the few fish remaining following the washout. Catches of largemouth bass were back within normal ranges by summer 2008 with a wide range of sizes. A healthy 2007 year class of bass should provide excellent fishing within a few years. In 2008, bass between 8 and 15 inches were most abundant.

About 1,100 additional bluegill (5 inch average size) and 50 pounds of golden shiner were stocked in 2004 to supplement those populations in the Pond. Catches of bluegill were extremely high by 2008 but most individuals remain small. Black crappie numbers have also improved with a high proportion of fish being larger than 8 inches. Redear sunfish were collected in low numbers but abundance has improved over past years and most individuals were over 8 inches. Monitoring of the recovery of the fish populations is continuing. Both creek chubsucker and brown bullhead, although not stocked, were also present in moderate numbers.

VEGETATION
Duckweed has been a common sight over much of the pond surface in recent years, blowing around the pond with the wind. Several spatterdock beds provide some cover, especially in the back half of the ponds (both arms). Often filamentous algal mats float on the water’s surface and can impede fishing at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The boat ramp was replaced and angled toward deeper water during the reconstruction of the dam. This has made a big improvement in boat access into the pond. A local bass club, Backlash Bass Anglers, constructed and installed a number of fish habitat units when the pond water level was down prior to reconstruction of the dam. This has greatly enhanced fish habitat within the pond. A special largemouth bass slot limit remains in effect here: six bass a day possession limit, of which no more than one may be greater than 18 inches. Any bass caught between the protected slot limit of 15 and 18 inches must be immediately released by the angler.

http://www.deldot.gov/information/projects/hearns_pond_dam/vw/index.shtml states:

Hearns Pond Dam was overtopped during storms of August 11, 2001 and June 25, 2006. The dam was damaged by both storms. Because of these failures, DNREC funded a study to evaluate the condition and potential hazards of the dam and develop alternatives to bring the dam into conformance with Delaware Dam Safety Regulations. The study indicated that the existing spillway and bridge at Hearns Pond Dam do not have capacity to convey discharge from the required Design Storm event. Therefore, rehabilitation of the dam is necessary to bring it into conformance with Dam Safety Regulations. In addition to hydraulic deficiencies the existing spillway structure, consisting of twin concrete box culverts, is in poor overall condition. The concrete has numerous spalls, cracks, and areas of exposed reinforcing steel. The water level in the pond is controlled by two pairs of double sliding gates about 4-feet high and 5-feet wide. One of the gates is inoperable.

The proposed rehabilitation consists of replacing the spillway and the twin box culverts at the dam with a larger spillway and a larger bridge/culvert to pass the flow during the 100 year storm event, and provide embankment overtopping protection that will allow safe passage of the design storm event. A new low level outlet gate with manual operator will be provided to allow manipulation and drawdown of the lake level.

Construction Phase:Construction is anticipated to begin from the spring of 2015 to the spring of 2016.

Closures: The boat ramp and parking area on the north end of the dam will be closed during construction.

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Additional Hints (Decrypt)

qbjarq gerr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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