Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan
Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan
Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan
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<strong>Allegheny</strong> <strong>River</strong> <strong>Headwaters</strong> <strong>Conservation</strong> <strong>Plan</strong><br />
Chapter 6.Issues and Concerns<br />
Land-use Ordinances and Zoning<br />
The concern from respondents here is that there needs to be better regulation of land-use ordinances<br />
and zoning. Ordinances and zoning plans need to be developed with the entire community in mind –<br />
better plans for the area as a whole – not just for individuals or individual properties. The respondents<br />
want the plans to be more proactive and have better regulation over this aspect as a whole.<br />
3. Do the recreational opportunities currently meet the needs of the community and<br />
visitors?<br />
Parks/Picnic Sites<br />
The overall feeling from the respondents is that the parks and picnic sites in the watershed area are<br />
adequate and abundant. However, some state that a few of the parks are old and require improvements<br />
and better maintenance. The consensus is that there are a sufficient amount of parks to serve the local<br />
population, but some of them require needed upgrades.<br />
Hiking/Biking Trails<br />
Those interviewed agree that there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area. However, there<br />
are some issues associated with the trails. First, many of them are not well maintained and are in need of<br />
improvements and better maintenance. They are also poorly marked, which causes problems with tourists<br />
that are unfamiliar with the area. For the most part, only the local residents know the trails and agree that<br />
there need to be more signs and maps to help with navigation for tourists.<br />
Off-Road Vehicle Riding<br />
The respondents were in agreement that there are an abundance of trails for off-road vehicle riding.<br />
There are trails that range from 35-49 miles in length and provide an excellent area for these activities.<br />
The interviewees did say that some riding occurs on private land, and this causes a problem. They want to<br />
see better policing of this activity in the area.<br />
Scenic Vistas/Photography<br />
As one respondent put it, the scenic areas and photography opportunities in the area are “the best.”<br />
The natural and beautiful environment and wildlife lend to the opportunities available for these<br />
recreational activities. The respondents’ consensus is that the plan should make sure that the natural<br />
beauty of the area is maintained to ensure that these recreational activities can continue.<br />
Wildlife/Bird Watching<br />
For the most part, the respondents feel that the wildlife and bird watching is great in the region. The<br />
area provides sufficiently for both of these recreational activities due to the large amount of wildlife and<br />
vast forest areas. One respondent did mention that she has seen fewer birds over the past few years and<br />
suggested that this may be due to the logging in the area.<br />
Hunting/Fishing<br />
Most of the respondents agree that hunting and fishing are both plentiful in the watershed region.<br />
State lands provide for excellent opportunities for both of these activities. There are some concerns here,<br />
however, as a few respondents point to the issue of poaching. Some complained of hearing late night<br />
gunshots after dark and a decrease in the population of certain animals, such as rabbits and deer. Overall,<br />
the respondents feel that these recreational activities are excellent, but must be regulated more effectively.<br />
Boating/Swimming<br />
The respondents agree that neither of these two activities is as popular as hunting/fishing or<br />
wildlife/bird watching, but they state that kayaking is available in some areas. The water quality of the<br />
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