Have your say: Crooked Creek plan calls for comments on updated boat docks, public programs and more

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking public comments on the draft of their master plan for Crooked Creek Lake in Armstrong County until Dec. 4. The Corps developed the plan with public comments collected last November.

Although known for boating, camping and its adjacent horse park, the Crook Creek Lake project’s primary function is for flood control along the Allegheny and upper Ohio Rivers. That’s why it is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Secondary uses for the reservoir and land around it include fish and wildlife management and recreation.

The master plan update will direct the future of the lake and facilities for the next 25 years.

The Corps new plan proposes refurbishing facilities, adding more public programs, environmental improvements and more.

Specific recommendations are:

• Develop an invasive species management plan;

• Add fish habitat structures;

• Protect shoreline buffers for wildlife and water quality;

• Establish floating islands to use for fish spawning habitat;

• Improve Corps-owned dock;

• Update and improve the visitor boat launch;

• Partner with Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania for public programs.

“Crooked Creek Lake is sort of a hidden gem, really,” said Dennis Hawley, former director of the environmental learning center at the lake and current president of the Crooked Creek Watershed Association.

He would like to see more public programs added and more organization and businesses involved to provide more recreational opportunities.

“Years ago, when it was managed as a state park, from about the 1950s to 1980s, you could rent row boats and canoes, there was a concession stand and life guards at the beach,” Hawley noted.

“I can’t see the Corps doing that. But they could partner with organizations and new businesses to more create opportunities for visitors.”

Hawley would like to see an attempt to control invasive plants and to boost the quality of environment.

“Landowners upstream should be encouraged to participate in conservation programs to improve the water quality.”

The public can review and comment on the master plan and its documents on the Crooked Creek Lake website.

The master plan and documents are also available at the Crooked Creek Lake Resource Manager’s Office, 114 Park Main Road, Ford City, PA 16226 and the Ford City Library, 1136 4th Ave., Ford City, PA 16226.

Comments can be submitted by email to Heather.L.Wood@usace.army.mil or mailed to Crooked Creek Lake, 114 Park Main Road, Ford City, PA 16226-8815.