A new Susquehanna River access open in Pennsylvania’s Bradford County

Towanda, Pa. — Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources leaders joined community partners to celebrate the opening of a new river access at the French Azilum historical site in Bradford County.

The river access, which features a concrete boat launch for unpowered boats, parking lot with ADA parking spaces and walkway, and restroom, and campsites, provides accessible public access to the North Branch of the Susquehanna River.

“When communities with incredible natural resources such as the picturesque Susquehanna River embrace public access for fishing and boating along Pennsylvania’s waterways, the benefits are almost too many to count and stretch beyond the next bend in the river,” said Tim Schaeffer, executive director of the Fish & Boat Commission.

“Thank you to the leadership at French Azilum, our partners at DCNR, and others in the community who had a vision and worked hard to make it reality. Recreational amenities like this new boat launch and its accessible features make the river more relevant locally, attract new visitors, and create a deeper connection to resource stewardship.”

DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz congratulated everyone who was part of taking this project from concept to completion.

“The Susquehanna River has long been a recreational attraction and economic backbone for Pennsylvania communities, and providing public access to the water is crucial to unlocking those benefits,” she said.

“This boat launch and other amenities here at French Azilum will more closely connect people to nature, local history and businesses that share an interest in outdoor recreation.”

MORE COVERAGE FROM PENNSYLVANIA OUTDOOR NEWS:

Sweeping changes to Pennsylvania elk hunts include revamped zones, rifle rut opportunity

Pennsylvania legislator wants hearing on deputy cuts

Golden-year milestone for Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands Trail

Funding for the French Azilum river access project was provided to French Azilum, Inc., through the Fish & Boat Commission’s Boating Facility Grant Program ($210,800), DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program ($216,200) and local fundraising ($5,400).

“It would have been virtually impossible to achieve the river access project without the support of the Fish & Boat Commission, DCNR, and other partners who stepped up to help in times of need,” said Brooks Eldredge-Martin, French Azilum, Inc., volunteer coordinator.

“When our funding was short, the Bradford County Commissioners helped us bridge the gap. Arey’s Building Supply provided six picnic tables for new campsites, and, of course, the volunteers of French Azilum never stopped working tirelessly toward this goal.”

The concrete boat ramp at French Azilum replaces a primitive earthen launch and expands quality public access along the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail.

This 180-mile section of river flows into Bradford County from New York and continues to Sunbury, Northumberland County, where it meets the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Water Trail to form the main stem of the Susquehanna River.