Pittsburgh, Pa. – March 30, 2021 – The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is pleased that local boaters and anglers continue to enjoy the recreational benefits of Lake Pleasant in Erie County.
The “No Parking” and pedestrian signs along Lake Pleasant Road were installed by PennDOT for safety reasons and to minimize erosion of the shoreline. The Conservancy is committed to continue working with PennDOT and the PA Fish and Boat Commission to provide reasonable public access to the lake. Discussions are continuing with these state partners related to short and long-term measures that help address safe and improved access to the lake along the eastern shoreline.
In addition, the Conservancy is working with the PAFBC to address the biological and ecological health of Lake Pleasant. The lake is a true natural jewel that supports diverse species and a high-quality fishery. Unfortunately, threats to the lake, including shoreline erosion and invasive species introduction, could result in a decline of water quality and decrease in fish and aquatic life.
With the current “No Parking” signs in place along the shoreline, the Conservancy suggests that boaters use the existing boat launch area to temporarily load and unload small non-powered boats that can be launched without the use of a trailer. Afterwards, boaters should park their vehicles at the designated parking area along Lake Pleasant Road.
The Conservancy also reminds the public of another option to enjoy the lake, off of Valley Road on the western side. This part of our conservation area contains parking for eight vehicles (with two van-accessible spaces), as well as a 700-foot universal access pathway, a boardwalk, fishing dock and canoe/kayak launch. For persons with mobility issues, using a canoe/kayak caddy and/or a motorized wheelchair is recommended due to the length of the pathway. We also encourage and remind boaters to thoroughly clean their canoes or kayaks prior to entering the lake to help reduce the spread of invasive species.
Conservancy staff members are available to answer questions and provide additional information. Please call 814-346-0377 or email northwest@paconserve.org for more information.
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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 11 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 Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, which is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List and 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 more than 3,000 volunteers. The work of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is accomplished through the support of more than 9,000 members. For more information, visit WaterLandLife.org or Fallingwater.org.
Media Contact:
Carmen Bray
Director of Communications for WPC
412-586-2358
cbray@paconserve.org