| Elk State Park | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The East Branch Clarion River Lake at Elk State Park | |||||||
 Interactive map of Elk State Park | |||||||
| Location | Elk andMcKean counties,Pennsylvania, United States | ||||||
| Coordinates | 41°36′22″N78°33′36″W / 41.60621°N 78.55995°W /41.60621; -78.55995[1] | ||||||
| Area | 3,192 acres (1,292 ha)[1] | ||||||
| Elevation | 1,778 feet (542 m) | ||||||
| Established | 1963 | ||||||
| Administered by | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | ||||||
| Website | Official website | ||||||
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Elk State Park is a 3,192-acre (1,292 ha)Pennsylvania state park inJones Township,Elk County andSergeant Township,McKean County,Pennsylvania, in the United States.East Branch Clarion River Lake is a man-made lake covering 1,160 acres (470 ha) within the park. The lake and streams in the park are stocked with cold and warm water fish. There are 3,151 acres (1,275 ha) of woods open tohunting.
East Branch Clarion River Lake was constructed by theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers by damming the East Branch of theClarion River. Construction of the rolled earth, impervious coredam was authorized by theFlood Control Act of 1944. The lake is one of sixteenflood control projects administered by thePittsburgh District of the Army Corps of Engineers. East Branch Clarion River Lake helps to provide flood protection for theClarion River valley and the lower portions of theAllegheny River and the upper portions of theOhio River.[2]
The dam is 7.3 miles (11.7 km) upstream from theconfluence of the East and West branches of the Clarion River. It was constructed in 1952 for $9 million and serves a 72.4 square miles (188 km2) drainage area. It is estimated that East Branch Clarion River Lake has prevented $81 million in damage. The dam was especially important in curtailing damage during the 1972 floods caused byHurricane Agnes.[2]
East Branch Clarion River Lake also serves recreational purposes. Controlled releases of water during the dry summer months help to improve water quality and quantity for industrial anddomestic uses. These releases of the lake waters also improve navigation on the rivers and enhanceaquatic life.[2][1]
East Branch Clarion River Lake is a destination for bothfisherman and recreational boaters. The lake is home to cold water fishing forwalleye,smallmouth bass,muskellunge,brook,lake,rainbow andbrown trout. Thecreeks of the park arestocked by thePennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. There is a native brook trout population in some of the smaller streams of the park. There is no limit on the power of the boats. All boats are required to have current registration with any state. Ice fishing and ice boating are common winter activities on East Branch Clarion River Lake.[1]
There are 3,151 acres (1,275 ha) of woods open to hunting. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of thePennsylvania Game Commission. The common game species areblack bears,squirrels,white-tailed deer, andturkeys. The hunting ofgroundhogs is prohibited. Hunters also use the park to gain access to the nearby State Game Lands andElk State Forest.[1]
