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Clearfield-Curwensville Whitewater Feasibility Study

Date:                           November 21, 2023

Contact:                     Rob Swales, Chief Executive Officer, Clearly Ahead Development                                                                                                                                             Phone 814-768-7838, rswales@clearlyahead.com                 

CLEARFIELD – Will Clearfield County soon experience whitewater recreation parks on the Susquehanna River? Local stakeholders assembled early this year to initially begin the process on how to improve the waterways of Susquehanna River in the greater Clearfield and Curwensville areas. On June 7 and October 26, 2023, over 30 local stakeholders convened to meet with representatives from S2O Design & Engineering (https://s2odesign.com/projects) and Clearly Ahead Development to discuss the feasible nature of a whitewater parks study proposed on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. S2O Design & Engineering is a premier, global leader in the creation of whitewater park design and engineering.

The study was organized by Clearly Ahead Development and funded in part by Appalachian Region Commission and Visit Clearfield County. Clearly Ahead Development CEO, Rob Swales stated, “The study’s purpose was to determine the overall feasibility for the removal of multiple low head dams inherently owned and/or maintained by municipalities as a means to resolve hazardous deterioration and to preserve river elevations the community is currently accustomed to experience. The study was to investigate the removal and ultimate placement of whitewater features in Curwensville and Clearfield, and Shawville, Pa as recreational park possibilities.” The study was shared in recent municipal meetings of Curwensville Borough and Clearfield Borough to showcase a solution to the communities deteriorating low head dams and providing an opportunity to create a public recreational asset for locals and out of area visitors.

The local stakeholders’ group provided valuable feedback and analysis throughout the preliminary and final feasibility assessment process. The group comprised of local citizens, municipal leaders, conservation groups, anglers, paddlers, redevelopment organizations representing Curwensville, Clearfield and Quehanna-Karthaus areas, GenOn Energy, small business owners, outfitters, local and regional historic and conservation partners – all of which enjoy the outdoors and the Susquehanna River in their own, unique way. “The Stakeholders input and feedback has been essential to the creation of the plan and identifying methods to improve the waterways while maintaining its aesthetics and cultural significance to the region,” Swales noted.

The full report and stakeholder feedback has been shared with Curwensville & Clearfield Borough in a meaningful, comprehensive manner. The report provides information about public recreational whitewater parks, reviews the proposed project sites, presents conceptual design drawings, estimated project costs, and conceptual plan for how the community can move forward to bring the regional outdoor recreation project to life.

As result, multiple project objectives and targeted end-users were identified and outlined in the study:

  • Solve the ongoing repair issues associated with failing low head dams.
  • Eliminate inherent risk posed by low head dams by providing carefully designed recreational structures without adversely affecting above and below stream levels.
  • Improve fish passage and connectivity.
  • Improve fish habitat and biodiversity.
  • Allow canoe and kayak navigation and eliminate dangerous portages around existing dams.
  • Provide enhanced recreational experience for residents to enjoy on the water.
  • Provide a community gathering place for everyone to enjoy on and off the water.
  • Increase visibility of Curwensville & Clearfield as outdoor recreation destinations.
  • Provide attractions to draw visitors for a “stay and play” experience to provide a significant positive economic impact for the community.

Targeted Users were identified and further identified, but not limited to:

  • Beginner canoe/kayakers.
  • Intermediate and advanced canoe/kayakers.
  • Stand-up paddlers, body boarders, and surfers.
  • Tubers.
  • Fishing enthusiasts.
  • Spectators who visit to watch paddlers and/or to spend time along the river.
  • Disabled users utilizing physical rehabilitation opportunities.
  • Students engaging in physical education and water safety training.
  • Swiftwater rescue training squads
  • Special Events.

Nathan Reigner, PhD, Director of Outdoor Recreation, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation expressed, “With innovations like this whitewater park Clearfield County is not only providing inspired recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors, but also demonstrating that it is a leader leveraging its outdoor assets to enhance economic competitiveness in the Commonwealth.  There are few actions more powerful a community can take to retain its youth, attract new residents, and invigorate entrepreneurs than investing in quality of life through outdoor recreation.”  

The report illustrates how municipalities can successfully address the inherent community safety, existing deterioration, aquatic, and recreational liabilities associated with maintaining or the outright removal of the existing low head dams. In lieu of removal of the dams, the report explains how the sites can be redeveloped into public recreational assets without adversely affecting water levels the community is accustomed to experiencing above and below the current project sites, and the 100-year flood plains.

“The result would improve canoe/kayak passage, and aquatic migration - while maintaining river levels consistent with current levels suitable for recreational flatwater floating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing,” Swales expressed. “An outright removal of low head dams would drastically reduce river levels and likely not the desired outcome for our communities. Rather, incorporating whitewater recreational parks to replace outdated low head dam structures would resolve this concern if and when the low head dams are required to be removed. This is a proactive approach to address an emerging community concern. We are hopeful the municipalities give the study serious consideration.” Swales continued.

In turn, the project areas would serve as public recreational whitewater parks for locals and out of town visitors as an outdoor destination. The results would further strengthen Clearfield County as a diverse outdoor recreational hub and be the only river town in the PA Wilds region with public whitewater recreational parks.

A complete copy of the feasibility study can be found at the Clearfield and Curwensville Municipal Offices, and online at www.clearlyahead.com.

 

Clearfield PA Concept Design – illustrates the replacement of the Raftsman Dam with a series of wave features designed to restrict water flow and to create whitewater features. An island along the western side of the river provides a channel for non-whitewater passage for paddlers and slower swimming aquatic life. Click the link below to view the image.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cIy2pvVElBHu-mdtBr6za4I59Dz_l4HG/view?usp=sharing

Curwensville PA Concept Design – illustrates the replacement of Pee Wee’s Next dam with a v-channel system purposely designed to restrict water flow and to concentrate water flow for the creation of whitewater features. Paddlers would have the ability to place in river above or below the wave features. Boulder systems would have passages designed to provide lower flowing water rates for slower swimming aquatic life. Click the link below to view the image.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fQkJl2LFKhHb0BrE6BqJSYFu7XKR_dBQ/view?usp=sharing

Proposed wave design – high water – Images depict the design of a wave feature in a v-channel system under high water conditions. Click the link below to view the image. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PvFMW21ct2FZe5GfWYohkSvNecKCP44m/view?usp=sharing

Proposed wave design – low water – Image depicts the design of a wave feature in a v-channel system under low water level conditions. Click the link below to view the image.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VqxUY6i1caZufMdt5uh23VNknbLGwPfU/view?usp=sharing

Wave and island channel – Clearfield concept – Image depicts the design of a multi-wave feature and island channel system to provide lower current passage for paddlers and aquatic life.  Click the link below to view the image.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NFAhPqRCyOUh7yHaRwhzaYAZ3U9KgNlk/view?usp=sharing

 

To view the Feasibility Study click the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MdkQotDM8PZLkXUs_9VVkf8X3MdxlLKW/view?usp=sharing