Recreational trails for hiking, biking and riding are nothing new. In fact, Crawford County and its neighbors are home to several fine examples. Until now, however, local trails have been constructed on solid ground.

That may soon change. Almost 20 representatives of organizations, municipalities and governmental agencies interested in the future of the French Creek water corridor gathered Wednesday on the campus of Allegheny College to begin to explore the possibility of having French Creek formally designated a Pennsylvania Water Trail by Pennsylvania’s Fish & Boat Commission.

Water trails are basically defined as recreational waterways linking specific points that emphasize low-impact use and promote stewardship of the state’s water resources while offering access points, boat launches and day- use sites for the boating public. Overnight camping areas are sometimes also offered.

The round-table discussion, the initial step in a process that must include multiple public meetings, was organized by Andy Walker, director of Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Meadville-based northwest office. PEC was the lead partner in the former French Creek Project; the northwest office occupies former project headquarters on Chestnut Street.

For more than 10 years, a canoe guide developed by the project for paddling French Creek has been available to the public. However, the map never attempted to include information about amenities available along the route — and things have changed over the years, including the elimination of at least one of the 14 access points listed.

Participants agreed that an updated map and guide of French Creek would add to the recreational value of an extraordinary local natural resource.

As the state agency that officially designates water trails as part of the Pennsylvania Water Trails System, the Fish & Boat Commission has developed specific guidelines that must be met. In exchange, the commission provides a variety of resources including assistance with mapping, access to the statewide logo and inclusion in the publication “Paddle PA” for those receiving designation.

As outlined by Walker, an effective guide should:

n Confirm existing public access points, identify locations where people obtain creek access from private land or commonly trespass on private land to obtain creek access and suggest locations that may serve as suitable access points as the water trail develops in the future.

n Highlight the unique features of an area — both historical and natural — to educate water trail users. The most effective features are visible from the creek or found within walking distance from the creek so paddlers can experience them first-hand.

n Encourage paddlers to interact with communities along the creek by providing information about what kind of businesses and amenities are available within walking distance of the creek.

n Give paddling trip participants information about where potential hazards exist as well as various options for responding to those hazards.

According to commission guidelines:

n The planning process must be public, including multiple public meetings that have been publicly advertised to collect information about and gain support for the proposed trail.

n Any maps provided in partnership with the commission must be distributed at no cost.

n Key access points should have trailhead signs. Other signage such as interpretive signs and trail markers are desirable.

n It is highly recommended that organizers work with local governments traversed by the trail. According to the commission, “Water trails benefit local governments so it is only logical that they should be involved. Also, if the local government is not involved at the outset of the project there may be unforeseen conflicts as the trail goes into development.”

n Water trails should have at least one access point every 10 miles; each access point must be able to accommodate boats appropriate for the water trail.

The commission also outlines specific requirements for developing and creating boat access points along the trail.

According to Walker, the designation of French Creek as an official Water Trail is consistent with the Northwest Pennsylvania Greenways Plan, a multi-county planning effort by the Northwest Regional Planning and Development Commission that was completed last spring.



Mary Spicer can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at mspicer@meadvilletribune.com.