CLEARFIELD – The Clearly Ahead Development Board of Directors recently announced the publication of a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) memorandum on its Web site to assist the community with looming questions regarding most recent plan alternatives for the Clearfield and Curwensville areas to consider in the replacement of low-head dams at Pee Wee’s Nest in Curwensville and the Raftsman Memorial Dam in downtown Clearfield.
In spring, summer and fall of 2023, over 30 local stakeholders, including municipal officials, convened to discuss the process and to assess the feasible nature of in-water recreational parks as a means to improve the waterways of the Susquehanna River in the greater Clearfield and Curwensville areas on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
In 2023, S2O Design & Engineering was retained by Clearly Ahead Development to conduct the study and is a premier, global leader in the creation of public whitewater park design and engineering solutions.
The study was funded in part by Appalachian Region Commission and Visit Clearfield County.
Clearly Ahead Development Chief Executive Officer, 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 determined the removal and ultimate placement of in-water recreational features in Curwensville and Clearfield are viable solutions to the existing low-head dams to benefit the environment while providing recreational park opportunities and maintaining up-river surface elevations and flows the community is accustomed to experience.”
The study was shared in multiple municipal and town hall meetings of Curwensville Borough and Clearfield Borough over the course of 2024 to showcase a manageable solution to the communities’ deteriorating low-head dams.
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 on public waterways.
- Improves fish passage and connectivity.
- Improves fish habitat and biodiversity.
- Allow canoe and kayak navigation and eliminates dangerous portages around existing dams.
- Provide enhanced recreational experiences 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 and 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, including:
- Beginner, intermediate and advanced canoe/kayakers.
- Stand-up paddlers, body boarders and surfers.
- Tubers.
- Fishing enthusiasts.
- Birdwatchers.
- 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.
In November, State Senator Wayne Langerholc and State House Rep. Mike Armanini announced Clearly Ahead Development as the award recipient of a $615,000 Statewide Local Share Account (LSA) grant for the purposes of engineering, design and permitting associated with plans to further implement the feasibility study on behalf of the communities.
Concurrently, Clearly Ahead Development issued a request for proposals for design and permitting services to implement future planning and design. The bids are due by Dec. 9, 2024.
The report and future planning illustrate 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 experience 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.
“Unlike an outright removal of low-head dams, river levels would be drastically lowered and likely not the desired outcome for our communities.
“Rather, incorporating whitewater recreational parks to replace outdated low-head dam structures would proactively solve this concern if and when the low-head dams are required to be removed.”
“This offers a proactive approach to address an emerging concern throughout our country and local communities alike. We are excited to be in a position to contract with an engineering firm to further design creative, ecofriendly solutions to the existence of low-head dams for community 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 Frequently Asked Questions, and initial Feasibility Study can be found at the Clearfield and Curwensville Municipal Offices, and online at www.clearlyahead.com.
