Overview
Portions of the Clarion River are designated with a federal classification
of "Wild and Scenic" for recreational use. The corridor of the river
offers a scenic view of untouched beauty and diverse land formations.
Besides beauty, the Clarion River possess tie qualities that canoeists and
other small boat owners enjoy. The Clarion River is known across the
region as an excellent opportunity for the beginner to intermediate
canoeist.
The public is concerned that the area is not fully equipped
to handle the onslaught of increased tourism. Two main solutions
continue to arise. First, river access points need to be increased in an
area where regulation and guidelines could be enforced; and secondly
public restroom must be made available to the visitors.
Barnett Township, at the intersection of Rout 899 and river
road is constructing a canoe launch with restroom facilities. The location
is ideal because of its proximity to an intersection utilized by tourism
traffic. Regulation enforcement and maintenance of the facilities will be
managed by the township and the PA Bureau of Parks.
As tourism continues to rise, the town of Clarington in
Barnett Township, Forest County hopes to provide an opportunity for
visitors to enjoy the wild and scenic Clarion river. An appropriate launch
site will provide the canoeists with all the necessities and prevent
damage elsewhere along the river's bank.
Parking, comfort facilities, and river access are three
things that are essential to the recreational use of the public lands
along the river. In order to maintain the wild and scenic qualities of the
river certain practices will be followed. The canoe launch will be angled
away from the river so that the parking lot and human activities cannot be
seen while canoeing down the river. Public restrooms will be provided, and
all signs and message boards will be wooden.
Completion
On May 29 the Barnett Township Supervisors and DCNR Bureau
of State Parks co-sponsored the dedication of the canoe launch.
Dedication Pictures
