New boat launch under construction in Muncy, to be named for late lawmaker instrumental to plan
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MUNCY -- Tears and applause.
That is what can be expected next month as folks gather at a new boat access to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River near here.
They will shed tears and clap because the launch will be named for the late Muncy resident, Garth Everett, who pushed for a redesigned launch access area when one closed in 2016 due to a sandbar forming in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
By mid-September the "Rep. Garth Everett Muncy Access Area" is targeted to open, provided weather is cooperative, according to Mike Parker, a spokesman with the state Fish and Boat Commission in Harrisburg.
The 3-acre parcel in Muncy Creek Township, will be named after Everett, who succumbed to cancer but before he passed away championed the issue, helping to secure at least $250,000 in capital funding toward its construction cost.
"I know Garth will be smiling down upon us when the ribbon is cut for the new Rep. Garth Everett, Muncy Access Area," said Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township.
Hamm's legislation named the access area after his colleague.
Hamm updated constituents that the state Fish and Boat Commission had successfully purchased the land to construct the new boat access in early 2021.
It closed in July 2016 due to sediment from nearby Muncy Creek creating an impractical and unsafe situation for launching boats.
During the pandemic years, the access area project stalled, but, according to Hamm, all of the environmental permitting for the project has been completed.
Archeological monitors were contracted to oversee construction for this construction season, he said.
The Fish and Boat Commission obtained consultants to complete environmental assessments, which were required by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineering.
In less than a month, boaters and anglers will have convenient access to the river in eastern Lycoming County, and that will be beneficial to outdoor recreation and a memorable moment in the county's outdoor recreational opportunities.
Besides the $250,000 of capital funds, the Fish and Boat Commission paid $71,500 for the land to be used for the development and wanted to see area residents be able to get back into the river at this prime fishing and boating location.
For boating enthusiasts, anglers and other recreational users of the river getting back into the river to catch many fish species, including powerful muskellunge and feisty walleye, or those wanting to canoe or kayak, the new site is considered to be a long awaited change for the better. Some simply want to drop in a boat or canoe for a paddle along the shoreline, where various animal and bird species can be readily seen.
Among those eager to see the reopened launch is Mike Gray, of Muncy, a self-described "avid aquatic waterfowl hunter and fisherman."
Growing up, spending days on the river, he would go to his relative's nearby bait and tackle shop and then launch a canoe from the old site off Aquatic Road to paddle in the river, and cast his rod and reel in to catch its many fish.
When he learned about the launch being closed, he considered it to be a blow to all who used it.
He said then he approached Everett, who served 14 years in the House, and who strongly advocated for rebuilding the boat access area after it closed.
Gray said he started up the Facebook site, launching it in September of 2017 as way to let users track efforts to rebuild the access area that had closed.
Today, the social media site, called Rebuilding the Muncy Boat Launch, has about 340-plus followers who keep up with the latest accurate information provided by the administrator through his steady telephone calls and texts to officials in the know.
Gray said beside frustration about the lag in getting the proper permit for construction some concerns have been expressed on the site by users that there might be a need for dredging out the access site due to its shallowness.
Nevertheless, Gray said he is pleased it is about to open for the public to access.
Gray recalled the amount of interest expressed in the Muncy area during a public meeting to give an update on the new site.
The meeting was held inside Trout Pond Park's skating rink just off Route 405 between Hughesville and Muncy areas in February of 2018. "The building was packed," he said.
Eventually, the commission successfully purchased the necessary parcel in early 2021.
It won't be hard to find and it is close to the other access. There will be new signs directing users to the launch downstream from the original.
The boat launch is expected to help with the local economy, especially for one outdoor businessman with a store catering to bicyclists and kayakers nearby.
"We're super excited," said Orlando Rodriguez, owner of Rich Port Adventure Co., a store on Angletown Road, which is a stone's throw from the access area.
Rich Port Adventure Co. rents kayaks and serves food from his family roots in Puerto Rico. The ethnically-inspired dishes are prepared by his wife, Jessica. They are popular, especially with locals, who can see what is for sale on the company Facebook site.
With the boat access area opening by mid-September the couple can continue to sell their popular cuisine and remain an outdoor recreation destination for boaters and kayakers.
With the reopening of the boat access area, Rodriguez said he is considering expanding his business to include motorized watercraft.
"Perhaps in a year or so," he said.
Instead of boaters having to launch upstream in Montoursville or downstream in Montgomery, they will be able to use the access area in Muncy Creek Township, he said.
Hamm also said getting boaters and others back into the river is why he sponsored House Bill 1031, now Act 6 of 2023, that names the access area.
He said it was a privilege to work on the legislation on behalf of the outdoors' enthusiasts and his former colleague.
"I am excited to see this project get completed so boaters, anglers and sportsmen can have convenient access to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Eastern Lycoming County," he said. "They have been waiting a long time since the old access was closed."
Hamm went further by observing how Everett made certain the permitting and construction of the ramp access area would happen.
"Representative Garth Everett was a champion for the Muncy Boat Access," Hamm said.
"Garth led the charge from the beginning on making this project a reality in Muncy," he added. "Garth held town hall meetings to get feedback from the avid sportsmen in the area and to make sure that a new access would be constructed."
"Garth worked on this project up to his retirement and continued even in retirement," Hamm said.
When he began to represent the people of the 84th District, Hamm often heard from Everett looking for any updates on the project.
Hamm said Everett was constantly in contact with the commission, and DEP to get and keep this project moving forward.
Hamm felt obliged to carry on and complete the goal.
"I urged both agencies to fast track approvals and allow our sportsmen in Eastern Lycoming, opportunity to get back onto the river," he said.
"Both agencies were outstanding in their work to get this project to construction," he added. "While I wish it would have been sooner, we know completion is only a month away."