UPDATE FROM BARRY:
Monday 9/9
Phase One (habitat upgrade) is almost complete. Phase Two (the ADA wheelchair access) pier permit is still being held up by DEP. We continue to attempt to get a waiver, but they want us to build it out of the floodway (by the soccer field) which would do us no good for fishing access.
In any case we continue to remove blow downs in the stream which would potentially snag and flood at some point. We have also completed the placement of "log cribs," and are in the process of back filling with rocks and gravel. The picture of the log crib shows the overhang created by the structure. The intent is to give overhead cover along the creek for trout to hide in. Fish along the logs and you should be successful.
We also have begun placing boulders mid-stream to direct water flow and create natural pools, places for the trout and feed to hide.
The stream has already begun to change as there is a deep channel forming on the west side of the bridge feeding into the area where hopefully the ADA pier will be placed. You can see some places around the boulders where even with the low water level pools are beginning to form.
And as usual we had wildlife watching our progress.
UPDATE FROM BARRY:
Day 5 (Friday)
We are still on schedule. Today we removed trees and brush that could have caused problems in high water. We also began backfilling the cribs we built earlier in the week. We are now above the bridge working toward the north end of the park.
To anchor the logs the Fish and Boat technicians pin the log cribs together and to the creek bed with rebar the cribs are then covered with boulders and dirt to hold them in place.
UPDATE From Barry:
Day 3 (Wednesday) we are up to the bridge with our log cribs. To explain how we are proceeding, the experts from Fish and Boat have only 9 days to work on this project. For that reason, we are placing the log cribs along the full distance of the creek. The contractor will at that point go back and back fill the cribs with boulders and cover with dirt and smaller creek stones to allow access to the creek by foot.
Progress is going well, and it looks like the weather will be favorable so we should complete the project before Parkfest.
By the way we had a visitor who spent about an hour watching us.
Exciting Improvements Underway at the Park
Work is officially underway at the park as we begin the much-anticipated Trout Stream Enhancement Project, along with the construction of a new ADA-accessible fishing pier. These upgrades are part of a larger effort to enhance the East Branch of the Tunkhannock Creek, which flows through the Clifford Township Park and is a cherished natural resource for our community.
This project has been a long time in the making and is the result of Supervisor Barry Searle’s dedication and vision. Barry has worked tirelessly to bring this idea to life, collaborating closely with the Susquehanna County Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.
In addition to coordinating with partners, Barry pursued funding opportunities to support the project and his efforts paid off! The initiative has been successfully awarded two grants: a state Local Share Account (LSA) grant and a Chesapeake Bay grant.
These enhancements will not only improve the health and accessibility of the creek but will also create more inclusive recreational opportunities for all visitors. We’re excited to see these improvements come to life and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our park and community.
Stay tuned for updates as construction progresses!
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Mission Statement
The Clifford Township Parks and Recreation Board supports the Clifford Township Comprehensive Plan by developing and recommending future plans and facilities, oversees and administers approved plans and programs, and maintains township recreational facilities in order to improve the quality of life to all through enhanced recreational, athletic and cultural opportunities. Parks and Recreation By-Laws
Pavilion Event Use is limited to Civic, Service, or Educational activities that support Clifford Township
Clifford Township Community Park
The Park is located at 119 Cemetery Street, directly behind the Township Building. The 29 acre park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including more than a mile of walking paths, a baseball field, two playgrounds for ages 2-5 years and 5-12 years, a pavilion, basketball and pickle ball courts, soccer nets, access to the East branch of the Tunkhannock Creek for fishing, and plenty of open space for unstructured play. Benches and picnic tables are located throughout the park and heated restroom facilities are available year round.
Get Outside this Winter!
Get outside this winter! Enjoy the park. The paths are plowed so walkers can enjoy the quiet walks through the park and along the Tunkhannock Creek during the winter months too. Bring your dogs! Cross country ski or snowshoe next to the paths and check out the new pavilion!
The Multi-purpose Court
Locals playing Pickleball
The Multi-Purpose Court is now open! The court was made possible with a DCNR Small Community Grant and over 130 hours of volunteer hours. There are portable pickleball nets and paddles available in a green container near the court. Handicapped access is available via cement sidewalks. Come and enjoy!
2020 Trout Season
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), in consultation with the governor and secretary of Health, opened the state’s trout fishing season early, on Tuesday, April 7. Anglers are urged to stay close to home to fish, practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others (unless they are members of your household) and fish in areas where there aren’t a lot of other people. Read the full announcement and guidance from PFBC here.
Local Youth Sports
Soccer, Basketball and Softball Links
2020 Girls Softball Registration:
http://clubs.bluesombrero.com/sgusasoftball
Soccer:
http://tshq.bluesombrero.com/mvsaysoccer
Basketball:
Softball:
EMLL Baseball
Clifford Township Walking Trails
Clifford Township, with partial funding from the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR), has developed of system of walking/biking trails at the Community Center, 119 Cemetery Street, Clifford, PA. The trails are ADA compliant and with numerous benches. Future projects include a hiking trail through the beautiful forest on the township’s property. The trails are open to the public. The EMHR grant is part of the Community Conservation Partnership Program from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
You can find EMHR’s website at: http://endlessmountainsheritage.org