Increased access to Elk Creek considered
An accessible fishing dock could get anglers with mobility problems within a rod’s length of Elk Creek’s steelhead trout.
That was on the wish list when Cindy Adams, secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, toured the new McKean Conservation Area in Erie County last week. The field trip was designed to showcase Gov. Tom Wolf’s Restore Pennsylvania initiative, a proposal that he said would generate $4.5 billion in four years for infrastructure projects by placing a severance tax on natural gas production and distribution.
DCNR supplied $177,000 for development of the first stage of the McKean site, located upstream from the I-79 crossing of Elk Creek and a state Fish and Boat
Commission access.
“DCNR is proud to assist McKean Township and Lake Erie Region Conservancy in this effort, and this is just the start in the planning and development of this beautiful 88-acre site,” Ms. Dunn said in a statement. “Much more is needed to improve the project to its maximum benefit. This is exactly the type of green infrastructure the Restore Pennsylvania proposal would benefit.”
Future phases of the project would include improved access to Elk Creek, a nature center, new trails and woodlands, parking areas, trail signage and viewing areas costing at least $1.1 million.
Lock and dam
Fishing on the Lower Allegheny River has gotten tougher since the start of a construction project last week that will temporarily block passage through Highland Park lock and dam No. 2. No interruption of commercial traffic is expected.
The work will intermittently impede recreational traffic into and out of the Pittsburgh Pool. At Point State Park, a pool level of 15-15½ feet will be maintained during full chamber closures, and river channel depth of 9 feet will remain unchanged. Construction is expected to end Nov. 1.
‘Live the Stream’
A pre-release screening of a documentary film about Pennsylvania fly master Joe Humphreys will benefit the Wildlife Leadership Academy, which encourages high schoolers to sustain wildlife, fisheries and natural resources for future generations. The informal screening will start at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Tull Family Theater. $35, 418 Walnut St., Sewickley. Information: 412-259-8542.