Rehab of canoe/kayak launch in Sheffield underway
Work is underway in Sheffield to rehabilitate the launch at the Tionesta Creek Access Area.
The Sheffield Township supervisors announced the work in a notice published in the Times Observer earlier this month.
“This improvement project will consist of removing the existing non-functioning web mesh canoe/kayak launch ramp and replacing it with a new concrete plank ramp,” the supervisors say. “The new ramp will greatly improve access and safety for the canoe/kayak users of the West Branch Tionesta Creek, which flows for 38 miles through the Allegheny National Forest.”
They say the ramp was originally constructed in the 1990s in a parcel owned by the township. Collaboration with the Forest Service, state county and civic-minded individuals got the project complete.
“Earlier this year the Township applied for a grant from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s Canoe Access Development Fund,” they say. The township was notified in late May that our project had been approved for funding in the amount of $4,889.97.”
They call the funding stream a “a beneficial resource for local organizations to help ensure public access to waterways.”
Work started on Saturday, Sept. 21.
“During this time, the Tionesta Creek Access Area will be closed as a safety precaution,” the supervisors say.