HARRISBURG, Pa. (Feb. 14) — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and state Representative Garth Everett (R-Muncy) announced today that the Muncy access area in Lycoming County will be partially reopened for public use once the weather breaks and barriers can be moved, but they reiterated that the boat launch ramp will remained closed.
Muncy provides boat access to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River east of Williamsport. It was closed in July 2016 due to unsafe water conditions created by sediment buildup.
The decision follows a public meeting hosted by Rep. Everett on Feb. 1 during which residents said that the access area was used for more than just launching canoes and kayaks.
“While we cannot reopen the boat launch because of safety issues, we decided we could reopen the property for other uses,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. “We will continue to evaluate all options for providing boating access to this reach of river since we understand the importance of access to providing fishing and boating opportunities – an essential part of our agency’s mission.”
The public will be permitted to park at the access area and use the facility for recreational purposes like walking or exercising dogs. But concrete barriers currently at the entrance gate will be moved in front of the launch ramp to prohibit its use. The barriers are expected to be moved within the next two weeks.
“While I appreciate the Commission coming to Muncy to meet with the public and its decision to allow access to the launch area for non-boating purposes, it is my intent to continue to work towards a solution that allows for the reopening of the current location until funding can be identified to relocate the launch,” said Rep. Everett.
The PFBC plans to build a new access area within this highly used stretch of river. Director Arway said the project will begin once funding is secured and a property is identified.
The Muncy boat launch has been regularly plagued by a sandbar just offshore due to sediment deposits from the outflow of Muncy Creek just upstream of this launch area. As the water level decreases, canoe and kayak users are forced to wade through the sediment – or deep mud - and over the sandbar to access the river. The sediment can become several feet deep, posing a threat to individuals who may find their feet stuck.
Just before it was closed in 2016, a woman attempting to wade to shore with her kayak became stuck in the sediment and had to be rescued by other paddlers. She was not hurt.
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PR-007-2018-02-14