Crystal Lake became filled with hazardous sediment and waste by 2024, according to the Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center
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NEED TO KNOW
- Forty-nine musk turtles were released into Crystal Lake on Sept. 27 after months of rehabilitation
- Residents helped rescue surviving turtles after the drained lake revealed dead wildlife and hazardous sediment
- The cleanup addressed harmful algae, high nitrogen levels, and waste that had left the lake only four feet deep
Dozens of turtles and fish that were removed from a polluted lake in Pennsylvania in 2025 have now returned home after a massive cleanup effort.
On Sept. 27, 49 musk turtles were released back into the wild after being rescued during the dredging process that began in Crystal Lake, located in Lower Alsace and Exeter Townships, in 2025, according to WFMZ.
Crystal Lake became filled with hazardous sediment and waste by 2024, according to an Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center blog post.
Credit: aark
The buildup made the lake about 4 feet deep and caused harmful algae to bloom, according to the organization. WFMZ also reported sediment buildup and high nitrogen levels.
The Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority proposed a dredging project in 2024, set to begin in the summer of 2025.
By March 2025, however, photos of the drained lake had leaked, and local residents like Lori Lilley, who lived near the park for years, spotted dozens of dead fish, turtles, and snails in the muddy ground and reached out to Aark.
“We found over 30 deceased turtles, way too many dead fish, some crayfish, and easily hundreds of dead snails. It was infuriating and sad,” said Lilley.
Credit: aark
After only four living turtles were rescued during the first two days, Lilley, her husband, and fellow community member Tammy made it their mission to search for turtles whenever they could.
“I would bring the turtles home and keep them safe for a few days and about once a week, my husband and I would drive them to Aark where Amanda (Aark Clinic Director) and Nick would take over and make sure they were safe, healthy and cared for,” she said.
In March 2026, the reptiles began returning to the lake. The organization has, since the project began, incubated and hatched “around 25 musk turtle eggs.”
Credit: aark
While Crystal Lake was being worked on, Aark received special permission from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to release snappers and painted turtles at Antietam Lake while the musk turtles remained at its clinic.
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