Watkins Architect Partners With Blue Mountain Wildlife

Watkins Architect was approached by Blue Mountain Wildlife to draft a new plan for the future Kernsville Dam Recreation Area. Starting in 2001, Blue Mountain Wildlife set a goal to preserve the Kernsville Dam and the associated desilting basin. Multiple plans were proposed and updated over the years.

Now, Watkins Architect has been tasked to create a new vision for the land. The first draft of the proposal is pulled from ideas collected from the Officers and Directors of Blue Mountain Wildlife. 

Initial plans include (but not limited to):

• Future trail along industrial road

• Create a new wildlife habitat on dredge soil

• Install a sound barrier on the north side of the I-78 bridge

• Build new restroom facilities

• Add a new formal trash/recycling station

• Re-establish the lowlands trail and the Little Blue Mountain Dam site

• Preserve the coal wharf site

• Re-establish a butterfly garden

• Add a new trail and footbridge crossing the Schuylkill River

• Restore the stone building for an educational center/museum

• Enhance the Schuylkill River channel

• Restore and preserve the big Blue Mountain dam locks

• Create fishing piers along the Schuylkill River

• Preserve the covered railroad bridge abutments

• Preserve the history of “The Moving of the River”

• Create new and improve existing trails and trail connections

• Create new visitor amenities throughout the property

In a unique move to include the community, Blue Mountain Wildlife has revealed the proposed plan to the people who visit and love the “Kerny.” Over the next few months, Blue Mountain Wildlife is welcoming the thoughts, opinions, concerns, and comments of the residents in the township. 

This feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the plan. The ideas will also be presented to the many stakeholders of the “Kerny” — including local/regional groups and local municipalities — in order to collect and incorporate their comments, as well. 

Once all of the comments have been received— and with the assistance of Watkins Architect — the plan will be revised and presented to the public and stakeholders for a final review before Blue Mountain Wildlife formally adopts a new Master Plan sometime next year.

For more information about this exciting project, and for updates, visit www.bluemountainwildlifestore.com/2026-master-plan/2025/9/14/it-all-starts-with-a-plan

Watkins Architect is proud to be a part of this new endeavor. Our experienced team specializes in the implementation of community upgrades and environmental green space. Learn more at www.watkinsarchitect.com/community