DCNR Plans White-Water Release into Tohickon Creek in Bucks County - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- White-water boating enthusiasts will have a chance to test their paddling skills when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources releases water from Lake Nockamixon into the Tohickon Creek in Bucks County March 16-17.

Annually scheduled the third weekend in March, the release is planned as a recreational event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, March 16-17.

Nockamixon Lake water is released from the dam, beginning at 4 a.m. both days, and it takes several hours for the high water to proceed downstream to Ralph Stover State Park, according to park officials.

Suggested hours for viewing the release and boating activity are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ralph Stover State Park. The release at Nockamixon is best viewed from dawn until 2 p.m.

Water releases are eagerly awaited by white-water paddling enthusiasts and draw skilled kayakers, canoeists and occasional rafters from throughout the northeastern United States. Most launch their craft at Ralph Stover State Park, near Pipersville, Bucks County, and travel about four miles along the Tohickon Creek to its junction with the Delaware River at Point Pleasant.

DCNR officials remind boaters this is technical white water with Class 3 and 4 rapids requiring boating skills. Boaters should be aware of and heed the safety code of the American Whitewater Affiliation, and wear appropriate personal flotation devices.

Boaters should use only craft designed for this type of water. Because of cold water, boaters also must take appropriate precautions to prevent hypothermia.

For information, contact Nockamixon State Park at 215-529-7300, or Delaware Canal State Park at 610-982-5560. 

For more information about Pennsylvania's 120 state parks, call 1-888-PA-PARKS between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select "Find a Park").

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

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