CLEARFIELD — Clearfield and Curwensville areas will be renovated after a feasibility study sponsored by Cleary Ahead Development shows plans to improve the river and provide recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors. A white water park could be built on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
The study, funded in part by the Appalachian Regional Commission and Visit Clearfield County, compiled information about public whitewater parks and considered proposed locations. Additionally, the report includes conceptual blueprints, estimated project costs, and possible plans for how to realize the recreational project.
“With innovations like this whitewater park, Clearfield County not only provides exciting recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, but also is a leader in leveraging its outdoor assets to strengthen the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness. “This proves that,” said Director Nathan Reiner. State Department of Outdoor Recreation.
Investing in outdoor recreation can retain young people, attract new residents and stimulate entrepreneurs, he said.
One of the main focuses of this study was to examine the possibility of removing multiple low-head dams owned and/or maintained by municipalities in order to limit dangerous degradation and maintain river elevation. Ta.
Rob Swales, chief executive officer of Clearly Ahead Development, said the study would include the removal of rapids features in Curwensville, Clearfield and Shawville and the eventual development of a potential recreational park. He said he had investigated the layout.
The report takes into account local safety, existing degradation, aquatic and recreational responsibilities associated with maintenance or removal of low-head dams.
The report describes ways to redevelop the site as a public recreation asset without removing the dam.
“As a result, canoe/kayak traffic and underwater movement will be improved while maintaining river levels consistent with current water levels suitable for recreational flatwater floating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.” Swales said.
Swales said completely removing the low-head dam would significantly lower river levels, which would likely not be a desirable outcome for the area.
Alternatively, a whitewater recreational park could be created to replace the low-head dam structure, eliminating concerns if the dam had to be removed.
The project area will serve as a public recreational whitewater park as an outdoor destination for local residents and out-of-town visitors. As a result, Clearfield County will be further strengthened as a center for diverse outdoor recreation and will be the only river town in the Pennsylvania Wilds region with a public whitewater recreation park, he added.
The research was shared at Curwensville and Clearfield Borough meetings.
Local residents, municipal leaders, conservation organizations, anglers, paddlers, redevelopment organizations representing the Curwensville, Clearfield, and Quehanna Culthouse areas, GenOn Energy, small business owners, outfitters, local and a group of local history and conservation partners. All of that, Swales said, allowed him to experience the outdoors and the Susquehanna River in his own unique way and provide input and feedback on the plan.
Because low-head dams are aging and municipalities may be forced to remove them in the future, development plans for recreational uses are a “proactive approach to addressing emerging community concerns.” ” he said.
“We hope that local governments will seriously consider this study,” Swales said.