LRP: Conemaugh River Lake and Conemaugh Valley Conservancy Improve Historic Trail

Pittsburgh District Engineer, Colonel Raymond Scrocco discusses the recreational and cultural significance of the Conemaugh Section to local communities. Alonzo Livermore (Bill Dzombak), a prominent historical figurehead and former Chief Engineer of the

Lake: Conemaugh River Lake, PA

Partners: USACE; Conemaugh Valley Conservancy (CVC)

Partnership Type: MOU

Corps POC: David A. Bishop

Story: In February 2000, the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers teamed up to incorporate the 3.3-mile Conemaugh Dam Trail as the Conemaugh River Lake Section of the West Penn Trail. The Corps and CVC merger developed a former railroad bed into an eventful wilderness trail, where the public is able to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, jogging, and walking. Aside from partaking in these recreational opportunities, the trail offers outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to observe diverse natural and cultural resources characteristic of the western Pennsylvania region’s past and present. The trail provides the public with a refreshing sense of community and regional pride through interaction with wildlife and observing the historical remnants of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Within the next year, the Corps of Engineers and CVC will continue working together to advance the trail through the Bow Ridge Recreation Area of Conemaugh River Lake westward, where it will merge with the Saltsburg Section and extend towards the Pittsburgh area. The "trail of transportation history" is a significant addition to the Pennsylvania Millennium Legacy Trail system.