Perfect Weather Supported 2004 Wild and Scenic Allegheny River Sojourn
POWR intern Angela McCracken got a chance to experience her first paddling event while on the final PA Sojourn of the 2004 May/June season.  What follows is her report which is pulled from this weeks Watershed Weekly e-publication at:

http://www.pawatersheds.org/WWeekly/issue.asp?ID=206%20#wsspotlight

"Under the direction of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Northern Allegheny Project, and the French Creek Project, the 2004 Wild and Scenic Allegheny River Sojourn was held from July 8-10 with perfect weather to compliment the event.

After a quick lesson on paddling and an informative safety talk, paddlers began the voyage in Tidioute, despite ominous dark clouds and periods of drizzle. Lunch was held seven miles downstream in West Hickory. Charles Bier spoke to the group about the importance of the stream to mussel populations. Of all the rivers throughout PA, the Allegheny River has the most diverse range of mussel species, and supports the most number of species, which reinforced the need to protect this wild and scenic waterway. Bier showed several examples of endangered mussels that he had pulled from the water, providing a hands-on experience for the children and adults alike.

After lunch, seven more miles were paddled, and two dams navigated to get to the Tionesta Recreation Area Campground, where the group rested for the evening. After a delicious meal of lasagna and meatballs, and musical entertainment by Sam Reese and Friends, the group relaxed and enjoyed the cool evening.

By 9am the next morning, canoes and kayaks were back on the water for a long second day, which covered approximately 21 miles. Lunch was served at the homestead of Court Gold, who also spoke about the history of the Oil City area, as well as sustainable practices for the area. Artifacts dating back to Indian civilizations were passed around, again providing a unique experience for participants of all ages.

A mid-afternoon stop gave paddlers a much-needed rest, as well as the opportunity to meet Robert Wetherell from the US Forest Service. Wetherell gave a small talk about the US Forest Service and the different classifications of streams. Paddlers continued downstream, portaging around the Oil City Rapids, and docking at the Oil City Southside Marina, where dinner and entertainment were again provided.

The following morning began a slightly shorter day, with participants looking forward to approximately sixteen miles of river to cover. Lunch was provided at the Franklin Riverfront Park, where the French Creek and the Allegheny River join. Paddlers learned about the history of the area from James Cardamon, including French explorations and George Washington's trip down the river.

The final leg of the sojourn landed paddlers at Fisherman's Cove, where the sojourn concluded. The trip was educational, as well as exciting, especially at the Oil City Rapids. The wild and scenic Allegheny was just that, wild and scenic, and provided paddlers with the opportunity to experience the beauty of this unique waterway."


- posted by frank cetera @ 10:42 AM