News & Updates

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Introduces Lumber Paddling Booklet

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) and Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) are thrilled to announce the release of a new booklet designed to enhance your paddling experience on the Susquehanna River Water Trail’s West Branch. This free booklet allows kayakers and canoeists to explore the logging history of the river while enjoying a scenic adventure.

Explore the Susquehanna River in a New Way

The Susquehanna River Water Trail is a state-designated water trail that caters to both motorized and non-motorized water recreation. The new booklet features four paddling itineraries that highlight the rich lumber heritage of Clinton and Lycoming counties. Each itinerary offers:

Overview and Historical Context

In addition to the itineraries, the booklet provides an overview of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and includes an article detailing the region’s historic logging activities. This context enriches the paddling experience, allowing users to appreciate the river’s significance in Pennsylvania’s lumber industry.

Distribution and Availability

The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Lumber Heritage Region have partnered with the Clinton County Visitors Bureau to distribute the booklets for free. Paddlers can pick up their copy at the Visitors Bureau and start planning their adventure along the West Branch, which flows from Cherry Tree, PA to Northumberland, PA.

Enhanced Digital Experience

Alana Jajko, SGP Director of Communications & Outreach, highlights a unique feature of the booklet: an online component. Each itinerary includes a QR code that links to a virtual tour of the route, complete with maps, additional photos, information, and links. These storymaps allow paddlers to familiarize themselves with the route before setting off on their journey.

Paddling Checklist

For those new to paddling or in need of a refresher, the booklet includes a paddling checklist on the final page. This checklist helps ensure that all necessary preparations are made for a safe and enjoyable trip on the water.

Production and Funding

The Susquehanna River Water Trail West Branch Lumber Paddling Itineraries Booklet was produced by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership in collaboration with the Lumber Heritage Region. Funding was provided in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Please note that the booklet and its contents may not be reproduced without written permission from the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership.

About the Susquehanna Greenway

The Susquehanna Greenway is a corridor of connected trails, parks, river access points, and communities that link people to the natural and cultural treasures of the Susquehanna River. The mission of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is to continue growing the Greenway by building connections along the river, inspiring outdoor engagement, and transforming communities into vibrant places to live, work, and explore.

For more information and to download the booklet, visit Susquehanna Greenway Partnership.

More Industry News From LHR

News & Updates

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course

Lumber Heritage Region Receives DCNR Grant to Develop Warren County’s First 18-Hole Disc Golf Course Warren, PA – The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) has been awarded a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to design and build an 18-hole disc golf course on the Hatch Run Property in Warren, PA. LHR is partnering with the Warren County Visitor Bureau and the Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) to bring this exciting recreational project to life. This will be the first and only 18-hole disc golf course in Warren County, offering a unique combination of outdoor recreation, historic interpretation, and conservation education. The Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area, managed by the Warren County Conservation District, is a 350-acre property dedicated to environmental education, outdoor recreation, and sustainable land management practices. The area features scenic trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and forested landscapes, making it an ideal location for a disc golf course that emphasizes both recreation and environmental awareness. The course will be designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, preserving the property’s rich biodiversity while providing an engaging space for disc golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. This project aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the region while promoting environmental stewardship and local history. The course will feature interpretive signage highlighting Warren County’s rich lumber heritage, forestry conservation efforts, and the ecological significance of the Hatch Run property. “We are thrilled to bring this exciting project to Warren County with the support of DCNR and our dedicated partners,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the LHR. “Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport that appeals to all ages and skill levels, and this course will not only provide a fantastic recreational outlet but also help connect players with the history and natural beauty of the region.” In addition to benefiting local residents, this project will be a significant asset to Warren County’s tourism efforts. As disc golf continues to grow in popularity, the new course will attract players from surrounding areas, boosting visitor traffic, local businesses, and outdoor tourism. The Warren County Visitors Bureau recognizes this as an opportunity to diversify the county’s outdoor recreation offerings and further position the region as a premier destination for nature-based tourism. “As Warren County’s destination marketing organization, our job is promoting our assets to bring people to the area. When Holly approached us asking if there was a dream project we would like to pursue, a disc golf course was the automatic answer. Warren County is known for a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, our number one tourist draw, but nowhere in the county is a disc golf course, one of the nation’s most rapidly growing sports. The location at HRCD is perfect with its proximity to restaurants, stores, and other amenities while still providing a remote forest experience. This will be a great economic asset as dedicated disc golfers travel far and wide to try new courses and will need a place to eat, sleep, and shop. It will also give locals easy access to a new adventure. Every step of the process has been exciting, and we look forward to seeing Warren County’s newest amenity come to fruition and become a favorite for locals and tourists alike.” – Casey Ferry, executive director of the Warren County Visitors Bureau. LHR, in collaboration with the Warren County Visitors Bureau and WCCD, will ensure the course is designed to enhance the outdoor experience while maintaining the integrity of the Hatch Run property. The inclusion of interpretive elements will provide players with a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania’s lumber industry, forest conservation, and sustainable land management practices. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction set to begin in the coming months. Once completed, the course will be open to the public, providing free access to both beginners and seasoned disc golfers. For more information on the project or ways to get involved, please contact Holly Komonczi. About the Lumber Heritage Region The Lumber Heritage Region is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and culture of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry through community engagement, education, and sustainable recreation initiatives. About the Warren County Visitors Bureau The Warren County Visitors Bureau promotes tourism and outdoor recreation in Warren County, highlighting its natural beauty, history, and unique attractions to visitors from near and far. About the Warren County Conservation District The Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) works to conserve and protect the county’s natural resources through education, stewardship, and sustainable land management practices. Media Contact: Holly Komonczi Executive Director Lumber Heritage Area hkomonczi@lumberheritage.org Casey Ferry Executive Director Warren County Visitors Bureau director@wcvb.net

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Heritage

Highlighting Black History in the Lumber Heritage Region

Discover some of the lumber and forest related stories of Black Americans in the Lumber Heritage Region and throughout Pennsylvania. Combatting injustice, breaking barriers, and contributing to the forests and places we hold dear today, explore just a few of these fascinating stories in this Black History Month feature!

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