DCNR Plans White-Water Release Into Bucks County's Tohickon Creek

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- White-water boating enthusiasts will have a chance to test their paddling skills in tricky rapids this weekend when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources releases water from Lake Nockamixon into the Tohickon Creek in Bucks County.

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 19-20.

Nockamixon Lake water is released from the dam both days, beginning at 4 a.m., and it takes several hours for the high water to proceed downstream to Ralph Stover State Park. Suggested hours for viewing the release and boating activity are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ralph Stover. The release at Nockamixon is best viewed from dawn until 2 p.m.

Water releases are eagerly awaited by white-water 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 some 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 117 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.

Media Contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-0101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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