Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 6.Issues and Concerns Land-use Ordinances and Zoning The concern from respondents here is that there needs to be better regulation of land-use ordinances and zoning. Ordinances and zoning plans need to be developed with the entire community in mind – better plans for the area as a whole – not just for individuals or individual properties. The respondents want the plans to be more proactive and have better regulation over this aspect as a whole. 3. Do the recreational opportunities currently meet the needs of the community and visitors? Parks/Picnic Sites The overall feeling from the respondents is that the parks and picnic sites in the watershed area are adequate and abundant. However, some state that a few of the parks are old and require improvements and better maintenance. The consensus is that there are a sufficient amount of parks to serve the local population, but some of them require needed upgrades. Hiking/Biking Trails Those interviewed agree that there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area. However, there are some issues associated with the trails. First, many of them are not well maintained and are in need of improvements and better maintenance. They are also poorly marked, which causes problems with tourists that are unfamiliar with the area. For the most part, only the local residents know the trails and agree that there need to be more signs and maps to help with navigation for tourists. Off-Road Vehicle Riding The respondents were in agreement that there are an abundance of trails for off-road vehicle riding. There are trails that range from 35-49 miles in length and provide an excellent area for these activities. The interviewees did say that some riding occurs on private land, and this causes a problem. They want to see better policing of this activity in the area. Scenic Vistas/Photography As one respondent put it, the scenic areas and photography opportunities in the area are “the best.” The natural and beautiful environment and wildlife lend to the opportunities available for these recreational activities. The respondents’ consensus is that the plan should make sure that the natural beauty of the area is maintained to ensure that these recreational activities can continue. Wildlife/Bird Watching For the most part, the respondents feel that the wildlife and bird watching is great in the region. The area provides sufficiently for both of these recreational activities due to the large amount of wildlife and vast forest areas. One respondent did mention that she has seen fewer birds over the past few years and suggested that this may be due to the logging in the area. Hunting/Fishing Most of the respondents agree that hunting and fishing are both plentiful in the watershed region. State lands provide for excellent opportunities for both of these activities. There are some concerns here, however, as a few respondents point to the issue of poaching. Some complained of hearing late night gunshots after dark and a decrease in the population of certain animals, such as rabbits and deer. Overall, the respondents feel that these recreational activities are excellent, but must be regulated more effectively. Boating/Swimming The respondents agree that neither of these two activities is as popular as hunting/fishing or wildlife/bird watching, but they state that kayaking is available in some areas. The water quality of the 6-22
Allegheny River Headwaters Conservation Plan Chapter 6. Issues and Concerns Allegheny River was pointed to as a concern due to erosion and logging, which decreases the frequency of these two activities. For the most part, the respondents’ consensus is that these two activities are not that common. Historical Sites/Structures The majority of respondents agree that historical sites and structures in the area are pretty good, specifically in Coudersport, where there is a major tourist draw for the starting site of the Allegheny River. Other sites include a WWII museum and lumber museum, and respondents point out the numerous historical placards throughout the region. Several of the respondents also mention that the area has a solid historical society that maintains these sites and structures. Overall, they would like to see better advertising for these different sites and structures. Winter Recreation According to the interviewees, the biggest winter recreational activity in the watershed area is snowmobiling. The vast forest areas and trails lend to the popularity of this activity and give both local residents as well as tourists the opportunity to engage in snowmobiling. Other responses include both skiing and snowboarding. 4. What are some of the positive features of the watershed area? What is one of the strongest or most attractive features/characteristics of the watershed area? Most of the respondents feel that the natural beauty of the area is the strongest positive feature of the watershed. The natural environment of the watershed offers a beautiful place to live and lends itself to numerous outdoor activities. The respondents agree that the rural area is a nice aspect, as long as you’re the type of person that enjoys small communities, the outdoors, and wildlife. Another comment addressed that good forest management in the region has led to the preservation of beautiful forested areas, which enhances the overall quality of the natural environment. Other respondents agree that summertime is the best season in the area because of the beautiful blue skies and calm and quiet atmosphere. Overall, the consensus is that the natural area and all of its aspects are the watershed’s most positive qualities. 5. What impacts are currently affecting the land, water, and biological resources? What positive/negative impacts are affecting the community character of the region? What impacts are affecting the local economy? One of the most commonly addressed issues by the respondents is the issue of transportation. Overall, the availability of public transportation is poor, if not completely unavailable, in most of the areas. The respondents agree that it is difficult to get around and feel that this makes it difficult for people to get in and out of the region. The condition of local roads is also poor and makes getting around difficult, for both local residents and tourists. Another issue that could possibly lead to negative impacts in the area is the revival of the gas and oil drilling industry in the area. A few of the respondents mention that this industry has led to more heavy truck traffic on local roads, which is leading to worsened road conditions. The majority, though, agree that it is a concern because of the environmental effects on the local wildlife and natural resources. The main issue that they pointed out is the proper regulation of this industry, as they want to make sure that the area’s wildlife and forests are preserved and protected. Other miscellaneous issues that the respondents feel have an impact in the area are logging, snowmobiling, healthcare, and poaching. A few of the respondents express their concerns over logging in the area and want to see more done to make sure that it is being done in an environmentally safe manner. 6-23
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Allegheny River Headwaters Watershed Conservation Plan

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