The Susquehanna River Water Trails are boat routes suitable for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft. For more info, check out the Susquehanna River Trail Association's website. I thought it would be a good idea to put a small guide together that shows the reliable running river levels at various points in the river. None of this is news to John W. Young Jr., 38, of Shamokin, who was fishing with his son, John Young III, 9, near Sunbury on Monday afternoon. Certain critical areas lose almost 18 tons of soil per acre per year! The West Branch Susquehanna flows through some of the wildest parts of Pennsylvania; millions of sportsmen from many states come to hunt or to fish along its banks for largemouth bass, walleye, or muskellunge. Although it travels through all three states, the majority of the river is located in the state of Pennsylvania. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The Pennsylvania Fish Commission, which stocks purebred striped bass in the lower portion of the river, also is currently engaged in a shad restoration project in the Susquehanna. If you plan to swim frequently in a river or lake that’s near a large pasture or could potentially be fed with runoff from fertilized fields, it might be worth it to test the water for E. coli. New report details water quality of Susquehanna River. The DEP noted in its report that it was increasing monitoring efforts on the river. Justin Miller, Shamokin, casts out his line below the Fabri Dam on Monday afternoon. Some last several days with overnight camping. Toxics lower reproductive success and stress the health of aquatic animals. Paddling is a popular activity on the Susquehanna River. There is a dam located here, called the Safe Harbor hydroelectric plant, and some of the best fishing can be found in the tail waters of this dam. As a result, the report said, “a four mile stretch, from the mouth of Conodoguinet Creek to the mouth of Yellow Breeches Creek,” was declared impaired. Changes in land use have accompanied this population growth. Continuing Education. “The water has been tested near Sunbury and it meets the safety requirements. A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. 5. Toxics may also seep into the water table and contaminate vast amounts of groundwater. The five most abundant species caught over the last 37 years are 253,958 blueback herring, 233,551 Atlantic menhaden, 217,922 bay anchovies, 150,513 white perch and 114,358 American shad. She lost her son to the Susquehanna (column) ... 2014, he had been out on the river with some friends when they decided to go for a swim. - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has raised water quality advisors for a four mile stretch of the Susquehanna River in Central Pennsylvania, according to a new report. You have permission to edit this article. Send comments to rdandes@dailyitem.com. E.coli levels in the river in June and July averaged more than 2.5 times higher than safe levels for swimming or water contact recreation. Industry and municipal wastewater treatment plants discharge toxics including metals and chlorinated organic compounds into the water while the atmosphere and urban stormwater runoff from city streets can add lead and zinc to the toxic mix. Areas of forest as well as cropland and pasture have all decreased, while the amount of space taken up by homes and businesses increased. Low around 20F. Nevertheless people use the Susquehanna in a variety of ways; it turns the turbines in several hydroelectric plants, cools the uranium rods in nuclear power plants (including the Three Mile Island station), provides drinking water for millions, and is a summer … Though broad, the Susquehanna is not a deep river and so is not suited to commercial navigation. The Fish In The Susquehanna River Are Looking Safe To Eat. The banks of the Susquehanna south of Harrisburg were once lined with industry. A second major pollutant in the Susquehanna is sediment. Altogether, the nutrients that are introduced into the Susquehanna make up 21 percent of the phosphorus and 40 percent of the nitrogen that is found in the Chesapeake Bay. DEP is advising that people eat no more than one meal per month of these fish because of PCB contamination, and has listed the length of the Susquehanna River as impaired for fish consumption.”, Shrader said that water contact and swimming in the West Branch is safe. River volunteers will be included in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources volunteer program. (The story, “Girl Drowns in Susquehanna River,” was covered by It is important for all to understand that these are the levels that some of us employ when boating the river. Stormwater PA is a service of GreenTreks Network, Inc. ©2012 GreenTreks Network, Inc. In addition to excess nutrients and sediment, 12,531 pounds of toxic metals flow through the Susquehanna each day, according to EPA's Chesapeake Bay management study. It found E. coli bacteria levels along the waterfront “averaging almost three times higher than would be safe for swimming or water-contact recreation,” according to a report released today. The impairment designation resulted from high densities of coliform bacteria detected in the river, which indicates the potential for other pathogens in the water. Though broad, the Susquehanna is not a deep river and so is not suited to commercial navigation. As you get closer to Harrisburg, however, the water has been declared ‘impaired’ in some sections. Today, 3.8 million people live along her shores. Follow Dandes on Twitter @rdandes. 