Changes are slated or underway on some of the region's most popular fisheries.

On lower Hereford Manor Lake, safety concerns are forcing a draw down. When a recent inspection showed that the 51-year old earthen dam -- obsolete by today's standards -- had begun to leak, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission decided to lower levels by 4 feet to take pressure off the dam structure. Although the draw down won't begin until December, a small bridge that spans the spillway will have to be removed before water is drained from the 45-acre lake, according to commission biologist Tim Wilson.

"Anglers can continue to fish while the draw down takes place, and the bridge will be restored once the draw down is complete," he said.

But how long the lake will remain open is questionable.

"Lower water levels will let us reevaluate the dam and if the banks become too steep and slippery, we may have to close it," said agency biologist Al Woomer.

Besides attracting hundreds of anglers on opening day of trout season, the lake is managed under the Big Bass Program and in surveys the Fish and Boat Commission has captured 100 largemouths per hour up to 22 inches.

Upper Hereford Manor Lake was partially drained several years ago because of safety concerns. It would cost $25 million to repair both the upper and lower dams, but the commission has been unable to secure funding.

On other waters:

• A leaky gate that caused a 5-foot drop in water levels at Cross Creek Lake has been temporarily repaired, according to fish commission regional law enforcement chief Emil Svetahor, who received word from the Washington County parks and recreation department Friday. Although it will take some time, water levels will begin to return to normal, he said.

The 244-acre Washington County-owned impoundment is managed under the commission's Big Bass and Panfish Enhancement programs. Besides bluegills, crappies and largemouths, it also yields saugeyes.

Anglers complained recently of a dramatic drop in water levels, and some have speculated that Marcellus shale gas well drillers were causing the problem. Svetahor confirmed that Texas-based Range Resources is permitted to lower the lake by a foot to remove water for Marcellus shale drilling, but said the drop in water level is unrelated.

• Cranberry Glade Lake in Somerset County has been lowered 3 feet and Donegal Lake in Westmoreland County is down 8 feet in an effort to kill underwater vegetation. The draw downs will be performed on alternate years until cold temperatures destroy plant roots; the process could take years. Both lakes remain open to fishing.

• Contractors are waiting for the lake bed at North Park Lake to dry enough to support heavy equipment to begin long-anticipated dredging operations. Several big catfish and largemouth bass up to 8 pounds were salvaged from the lake in recent weeks and transplanted into Marshall Lake, also located in North Park. The Fish and Boat Commission is hopeful North Park Lake will be restored in time for spring trout stocking in 2011.

• Cross Fork Creek near Renova, Pa., will lose part of the Class A Wild Trout section that was established just this year if Fish and Boat board member Bill Sabatose gains support for a plan to defuse tensions on the embattled waterway. He plans to introduce a motion that would shorten the Class A stretch by 300 yards, so a popular area near campgrounds would be open again to trout stockings. Class A protection, which is based on density of wild trout, precludes stocking.

Sabatose said local residents are so divided over Cross Fork's status, "they're taking swings at each other." He justified his proposal by pointing to fluctuations in wild trout numbers over the past 10 years, including a drop in the population this year.

But those eager to see Class A status maintained counter that fluctuating trout populations are normal on any stream because of changing conditions, and Cross Fork should be given a chance to flourish as a wild fishery. Trout Unlimited and the Kettle Creek Watershed Association have made significant habitat improvements to Cross Fork and other streams in the watershed.

"It's a fabulous fishery," said fly fishing guide Dave Allbaugh, who owns a camp on Cross Fork. "I'd like to see it not be stocked because of the wildness of the area, but I don't blame the locals for wanting to stock it because fishing is pretty much their livelihood. I'd like to see the two groups come together for the good of the watershed."

Sabatose said he'll make his motion either at the Fish and Boat Commission's January board meeting or by calling a special board meeting sooner.

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