GROUPS ANNOUNCE JOINT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND AESTHETICS ALONG THE CODORUS RIVER WATER TRAIL
Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and the Conestoga River Club Receive State and County Support to Enhance Recreational Opportunities and Improve Water Quality on the Conestoga River
July 1, 2022
Media contacts: Todd Roy, Conestoga River Club 717-719-8214 or president@conestogariverclub.org
Ted Evgeniadis, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, 717-478-1780 or ted@lowsusriverkeeper.org
Lancaster, PA – . Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association (LSRA) and Conestoga River Club (CRC) announce a landmark proposition to begin much needed rehabilitation along the Conestoga River. The Conestoga River suffers from poor recreational access, erosion, and pollution. CRC and LSRA propose to stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, improve habitat and water quality, and improve aesthetics of the river corridor.
The non-profit organizations have been awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the Lancaster Conservancy and aid from Lancaster County American Rescue Plan Act recovery funds to begin a Water Trail Rehabilitation Plan of the Conestoga recreational corridor.
The goal of this plan is to identify needed improvements to free public access that will include uniformity of design, minimum level of facility and construction elements that will take into account ease of use and accessibility. Further, the Plan will inform long term maintenance needs and conservation goals to secure the legacy of the Water Trail.
“The Conestoga River has such deep history and is a treasured waterway for so many. But, the River is suffering and needs our attention. The plan we are creating with the Conestoga River Club will set a great example for water trail rehabilitation in Pennsylvania,” said Ted Evgeniadis, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper.
“We are grateful for the support of the funding agencies and the LSRA in helping the CRC realize this first step in effective Water Trail management. It is our belief that the Conestoga River belongs to us all and should be easily accessible to all who enjoy Her,” said Todd Roy, President of Conestoga River Club.
The community is encouraged to participate in this process. Multiple opportunities will be available for the public to engage through public meetings, focus groups and opinion surveys.
Brian Auman of BSA / LA and LandStudies have been awarded the contract to assess the Conestoga River Water Trail and deliver a comprehensive plan.
The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is a licensed Waterkeeper organization dedicated to improving the ecological health of the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper patrols the river for illegal pollution, and when necessary, enforces environmental laws to protect the river and communities that depend on it.
The Conestoga River Club is a non-profit grassroots watershed advocacy group focused on accessible free public access to waterways for the purpose of recreational, citizen based stewardship, and educational programs.
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