4. The Susquehanna River (/ ˌ s ʌ s k w ə ˈ h æ n ə /; Lenape: Siskëwahane) is a major river located in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States.At 444 miles (715 km) long, it is the longest river on the East Coast of the United States. “I learned my lesson,” he said. Safe River Levels for Boating and Fishing. “It’s about time,” Young said. On land, nitrogen can leach into the soil and contaminate the groundwater--the water supply for more than one million people in the Susquehanna River basin. Hudson River tributaries When thinking of Native American rock carvings known as petroglyphs, one typically envisions desert Southwest. Construction sites in more urban areas can also accelerate erosion. Toxics in water tend to attach to suspended particles, drop to the bottom, then re -suspend during storms. The Susquehanna's—and the Chesapeake Bay’s--pollutants fall into three broad categories: nutrients, sediments, and toxics. The Susquehanna River is an ideal river for boating, fishing, camping and wildlife watching. It has some arcade facilities, snack bars, a ball park and is nicely developed and landscaped. No, says the state Department of Environmental Protection. The association promotes environmental responsible recreation on the Susquehanna River by maintaining 23 campsites on islands stretching from Sunbury to Harrisburg. Paddlers can enjoy a relaxing, easy float on the now-scenic Susquehanna, all within minutes of the Capital Metro Area. In the 2016 report, 1,665 miles of tributaries to the Susquehanna River were listed as impaired. generally safe, unsafe after rain and generally unsafe. Farmers in the Susquehanna basin have historically applied a great deal of fertilizer to their crops. The Susquehanna River flows through central Pennsylvania, and during times of especially heavy rainfall, it is inundated with raw sewage from local municipalities. On the October afternoon in which our trip took place, the weather was still warm enough that it would be almost refreshing to take a swim in the river. Susquehanna River, one of the longest rivers of the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.It rises in Otsego Lake, central New York state, and winds through the Appalachian Plateau in New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland before flowing into the head of Chesapeake Bay at Havre de Grace, Maryland. Places to Swim near Susquehanna - Where to find Beaches, Lakes, Pools, Swimming Holes, and More near Susquehanna PA They contain access points, boat launches, day use sites, and/or overnight camping sites for the boating public. “One of the biggest takeaways from this study,” said DEP spokesman Neil Shrader, “is the fish consumption advisory for channel catfish over 20 inches. “It’s a great place to fish. "It looks very placid on the surface, but there … A Susquehanna River Trail Association will soon be forming and will need your support. I catch and throw them back. I’m glad to hear that after all these years, the testing might lead to some clean up. Farms also can con- tribute toxics to the Susquehanna in the form of pesticides and herbicides. Winds light and variable. Bacteria levels downstream of Harrisburg averaged nearly three times higher than they were upstream of the city’s 58 combined stormwater and sewage outfalls. Lewisburg River Bridge/Soldier's Park: Located on Water Street, this Park is the perfect spot for a quiet picnic lunch and a view of the Susquehanna River and Lewisburg River Bridge. Improve your canoeing techniques, learn safe boating skills, enhance your knowledge of "leave no trace" ethics. “I’ve been fishing since I was a kid, my grandfather and my father brought me here,” he said, as he watched his son fishing beside him. It drains into the Chesapeake Bay. “I’ve been fishing most of my life,” he said. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A short distance south of the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam, Justin Miller, 30, also of Shamokin, was knee deep in the water. Another source of excess nutrients is the discharge from sewage treatment plants. He recalls a time, years ago, when he caught some fish, fried them, ate them, and got sick. When it comes to freshwater fishing, the Susquehanna River is one of the best places to be in the Eastern United States. While agricultural pollution still contributes the highest percentage of nitrogen and phosphorus to the Susquehanna and to the Chesapeake Bay. Toxic metals in the river include cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, and zinc. “Johnny here has been fishing with me for about as long as he’s been able to walk.”, “I love it,” Johnny said. The Susquehanna River has ample fishing opportunities, and it’s up to you to pick your turf and enjoy the river’s potential to the max. The lower section of the Susquehanna River, from Sunbury to the Maryland state line, was surveyed to evaluate the water contact use, which includes swimming. SHAMOKIN DAM — The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is safe for swimming and boating, but if you fish, be advised that there have been unsafe levels of contaminants found in channel catfish, according to a report released Monday by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection . Is the Susquehanna River safe to swim in? “This listing is based on bacteria samples that could indicate a risk to human health, but … All of these kinds of land use, with the exception of properly managed forests, can contribute to river pollution. According to the Susquehanna Greenway, more than 2 million tons of coal was harvested from the river in 1919 and 1920 with as many as 200 barges dredging the river from Nanticoke to … Now that much of that is gone, the river has been reborn as a sportsman's paradise. In an average year, more than 60 percent of the phosphorus and 85 percent of the nitrogen found in the Susquehanna can be traced to non-point sources of pollution, such as agricultural and urban runoff. SHAMOKIN DAM — The West Branch of the Susquehanna River is safe for swimming and boating, but if you fish, be advised that there have been unsafe levels of … Robert Inglis/The Daily Item John Young III, 9, left, casts out his line under supervision from his father John W. Young