Cavanaugh Access

The “Cavanaugh Access” to the Pine Creek Trail required quick action on the part of the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy. Less than 72 hours after the Bureau of Forestry called and asked NPC to try and buy the property at an auction, NPC was the successful bidder and working on setting up the closing to take title. Because it’s almost exactly halfway between the Stokesdale access near Pag-Omar Farm Market and the Ansonia Access near where Marsh Creek enters Pine Creek, this was an ideal spot for the Bureau of Forestry to create a connecting access area to the Pine Creek Trail.

The property’s ecological features include wetlands along Marsh Creek. The wetlands are extensive, fed by Canada Run, and close to wooded areas. This allows wildlife to use the wetlands and Creek by moving from the forest to the stream and wetlands and back.

Marsh Creek is a major tributary to Pine Creek. Marsh Creek meanders and bends through this property for nearly one mile. This Creek and its associated wetlands are a huge sponge that provide water year round that helps keep Pine Creek’s water cooler in the summer.

During NPC’s ownership partners were brought together to demolish a dilapidated house, level out the site, build a gravel parking area, and install a split-rail fence. A walking path was created along the edge of a wetland and to Marsh Creek. Now part of the Tioga State Forest the property is used year round to access the Trail and wetlands.