A year of possibilities for the Lackawana River watershed

PennFuture's work across the Commonwealth means we get to meet and work with some terrific organizations and citizens. Throughout the year in this space, we'll highlight some of our colleagues and we're starting off with what's happening with our friends in the Lackawanna River watershed.

Our pals in Lackawanna are launching this year's activities with a chill! If you have what it takes to paddle the Lackawanna River in Scranton in January, the Lackawanna River Corridor Association (LRCA) is holding its inaugural ShiverFest on Saturday, January 17. Extreme sports enthusiasts will paddle the cold and fast-flowing river (wet suits a must!), while the more sedate join the after-paddle festivities indoors and support the river.

Since 1987, the LRCA has led the work to promote a restored, healthy Lackawanna River that is a recreational resource for the community and beyond. This 40-mile tributary of the Susquehanna River has come a long way since the industrial era and subsequent degradation from anthracite mining, large-scale factory pollution, and untreated waste.

Having paddled the river and its mix of urban and natural landscapes twice (but on hot June days), I admit I'm firmly in the pro-Lackawanna River camp and it's a great way to see the northeast Pennsylvania community -- my home -- from a completely different perspective. It's still relatively undiscovered among Pennsylvania waterways, but that is changing fast.

This fall, Trout Unlimited is holding its national convention in Scranton -- a major testament to its revitalization and coldwater trout fishing. The river still faces a myriad of threats and pollution challenges as many urban waterways do but what a difference the community and LRCA are making! For more on this Pennsylvania river and region, peruse the watershed atlas -- or simply pay a visit.

Kate Gibbons is northeast Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Wilkes-Barre.