Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, overseen by the US Army Corps of Engineers, was constructed in the late 1940s to mitigate flooding in the lower Genesee River region. Serving as a crucial flood protection mechanism, the dam spans 67 miles of the Genesee River Valley, extending from Mount Morris to downtown Rochester where the river converges with Lake Ontario.
Under the Genesee River Protection Act of 1989, the dam functions primarily to prevent floods, allowing the Genesee River to flow unimpeded most of the time. However, during flood prevention measures, excess water is temporarily held back, creating a striking reservoir within the scenic Letchworth Canyon until safe release is possible.
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area, a day-use park, boasts stunning vistas of Letchworth Canyon, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the East". Visitors can engage with the facility by partaking in ranger-led walking tours, exploring the Visitor Center to learn about the dam's history, or enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and wildlife observation amidst the picturesque surroundings.
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