Kayakers, fishermen, bird-watchers, and nature lovers of all stripes have long recognized the difficulty of accessing the Susquehanna River from Lewisburg borough. Private property occupies much of the waterfront, and the small parcels of public property, like Soldiers Park, offer some nice views but no easy way of getting to the water. This could change if an effort among North Ward residents realizes its goal of establishing a new river access point in the borough.

In meetings convened under the auspices of the Elm Street Project, North Ward residents have identified river access as one of several key areas for community improvement. The old boat launch at the foot of St. George—the only formal public river access in all of Union County—is prohibitively muddy for much of the water-sports season, and the water is often too shallow for access. The more recently constructed Bucknell Landing, on riverfront property owned by the university, is open only to members of the university community.

Proponents of a new boat launch would like to establish a hand-carry or “non-motorized” boat access, as opposed to an access site for motorized boats, like the state-administered Chillisquaque Boat Ramp across the river in Montour County. Hand-carry sites generally require less space, less engineering and construction, and they bring less noise, traffic, and pollution than motorized launch sites. The site would accommodate kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, inner-tubes, and other small hand-powered craft. Proponents believe a new boat launch could be developed for additional recreational opportunities, such as picnicking, fishing, bird-watching, and nature study.

Boat launch advocates have identified several locations, mostly on currently existing public property, that could serve as a boat launch site. One possibility is the northern end of Soldiers Park, adjacent to the old railroad bridge. Another possibility is the area around St. Anthony Street Bridge, where Buffalo Creek enters the Susquehanna River. Improvement of the currently existing launch at St. George Street is not out of the question.

LNC intern Jessse Lewis conducted a preliminary study during the summer, surveying similar projects in other Pennsylvania communities and designing a map of Lewisburg riverfront properties. Elm Street Project manager Sam Pearson and resident Andrew Ciotola have since expanded on Lewis’s study. At the Lewisburg Borough Council Planning Committee meeting on November 14, Pearson presented the boat launch idea and received the committee’s blessing to explore the issue further.

Proponents believe a new public launch could bring substantial benefits to the Lewisburg community, including new business for local eateries and hotels, increased awareness of the borough’s historical connection to the river and of environmental issues affecting local watersheds, and a convenient opportunity for family fun and exercise.  North Ward neighbors invite others, near and far, to join them in working toward this vision.  First steps are being taken now to convene a River Town Team in collaboration with the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership.  Anyone interested in participating in working to improve river access in Lewisburg should contact the LNC Office at 570-523-0114 or elmstreet@dejazzd.com.  Participation could range from helping in the office to organizing clean ups to promoting the concept as it develops to local and state officials.  Right now, you can participate in a photo contest through the SGP; share your river-relevant pix before the Feb 1 deadline.