A s/port on the Allegheny planned by water trail group / By Martha Knight

Tourism is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania, and a favorite topic of the Port Allegany Area Economic Development Corporation. A relatively new aspect of tourism and business development was examined at length last Thursday night at the PAAECC’s monthly meeting, with its water trail development and several area tourism leaders steering things.

Linda Devlin, who heads the Allegheny National Forrest (and area) Visitors Bureau, presented facts and slides, pointing out the area’s many assets which can appeal to visitors in numerous categories.

Port Allegany’s very name suggests access to the river, Devlin noted. The community’s history has been impacted by the river, which can be considered one of its assets.

When people are planning a vacation, they consider how many of their passions can be indulged in a certain area. Shopping, dining, sightseeing, various outdoor sports such as hiking or boating or fishing or photography? The more, the better, Devlin said.

Trails have been developed in the surrounding area, with part of the impetus coming from a Trails Central marketing grant received in 2009. Trail associations have sprung up too, some as nonprofit organizations and some under the auspices of a municipality.

Terri Dennison of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corporation presented information and suggestions about its efforts,  and the powerful impact of Route 6 on the area.

The Route 6 Artisan Trail has succeeded in focusing attention on another aspect of the area’s heritage and attractions, Dennison pointed out. So far there is no highlighted stop in Port Allegany, but some local artists and businesses are hoping to develop one.

McKean County Commissioners were supporters of the project that brought the Kinzua Bridge Viaduct, once a major area tourist attraction, back from the brink of destruction to creation of a tourist mecca, the Kinzia Skywalk, after a tornado toppled a major portion of the famous railway bridge.

Next year work will begin in earnest on a new Kinzua Visitors Center, Devlin said. It helped that FRMA and the state had a Kinzua Viaduct restoration project underway, and could repurpose some of the funding for the skywalk and related park attractions.

Ranking right up there with the skywalk in interesting aspects of the area, as seen by others, is “Big Foot,” the speakers said. Many city dwellers yearn to experience nature, with some wanting to do so by “getting out and hiking or camping,” while others may not want to “touch” but want to enjoy scenic beauty and drive through rural areas and forests. Our area is reachable for day trips and weekends by millions of city dwellers, according to maps and other graphics they showed.

Among major assets are the scenery, history and heritage, heritage industries such as the maple syrup industry, and, increasingly, trails including water trails. “Kayaking is huge,” Devlin said.

One place of historic and architectural fascination to many is Lynn Hall, just past Port Allegany on Route 6 and overlooking the Allegheny River in the valley below. Present at the meeting were Gary and Sue DeVore, who recently bought the former inn, restaurant, dwelling and architectural studio. They have undertaken the restoration of Lynn Hall and the associated smaller home, a project expected to take several years.

The DeVore couple said they are enthusiastic trail users, but had been disappointed to learn that some bike trails in the area are incomplete or not fully usable, and that maps purporting to show them are not clear or accurate enough.

One of the newer offerings to visitors is airplane rides offered by Bruce Klein, in his Stearman biplane. Also growing in popularity is geocaching.

In early development is the Don Comes Learning Center, with an outdoor classroom, trails and access to the river.

Ta Brant, the small business ombudsman for Pennsylvania Wilds, urged the PAAEDC and water trails team to “work with business,” because tourism helps to attract good employees, as well as pulling traffic to local businesses that deal with the public.

Some early steps can be taken before a detailed plan is developed, Brant said. “Just get started.”

The speakers emphasized that they could not do the planning for the local people, who are the real experts on their community. They pledged to assist with whatever resources they could bring to bear, as local leaders request their facilitation.

Focusing more closely on the water trail idea, Bill Burleson Jr., who chairs the PAAEDC’s task group on the topic, said, “It is our goal  to develop entry and exit points that are easily accessible, so you can get on these maps and make the river more user-friendly.”

No specifics have taken form yet, in the short time the committee has discussed the prospects of water tail development. Burleson said they are anxious to get the community involved, and receive ideas from many sources. That was why the group wanted to have a “town meeting” event and see how much interest there is, and what forms it will take.

A discussion launcher and questionnaire handout was distributed, asking such questions as “Does Port Allegany want to become a tourist destination?...a trail town?...what kind?” and “What is the personality of your community?” “What are your unique selling points?”

Some present wondered how much of the year lends itself to using kayaks/canoes and other small boats on the Allegany, and how far can the craft travel on the river, given its variable depth. Others wondered about the possibility of dredging or “cleaning” the river.

Answers included that this year the water level has been high enough for some boating much of the time, and there are serious restrictions on dredging.

County Commissioner Joe DeMott noted that cleaning out under and near bridges is allowed within limits, but no extensive changes to the river bed otherwise. A great deal of paperwork is involved in getting permission.

One commented stated that rivers will clean or heal themselves if erosion and sedimentation are abated.

Burleson said some possibilities that have been mentioned would see water trail related development between Port Allegany and the Larabee Y, or maybe beginning farther south, in the Burtville area or beyond, toward Roulette. One campground with river access is Allegheny River Campground, north of Port Allegany along Route 6.

PAAEDC president Jim Carlson told the attendees to feel free to become part of the water trail project, and also to attend any meetings of the PAAEDC. It will meet next at 7 p.m. Nov. 14.