DCNR, Partners Discuss West Branch Susquehanna River Access Plans In Renovo

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Friday visited Renovo in Clinton County and part of the Pennsylvania Wilds to learn about plans to improve river access and other revitalization efforts being advanced by borough officials, volunteers and community leaders involved in the Greater Renovo Heritage Park.

“Communities that connect to rivers, natural assets, and their unique history attract visitors who spend money, and are better places to live and work for residents,” Dunn said. “I’m happy to learn about Renovo’s plans for a new boat launch to help people access the West Branch of the Susquehanna Water Trail and their interest in becoming a River Town.”

The borough received a $200,000 DCNR grant for a boat launch and riverfront access on a currently vacant lot at the corner of 5th and Ontario streets. They also recently applied for a DCNR Peer Grant to assist them with river town planning as part of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership’s River Town Program.

DCNR’s work is connected to water quality and conservation through Community Conservation Partnership Program Grants for rivers conservation, and its management of lakes, rivers, streams, beaches and shorelines for habitat and to provide water-based recreation.

Increasing the number of river access points is a goal for the statewide outreach recreation plan, and for the Chesapeake Bay Program.

Members of the Greater Renovo Heritage Park Association shared their continued enthusiasm for their 3-acre site surrounding the Coal & Sand Tipple on the western end of town and in educating people about the tremendous contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corp.

A number of scenic vistas, state parks and forests in Clinton County were established in part by the work of the CCC – an effort that provided jobs related to the conservation and development of natural resources in rural lands owned by federal, state and local governments in the 1930s.

Secretary Dunn talked with students from the Bucktail High School Construction Trades program about the work they have completed for the community, including building a pavilion and other construction projects in the area.

The department has a strategic effort to connect young people to the outdoors and to careers in conservation called the Outdoor Corps.  This summer, DCNR will be offering a six-week summer program for young people between the ages of 15-18 in Renovo, as well as 13 other locations throughout the Commonwealth.

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