2005 River Sojourns Blog
Friday, July 23, 2004
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."
Friday, July 02, 2004
Wildlands Conservancy presents Friend of the Lehigh River Awards - 2004
My final Sojourn trip for the season took me to the Lehigh where we had a great time (I took my wife Sue along for this one). We stayed in Mauch Chunk Lake Park, which is county operated and is great for camping as it is wooded and next to a great lake (hence the name). One day of canoeing and one day of rafting (class II and III rapids) provided variety, and the excitment of the Lehigh kept everyone on thier toes through riffles, past rocks, and into speedy chutes.
As a part of the closing ceremonies, Wildlands Conservancy presented thier annual Friends of the Lehigh Awards. Check out the following press release for more info:
(article from Sharla Kistler of Wildlands Conservancy)
"Wildlands Conservancy presented three Friend of the Lehigh River Awards during the eighth annual Lehigh River Sojourn on Monday evening, June 28th immediately following dinner in Walnutport (near the Walnutport Canal Association’s Locktender’s House). The Friend of the Lehigh River Award is presented to individuals, groups, businesses, institutions, governmental
bodies, and others who are recognized for advancing knowledge, deepening understanding, cultivating appreciation, and demonstrating responsible stewardship and use of the Lehigh River and its watershed.
Please join us as we recognize this year’s recipients:
Todd Wood, Mining Engineer II, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, provided significant technical assistance toward the completion of the Lausanne Tunnel Mine Restoration Project. His contribution of technical assistance made possible the construction of a 1.5-acre wetland to treat mine drainage. With
completion of this project, significant water-quality improvements are expected to improve the quality of the Lehigh River, which has been negatively impacted by abandoned mine drainage (AMD).
The mission of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is to provide fishing and boating opportunities through the protection and management of aquatic resources. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission’s dedication to its mission is evident in the recent completion of the 72-mile Lehigh River Water Trail which identifies 20 access points from the Borough of White
Haven, Carbon County to the city of Easton, Northampton County. The Lehigh River Water Trail is the newest addition to the state’s system of 16 water trails certified by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Water trails are recreational corridors between specific locations, accessible at specific points for use by canoes, kayaks, and small non-motorized watercraft.
Pocono Lake Preserve, a private residential community in northwestern Monroe County, has permanently protected four separate properties totaling 1,273 acres of headwater lands of Deep Run, a tributary of the Tobyhanna Creek, which flows to the Lehigh River. This effort was completed between November, 1997 and August, 2002.
The preserved lands are adjacent to the residential community of Pocono Lake Preserve, an environmentally sensitive, private seasonal and year-round development. The residents of this community have contributed generously to the purchase of these properties as they became available, with the intention of protecting them from development using Wildlands Conservancy
conservation easements.
The property consists of shrub and forest communities forming significant riparian buffers for the stream and its associated springs and seeps, which support abundant wetlands. These lands are home to a varied wildlife community as well, including, beaver, eastern black bear, raccoon, deer, many birds, and a few endangered plant species. In addition to protecting
the lands with Wildlands Conservancy conservation easements, Pocono Lake Preserve is managing and improving the lands through forest stewardship and ecologically sound best management practices."
