LOCAL COUPLE DONATES ISLAND IN SUSQUEHANNA RIVER FOR PUBLIC USE

ATHENS, BRADFORD COUNTY – December 22, 2006 – On December 22, 2006, Athens residents Dick and Amy Harrigan donated an island in the Susquehanna River, south of the New Athens River Bridge, to the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy (NPC). The property, to be called Harrigan Island, will eventually be transferred to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry.

The Harrigans have been enthusiastic canoeists for many years, canoeing as far north as Canada's Prince Edward Island and south to Florida. When their daughters were young, family vacations often centered on canoeing adventures. Later as a twosome, they continued to enjoy canoeing and the beautiful places they could see.

Long-time residents of Bradford County, the Harrigans live in a house along the river where Dick grew up. The island, which is easily visible from the Harrigans' yard, was offered for sale in 2005. So they purchased the island, seeing this as an opportunity to provide a camping spot for canoeists traveling down the Susquehanna. The Harrigans said, “We have a lot of fond memories of using the island and want to see it available for the public to use.”

Robert Veleker, Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. told NPC, “The Harrigans are to be applauded for their vision and great love of the river. At public meetings for the North Branch Rivers Conservation Plan several years ago, at which the Harrigans actively participated, the need was identified for more water access points and places to camp along the river.” The Harrigans have helped fulfill that need.

“The Harrigans' generosity is greatly appreciated. Their donation of Harrigan Island will benefit many canoeists for generations to come,” said Renee' Carey, Executive Director of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Protecting working forests, farms and waterways of significance in the twelve-county northcentral region of Pennsylvania has been the mission of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy since its creation in 1990.

The Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works with individuals, organizations, and communities to conserve land for the future of northcentral Pennsylvania. NPC has an office in downtown Williamsport, at 330 Government Place, and can be reached at 570-323-6222 or at www.npcweb.org.