A Weekend on the River
Perhaps no single event connects people to local waterways more than WPC’s annual River Sojourn. This year’s trek, held June 13 and 14, was a return trip to the Allegheny River and covered 24 miles of historically significant water and land from Kinzua Dam to Tidioute.
The adventure began at Buckaloons Recreation Area in the Allegheny National Forest, where participants and trip leaders set up camp. Participants were shuttled by Indian Waters Canoe and Kayak Rentals to the tailwaters of the Allegheny Reservoir.
The group then paddled 14 miles back to Buckaloons, stopping midway at Betts Community Park for a catered lunch and a lecture on the eastern hellbender, one of the river’s more unusual species. “We showed how we sample for them and talked about how they are indicators of the health of the environment,” said sojourn organizer Ben Plunkett, a WPC watershed technician and Americorps member.
Sojourners were treated Saturday night to fireside tales by Native American storyteller Mark Davis of the Warren County Historical Society, and arose early Sunday for a talk about fishing the river and its tributaries by Damon Newpher of the Lodge at Glendorn near Bradford.
It was the perfect prelude to a seven-mile
float to the National Forest Islands, seven
of which were designated by Congress in
1984 to the National Wilderness
Preservation System.
“This is an area with very clean water and a lot of wildlife,” said Plunkett. “The fishing here is exceptional, given the populations of walleyes, smallmouth bass, northern pike and muskie.”
Besides great memories, adventures such as this promote environmental stewardship, Plunkett said. “Engaging people is the best way to show them how wonderful it is when rivers and streams are taken care of.”
Give your legacy roots
By including the WPC in your estate plans, such as through a bequest, a charitable gift annuity, or a gift of life insurance, you will ensure that our natural heritage is also a part of your future legacy.