Jr., Shamokin, in the Susquehanna River In Shamokin Dam on Monday afternoon. Unfortunately, recent regional accidents point out that everyone must also be aware of the safety concerns of swimming in the river. Each year, organizations host recreational and educational sojourns on the river. Serving the Central Susquehanna Valley Since 1937. Swimming, snorkeling, boating, water-skiing and fishing are among the many ways people recreate on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania - 44 miles of which flow through Lancaster County. The Chesapeake begins at Havre de Grace, where the Susquehanna River, the bay’s largest tributary, completes its 444-mile journey from its headwaters at Otsego Lake in Cooperstown, New York. Father and son come here often and they’re both pleased to hear that the DEP is “finally” starting to pay attention to the health of the river they love so much. Other tributaries to the Susquehanna were listed as impaired for recreation and aquatic life, including Swatara and Conestoga creeks. And I’m a good fisherman, like my dad.”, Young is well aware of the fish problem. How to Fish the Susquehanna River. I’ve caught some fish, they have lesions. We found a lot more bacteria in the water.”. It’s so beautiful and one of the best places to fish in the state. Nutrients include nitrogen and phosphorus which are applied to crops as fertilizer or manure on farm fields, parks and golf courses—and backyards. The beauty and advantage of fishing a vast body of water is that you’ve got your fishing options open. Native Americans gave the bay its Algonquin name, Chesepiook, meaning “great shellfish bay.” 5. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Biologists are confirming the first case of cancer in a smallmouth bass caught in the Susquehanna River. Facebook Share Twitter Share Smitty 5/05/2015 9:05 PM. Something’s wrong I know.”. Fishing On The Susquehanna River. Call 717-737-8622 . It seemed pretty safe, the river … The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says yes, but the Department of Environmental protection says no. Lovely. A New Jersey Fish and Wildlife boat drags a net, called a seine, in a “U” shape to collect fish in an annual Delaware River survey. I think it’s a shame that the river has had these problems. “I’m an environmentalist. The net result of such erosion is an increase in sediment, which clouds the water, blocks sunlight, and cloaks fish spawning habitat in layers of silt. A New Jersey woman completed a 444-mile solo kayak journey down the length of the Susquehanna River Thursday, and the first thing she wanted was food and drink. When toxics accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish, they pose a threat to human health. Plants that do not employ nutrient control measures may release large amounts of phosphorus and nitrogen into the waterways. It found E. coli bacteria levels along the waterfront “averaging almost three times higher than would be safe for swimming or water-contact recreation,” according to a report released today. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. But we catch and throw them back.”. The Susquehanna River is the east coast’s longest river system and home to many outstanding fishing guides. Nevertheless people use the Susquehanna in a variety of ways; it turns the turbines in several hydroelectric plants, cools the uranium rods in nuclear power plants (including the Three Mile Island station), provides drinking water for millions, and is a summer playground for canoeists, sport fishermen and inner tube riders. According to the Soil Conservation Service, erosion in the Susquehanna basin is very high--over seven tons of soil per acre of cropland are lost every year. Lake Clarke is a portion of the river created by water that backs up from the Safe Harbor Dam, which allows the river to expand wider than other areas along its length. High 33F. Unique Feature. Its journey begins in New York State, continues into Pennsylvania, and finally ends in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. A report of a 10-foot-long bull shark in the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville in York County has been shared repeatedly on Facebook in the … Susquehanna River: TYPE: River: DESCRIPTION: City Island Park is a Harrisburg City park in the middle of the Susquehanna River reached by both foot bridge and auto bridge. All of Cumberland County, and at least a third of all Pennsylvania Counties, drain to the Susquehanna River. It also has a rather uninviting swimming beach on the Susquehanna River. In a tragic accident on Tuesday, a 16-year-old girl drowned in the Susquehanna River, pulled under by a strong current. Susquehanna River | How Healthy is Susquehanna River? About 444 miles (715 km) long, the river and its tributaries (which include the … The population in the Susquehanna basin increased by 19 percent --more than half a million people --between 1950 and 1980. Thick growth of algae also cuts down on the amount of sunlight in the water, which inhibits the growth of submerged aquatic plants needed by fish (and other animals) for food and shelter. "The Susquehanna River is a pretty strong river that comes from way up in New York," Davis said. As the algae die and settle to the bottom of the river or Bay, they decay and consume the oxygen needed by fi sh and other waterlife. Lincoln Park Gazebo in Downtown Milton: Located on Front Street, this Gazebo is home to Concerts in the Park in the summer months and provides a year-round view of the Susquehanna River. Once in the water, nitrogen and phosphorus can stimulate excess algal growth. https://wtop.com/news/2013/05/what-is-in-the-potomac-rivers-water The land in the lower Susquehanna basin is intensively farmed, and conventional tillage --whereby the soil is disturbed at the time of planting and harvesting--is common practice. 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