On August 7, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Forester Seth Cassell  announced the agency will hold an August 23 informational meeting for prospective vendors for the Catawissa Motorized Recreation Area being developed in Luzerne and Schuylkill counties..

The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Weiser State Forest District Office, 16 Weiser Lane in Aristes, PA from 9:00 a.m. to Noon

The meeting is open to all potential vendors that would like to work with the Department and questions will be very specific to the property and the management of the recreation area’s operations.

“We are eager to hear from prospective vendors and look forward to continued development of the Catawissa Motorized Recreation Area for future use,” State Forester Cassell said. “Please visit the Weiser State Forest we​bsite for updates on the status of the project.”

Questions about the August 23 event or the recreation area can be submitted online.

This meeting will help the Department develop concessionaire agreements for the recreation area, and will serve as a precursor to a more formal vendor forum to be held at a later date.

The Catawissa Recreation Area Motorized Recreation Master Plan (PDF) for the motorized recreation area developed by the Larson Design Group was completed in 2023.

It’s possible that not everything in the plan will be developed.

It also is anticipated that concepts of the plan will be implemented in phases.

The department has begun work at the area including--

-- Installing gates at several historical access points

-- Installing bridge structures at critical stream crossings

-- Constructing a small parking area to provide foot access from Lofty Road

-- Creating detailed implementation plans based on the master plan.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has begun the design and permitting process for road access to its acid mine drainage site on the property, which will include the main public access to the recreation area.

Construction on the main entrance and access road is expected to begin in 2025.

The tract is currently open to hiking, biking, and hunting -- state forest rules and regulations apply.

The area is currently closed to motorized use as site work and development progresses.

For more information, visit DCNR’s Catawissa Motorized Recreation Area webpage.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

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NewsClips:

-- Beaver County Times - Brian Whipkey: If You Like Waterfalls, Here Are The Top 5  State Parks To Visit

-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Blog: Adaptive Kayak Launch Added At Montour Preserve To Help More People Access Lake Chillisquaque In Montour County

-- NextPittsburgh: Highland Park And Allegheny County Tennis Courts Adapted To Include Blind, Wheelchair-Using Players

-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Blog: 29 Students Split Across 2 Day Explore Wellsboro State Park In HERYN Environmental Education Expansion Program

-- TribLive: 4-Mile Trail To Open Soon In Leechburg, Thanks To Volunteers’ Dedication In Armstrong County

-- Warren Times: Allegheny National Forest Highlights Work Funded By Federal Great American Outdoor Act

[Posted: August 7, 2024]

8/12/2024