Sigel, Pa. – July 23, 2018 – The public is invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by joining the Wild & Scenic Clarion River Sojourn on Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19. This 24-mile guided paddling trip is cohosted by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Participants of the Wild & Scenic Clarion River Sojourn will travel by canoe from Hallton to Cooksburg, Pa. during the two-day event.
In 1996, a 52-mile section of the Clarion River from Ridgway, Pa. to the Piney Dam was federally designated as a part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, making the river an important symbol of clean water and recreation in Pennsylvania.
“This federal designation recognizes the Clarion River’s remarkable scenic and recreational values,” explained Kylie Maland, WPC’s watershed manager for the Upper Allegheny & Lake Erie region. “I’m looking forward to a fun weekend where all levels of boaters can enjoy the Clarion River!”
Sojourn paddlers will enjoy the natural beauty and splendor of the Clarion River while learning about collaborative efforts to protect and conserve this natural resource.
The first day of the weekend trip begins in Hallton, Pa. paddling 13 river miles through the Pennsylvania Wilds, ending in Clear Creek State Park, where free overnight tent camping will be provided. The second day includes 11 river miles of paddling, ending in Cook Forest State Park in Cooksburg, Pa.
Participants are welcome to attend either day individually for $50 or both days as a package for $90. Registration fees include daily meals, canoe rental, tent camp site, educational programs and shuttle service for the event.
Sponsors for the sojourn include the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, River Network, Patagonia and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
You can view full event details online at WaterLandLife.org/events/clarion-river-paddling-sojourn/. To register for the sojourn or for more information, contact Kylie Maland by phone at 814-776-1114 or kmaland@paconserve.org. The registration deadline is Friday, August 10, 2018. You will receive a registration packet with additional information upon registration.
Since 1977, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has conserved more than 13,000 acres along the Clarion River Corridor. Most of this property has been made part of the Pennsylvania’s public lands system, including Clear Creek and Cook Forest state parks, state forest lands, state game lands and the Allegheny National Forest.
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Photos of past camps are available courtesy of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy: https://we.tl/lWH0r7IBaU
About the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy:
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) enhances the region by protecting and restoring exceptional places. A private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932, WPC has helped to establish 10 state parks, conserved more than a quarter million acres of natural lands and protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams. The Conservancy owns and operates Fallingwater, which symbolizes people living in harmony with nature. In addition, WPC enriches our region’s cities and towns through 132 community gardens and other green spaces that are planted with the help of about 12,000 volunteers. The work of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is accomplished through the support of more than 10,000 members. For more information, visit WaterLandLife.org or Fallingwater.org.
Media contact:
Kristen Wishon
Communications Specialist
412-586-2328 (office)
kwishon@paconserve.org