Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Paddling Trails

Fall is a wonderful time to explore paddling trails at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Blackwater has three paddling trails totaling over 20 miles.

The Friends of Blackwater recently helped enhance the markers and interpretive signs along the trails.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge paddling trails have been listed as one of the most gorgeous places to paddle in the fall by the Washington Post.

To learn more about the trails, visit the Blackwater NWR website at www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater/.

The Friends of Blackwater is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that relies on members for support. For more information, visit www.friendsofblackwater.org.

source: Friends of Blackwater

Highland Park Veterans Kayak Launch - Norfolk VA

In October, members of the Highland Park Civic League honored military veterans and their dedication to service with a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of the Highland Park Veterans Kayak Launch.

The launch is located at the corner of 44th Street and Colley Avenue in Norfolk. The new launch site features a floating pier and launch ramp which extends into Knitting Mill Creek, a tributary of the Lafayette River.

The Highland Park Civic League consists of residents and business owners in the Highland Park neighborhood in Norfolk, VA. The organization works to encourage and promote civic improvements in the local community of Highland Park.

Ohio Paddlesports Popularity

Paddlesports in Ohio have increased in popularity over the past several years, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

In 2015, more than 161,000 Ohioans registered canoes, kayaks or other paddle-specific watercraft. Over the last decade (2006-2015), Ohio’s kayak and canoe registrations (including liveries) have increased 138 percent.

The state expects the sport to grow as the state continues to invest in the paddling community.

From 2006 to 2015, more than $7 million was provided through community grant programs and publications. support provided carry-in and small boat access, as well as hands-on skill development through local education and recreation programs, including Paddle Palooza festivals and the Paddle Ohio program.

It also funded publications detailing stream access and paddling opportunities.

Ohio's water resources include 451 miles of the Ohio River, approximately one-third the entire surface area of Lake Erie, more than 605 inland lakes and more than 60,000 miles of inland streams, rivers and, other waterways.

Ohio is one of only seven states in the nation where admission and parking at state parks are free.

For more information, visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.

source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Conneaut Creek Access (Pennsylvania)

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) recently approved the acquisition of an easement on 1,600 linear feet along Conneaut Creek as it flows across property owned by the Borough of Conneautville, Crawford County.

The easement will be for public fishing, boating and riparian and fishery management. The PFBC will also acquire easements for parking and a footpath to provide access to the creek.

The easement area is located north of Route 198. Conneaut Creek provides significant steelhead fishing opportunities in the area.

source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Maryland Golden Age Pass Ramp Fees Abolished

In 2015, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Golden Age Pass holders will no longer have to pay a fee to use state park boat launches or ramps.

Golden Age Passes entitle Maryland adults, ages 62 and older, to a lifetime of free day-use entry into all state parks, as well as half price camping Sunday through Thursday.

The change in policy is part of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s agenda to eliminate or reduce $51 million in state-issued fees.

Public access is one of limitations that seniors face when kayaking in Maryland and other Mid Atlantic states.
   

Kayaks vs. Canoes at North Bend State Park WV

At North Bend State Park in West Virginia, beginning paddlers can choose a kayak, canoe, or both as part of the Quest program.

The Park's Quest program will continue offering kayak or canoe adventures on North Bend Lake into September.

“The Quest program caught the attention of many people this summer,” said North Bend State Park Supt. Steve Jones. “By far, the most requested activity was learning how to use a kayak or a canoe.”

Quest rates have been reduced to encourage mid-week fall bookings. Two people can stay overnight at North Bend Lodge Sunday through Thursday and have use of a kayak or canoe with instruction.

The 305-acre North Bend Lake is quiet and a perfect setting to enjoy a September getaway, according to Park officials.

The park also features an October mid-week reduced lodge rate for travelers “leaf peeping” in the Ritchie county area.

To learn more about North Bend State Park and its Quest program, visit www.northbendsp.com or call 304-643-2931.

source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (www.wvdnr.gov)

PFBC Kayak Fishing Programs

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has scheduled two programs to provide an opportunity for anglers or kayak enthusiasts to learn about the basics of in kayak fishing.

PFBC Kayak Fishing Programs will be held at these locations:

July 18, Bald Eagle State Park – Hunter Run East launch, Centre County, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.  (For more information or to register)

August 1, Moraine State Park – Bear Run launch, Butler County, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (For more information or to register)

“During each program, participants will learn about basic kayak skills and safety, how to rig or outfit a kayak for fishing, and learn about black bass and panfish fishing techniques,” said Carl Richardson, PFBC Education Section Manager. “Commission staff and local kayak fishing experts will lead the instruction. Participants will then have an opportunity to make use of what they learned during an open fishing session.”

Jeff Woleslagle will be the guest instructor at the July 18 program. He is a freelance writer for the Pennsylvania Angler and Boater magazine with an expertise in kayak fishing.

Noah Heck will be the guest instructor at the August 1 program. He is an avid kayak angler who is the co-founder of the Kayak Anglers of Western PA tournament series.

Participants must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license. This program is limited to 40 participants and pre-registration is required. There will be no registrations accepted the day of the event.

source: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission