Elk State Park
The East Branch Clarion River Lake at Elk State Park
Map showing the location of Elk State Park
Map showing the location of Elk State Park
Location of Elk State Park in Pennsylvania
Map showing the location of Elk State Park
Map showing the location of Elk State Park
Elk State Park (the United States)
LocationPennsylvania, United States
Coordinates41°35′22″N 78°33′41″W / 41.58944°N 78.56139°W / 41.58944; -78.56139
Area3,192 acres (12.92 km2)
Elevation1,778 ft (542 m)[1]
Established1963
Named forElk
Governing bodyPennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
WebsiteElk State Park

Elk State Park is a 3,192-acre (1,292 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Jones Township, Elk County and Sergeant Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. East Branch Clarion River Lake is a man-made lake covering 1,160 acres (470 ha) within the park. The lake and streams in the park are stocked with cold and warm water fish. There are 3,151 acres (1,275 ha) of woods open to hunting.

Recreation

East Branch Clarion River Lake

East Branch Clarion River Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by damming the East Branch of the Clarion River. Construction of the rolled earth, impervious core dam was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944. The lake is one of sixteen flood control projects administered by the Pittsburgh District of the Army Corps of Engineers. East Branch Clarion River Lake helps to provide flood protection for the Clarion River valley and the lower portions of the Allegheny River and the upper portions of the Ohio River.[2]

The dam is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) upstream from the confluence of the East and West branches of the Clarion River. It was constructed in 1952 for $9 million and serves a 72.4 square miles (188 km2) drainage area. It is estimated that East Branch Clarion River Lake has prevented $81 million in damage. The dam was especially important in curtailing damage during the 1972 floods caused by Hurricane Agnes.[2]

East Branch Clarion River Lake also serves recreational purposes. Controlled releases of water during the dry summer months help to improve water quality and quantity for industrial and domestic uses. These releases of the lake waters also improve navigation on the rivers and enhance aquatic life.[2][3]

East Branch Clarion River Lake is a destination for both fisherman and recreational boaters. The lake is home to cold water fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, muskellunge, brook, lake, rainbow and brown trout. The creeks of the park are stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. There is a native brook trout population in some of the smaller streams of the park. There is no limit on the power of the boats. All boats are required to have current registration with any state. Ice fishing and ice boating are common winter activities on East Branch Clarion River Lake.[3]

Hunting

There are 3,151 acres (1,275 ha) of woods open to hunting. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The common game species are black bears, squirrels, white-tailed deer, and turkeys. The hunting of groundhogs is prohibited. Hunters also use the park to gain access to the nearby State Game Lands and Elk State Forest.[3]

Nearby state parks

The following state parks are within 30 miles (48 km) of Elk State Park:[4][5][6][7]

References

  1. ↑ "Elk State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. August 2, 1979. Retrieved February 12, 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 "East Branch Clarion River Lake". United States Army Corps of Engineers. Archived from the original on March 16, 2007. Retrieved February 18, 2007.
  3. 1 2 3 "Elk State Park". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on November 6, 2011. Retrieved November 7, 2006.
  4. ↑ 2007 General Highway Map Elk County Pennsylvania (PDF) (Map). 1:65,000. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division. Retrieved July 27, 2007. Note: shows Elk State Park
  5. ↑ 2007 General Highway Map McKean County Pennsylvania (PDF) (Map). 1:65,000. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division. Retrieved July 28, 2007. Note: shows Elk State Park
  6. ↑ Michels, Chris (1997). "Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation". Northern Arizona University. Archived from the original on April 11, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2008.
  7. ↑ "Find a Park by Region (interactive map)". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved November 18, 2011.
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