Crawford Reserve

Crawford Reserve was purchased by Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) in 1993 and later sold with retention of a conservation easement. The 11,300-acre property borders the Allegheny River between Oil City and Tionesta. This magnificent forested tract contains a 5-mile stretch of Hemlock Creek, which supports wild rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and 3½ miles of Porcupine Run, which is home to native brook and rainbow trout. The property also includes portions of Reese Run and Norway Run, two streams that the Pennsylvania Fish and boat Commission have recommended as Wilderness Trout Streams – the highest designation in the state. When WPC bought the land, the landowner requested that it be named Crawford Reserve. The name President Oil is known by local community members and is said to have come from the nearby town of President and a local oil company.  

WPC sold the land in 1998 and retained a conservation easement that will go with the land regardless of the owner. The easement protects the property from being subdivided, ensures public-access for hunting and fishing, and requires that all timbering adhere to “Best Management Practices.” The easement is subject to the various leases that were active in 1998.